Ten (10) Major Mental Health Challenges Women Face And (10) Ways To Overcome Them
Happy International Women’s day to all women out there. Arogi Trauma Care Foundation celebrates with all women in the world as they navigate through life’s struggles and stand tall over life’s challenges.
The average woman battles a particular mental health challenge whether from the home to the work place, family and even relationships. Battling these challenges without getting profound solution is just as pouring water into a basket, because the challenges will remain present and persistent.
Mental health challenges affect women in all works of life, it doesn’t respect your social status, marital status, relative status, family status, career status and even relationship status’ it only respects how you deal with them.
Women face unique mental health challenges due to biological, social, and cultural factors. Here are some major mental health issues they commonly experience and strategies to overcome them:
1. Depression
Women are nearly twice as likely as men to experience depression due to hormonal fluctuations, societal pressures, and life transitions like pregnancy or menopause. When women begin to withdraw from being around people, express anxiety, persistent sadness, having feelings of hopelessness, worthlessness, helplessness and difficulty in concentrating, these are some of the symptoms of depression.
2. Anxiety Disorders
Women are more prone to generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), panic attacks, and social anxiety due to higher stress levels from juggling multiple roles.
3. Postpartum Depression (PPD)
This affects new mothers due to hormonal shifts, sleep deprivation, and life changes after childbirth. Studies have shown that 10-15% of women experience PPD.
4. Gender Inequality
Gender inequality refers to the unequal treatment or perception of individuals based on their gender. Women are the major victims and are vulnerable in this area. In some regions, girls are less likely to receive formal education than boys. Women may face barriers to career advancement or be underrepresented in leadership roles.
5. PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder)
Women are more likely to experience PTSD due to sexual violence, domestic abuse, or traumatic events.
6. Work-Life Balance Stress
Many women experience burnout from balancing career, family, and personal responsibilities.
7. Menopausal Mood Disorders
Hormonal changes during menopause can lead to mood swings, anxiety, and depression.
8. Low Self-Esteem & Social Pressure
Women often face societal expectations regarding appearance, relationships, and success, leading to low self-worth.
9. Domestic Violence & Abuse Trauma
Women who experience domestic abuse often struggle with anxiety, depression, and PTSD. Globally an estimated 30% of women aged 15 and older have experiencd physical and/or sexual violence by an intimate partner. Furthermore, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 641million women have been affected by domestic violence at least once since the age of 15
10. Loneliness & Social Isolation
Women, especially older women, can face loneliness due to loss of loved ones, divorce, or empty nest syndrome.
The 10 Ways Out
1. Seek professional help (therapy, medication if necessary).
2. Build a strong support system (friends, family, or support groups).
3. Practice self-care (exercise, healthy diet, sleep, mindfulness).
4. For the challenge of Postpartum depression, joining a mom support group will be a great navigation.
5. Promote policies that support women’s political participation and leadership.
6. Women should build financial independence.
7. Practice positive affirmations and self-love.
8. Staying connected with family and friends.
9. Joining clubs, social groups, or volunteer activities.
10. Women facing Menopausal Mood Disorders can undergo Hormone therapy or natural supplements (under doctor’s guidance).
Women’s mental health challenges are serious but manageable with the right support, self-care, and professional guidance. Seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness!
Frederick Abiola-Cudjoe
Frederick Abiola Cudjoe is a blogger, content creator who is in service to Arogi Trauma Care Foundation. He is solution driven and result oriented. He has a strong passion to always make clients have the best customer service experience.
