CONDITIONS

WHY IS WOMEN’S MENTAL HEALTH CARE SO ESSENTIAL?

In today’s technological age, more women seek advice from virtual assistants or their social contacts regarding mental health and other sensitive issues that some may consider embarrassing or inappropriate. What makes mental illness so challenging to diagnose is the stigma of the disease.

Nowadays, many women are reluctant to receive a diagnosis and treatment for their condition for fear of being judged by their partners, family and friends.

WHAT MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES ARE WOMEN PLAGUED BY?

Depression is a widespread mental illness among women. More than 10 per cent of women suffer from depression compared to over 5 per cent of men who develop the condition. Depression is cyclical, occurring over days, months and, in severe circumstances, years. Women experience sadness, worthlessness and persistent periods of hopelessness. Depression soon develops into an addiction; for instance, some women are inclined to turn to alcohol and drugs in order to cope with their symptoms.

Bipolar disorder, postpartum depression and major clinical depression are widespread ailments. Bipolar disorder is classified into type 1 or type 2 and is considered a major mental illness that requires medicinal treatment. Women who are living with bipolar disorder experience fluctuations in their moods, ranging from episodic highs and lows. During a period of mania, they may engage in risky behaviour, often abusing drugs or alcohol and engaging in other vices like risky sex and gambling. Not receiving treatment for bipolar disorder can put you at a major disadvantage of doing something you may regret for the rest of your life.

The biological history of schizophrenia overshadows the ailment in women, which is why there are so many discrepancies regarding the disease. There is a misconception of schizophrenia and definitely a stigma of it. Due to a misunderstanding of schizophrenia, many women hide the fact that they have the disease or, worse, remain undiagnosed for years. In the face of trauma when being diagnosed with a mental illness, women keep silent. Loss is a predominant theme upon accepting a diagnosis of schizophrenia; women may lose their jobs, families and children when in denial or after coming out about their mental health status.

Other conditions women are susceptible to include:

• Postpartum depression occurs within a year from the baby's birth. A mother succumbs to overwhelming sadness and anxiety that is detrimental to both her and her baby’s health. ​
• Eating disorders/body dysmorphic disorder is an unrealistic expectation and view of a woman’s body. A lady may go to great lengths to achieve her ideal body type, including starving her body of essential nutrients, regurgitating food or visiting a plastic surgeon for a full work-up. ​
• Substance abuse is one of the vices after giving into addiction when suffering from an underlying mental condition. A woman’s hormones reduce inhibition and encourage substance abuse. Women also become easily addicted to drugs than men because of their dependency on “feel good” substances.

HOW DO YOU TREAT MENTAL DISORDERS IN WOMEN?

The stigma of mental illness after finding treatment is even greater among women. Conditions that women face day-to-day include anxiety, stress and family separation. Anxiety disorder is diagnosed after a woman experiences anxiety or nervousness for six months or more.

A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who carries out psychotherapy counselling and can prescribe medication after establishing a mental health diagnosis.

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