Today we want to share the most common mental health disorders in women. Around 29 million women suffer from mental health disorders. These are only the known instances, so the number is likely much higher. While some mental health conditions occur equally in men and women, some affect women more. Learning about these common conditions is critical for helping women take action.
Five Common Mental Health Disorders in Women
Women can suffer from some mental health issues disproportionately to men. The treatment for women is varied, depending on the mental health condition and its severity. The following are some common mental health conditions in women.
Depression
Depression is one of the most common mental health concerns in men and women. Unfortunately, women are twice as likely to develop depression as men. According to medical experts, 12% of women develop depression, while only 6% of men.
Anxiety and Phobias
Men and women are affected equally by some mental health conditions, such as OCD. Like depression, women are twice as likely to develop phobias or anxiety disorders than men. Some of these conditions can become crippling and prevent a woman from living a normal life.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
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Women are also twice as likely to develop mental health conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Post-traumatic stress disorder often arises after a traumatic or life-changing event.
Suicide Attempts
Although men are more likely to die by suicide, women attempt it two or three times the rate of men. Women between the ages of 45 to 64 have the highest suicide rate. Suicide is now one of the leading causes of death in the United States.
Eating Disorders
Around 85% of all anorexia cases involve women. Women are much more likely to develop eating disorders than men. Women suffering from eating disorders often experience other mental health concerns that lead to their disorders.
Mental Health Disorders Present Differently in Women
Many women do not seek medical treatment for their mental health concerns. Those who do seek medical attention are often overlooked. Women tend to have different depression symptoms than men. Men will talk about problems in their jobs, while women mention physical ailments like tiredness, appetite, and sleep disturbances.
One of the primary reasons mental health disorders impact women differently is because of their fluctuating hormones. For instance, estrogen protects the brain against the severe symptoms of schizophrenia. Many post-menopausal women experience a more severe onset of symptoms, which is why maintaining a healthy hormonal balance is important regardless of the life stage you’re in.
Women still face challenges men do not, despite changes in gender equality. Women often take on the brunt of the household, including remaining the primary caregiver for children. These stressors can further impact a woman’s mental health and cause her to feel overwhelmed. When women feel their symptoms are not taken seriously, they may give up on finding treatment.
Women Should Seek Professional Mental Health Services
Mental health physicians who do not realize the profound differences between male and female conditions may try to lump the two together and treat them the same. Doing so is a significant mistake. Women often require specialized care and clinics to help them overcome the mental health constraints holding them back in life. For a great example of an excellent clinic, see here.
Seeking the right medical professional can be life-changing for women. They can go through counseling and other mental health treatments to address their symptoms. There is no reason women should ever suffer alone in silence when there is mental health help available that caters to the special needs of women.
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