Women’s mental health is a topic of interest to not just women themselves but those around them. When a woman suffers from poor mental health, it negatively impacts her life and can also contribute to difficulty performing well at work, participating fully in life, and having healthy relationships. Women’s Mental Health Week came into existence to help bring awareness to, and support women who face the challenges of poor mental health. Montare Behavioral Health understands how important it is for women to maintain good mental health. We provide quality treatment from experts in the field of mental illness at multiple locations. Women can find the exact outpatient and residential care they need to help empower them.
When is Women’s Mental Health Awareness Month?
While there is not an entire month dedicated to this subject, there is a Women’s Mental Health Week that begins each year on Mother’s Day. The next one takes place May 12 – 18, 2024. It is an annual celebration and opportunity to educate women about the importance of good mental health.
What is Women’s Mental Health Week All About?
The annual focus on awareness for Women’s Mental Health is about setting aside a set time every year to recognize how vital it is for females to enjoy good mental health. As well, it serves as an opportunity to educate women about their options when they need to seek treatment for mental health disorders. Women today face a lot of expectations to be all things to all people. Juggling things like careers, going to school, volunteer work, raising kids, and taking care of aging parents takes its toll.
All too often, what gives is a woman’s mental health. She begins to experience symptoms of mental illness such as anxiety, depression, and an inability to cope with life. Women’s Mental Health Week shines a spotlight on this issue and offers information about different types of mental health disorders. It also offers resources for support to help women figure out what type of treatment works best for their diagnosis and schedule.
What Mental Health Disorders Do Women Face Most?
While men and women can have the same types of mental health disorders, the numbers aren’t always equal. The most common women’s mental health disorders are depression, anxiety, and eating disorders. Some mental illnesses only happen to women, such as pre-natal depression, post-partum depression, and symptoms of depression that often happen related to a woman’s menstrual cycle and menopause. In fact, one in five women experiences some type of mental health disorder in any given year.
The types of mental health disorders women face include:
- Anxiety
- Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
- Bipolar disorder
- Borderline personality disorder
- Depression
- Dual diagnosis
- Eating disorders
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other trauma-based illnesses
- Schizophrenia
- Sleep Deprivation Psychosis
- Thought disorders
- Treatment-Resistant Depression
Some women may suspect something is wrong while others are not aware they are struggling with a diagnosable mental health disorder. Others know what is wrong but feel embarrassed to reach out for help or don’t know how many options are available to help them heal.
Women’s Mental Health Tips
Part of the key to maintaining good mental health is to get into some good habits that include both physical and mental actions. Improving women’s mental health can initially happen during an effective treatment program, but key efforts should also be made to maintain the progress that comes from getting professional help. Too often women get bogged down in busy lives or they put others before themselves. Good habits to get into that promote positive mental health include:
- Develop a regular exercise routine.
- Eat nutritional and tasty meals at regular intervals.
- Create a sleep routine and make sure to get enough hours in.
- Learn to say “no” when you don’t have the time or energy to do something. Say “no” even when you just want some time to yourself or don’t feel like accepting an invitation or request for your time.
- Talk to people you trust when you’re feeling down or when life has become challenging.
- Engage in relaxing activities, like yoga, meditation, and massage.
- Use creative outlets to channel your emotions in a healthy way, such as art or music therapy.
- Keep up with old hobbies or find a new one.
- Keep a gratitude journal or a regular journal.
- Keep up with friendships and look for opportunities to make new friends.
If you feel symptoms of poor mental health, do not ignore them. Asking for help is a sign of strength and will help you avoid needlessly suffering. If you are already in therapy, make sure to attend all your sessions and speak honestly with your therapist. If you take medications for mental illness symptoms, be sure to take them regularly.
Contact Montare Behavioral Health in Los Angeles, California
Are you a woman who wants to improve her mental health but doesn’t know where to turn for help? Everyone’s physical health is a vital part of living their best life, but women’s mental health has equal importance. When a woman loses part of her world to an illness like depression, PTSD, or anxiety, she experiences a limited ability to truly shine and enjoy a happy life. Montare Behavioral Health created several programs at multiple facilities that help women manage their symptoms in meaningful ways. We also provide options for prescription medications that help level the playing field while they work through their issues in therapy.
Would you like more information about all the options we provide for improving women’s mental health? Contact us now and learn how easy it is to start changing your world for the better.
