SEATTLE — More than 1 in 5 women in the U.S. experienced a mental health condition within the past year.
“Sometimes women’s mental health is regarded as being weak-willed, is regarded as exaggerated, and you can miss treatable biological conditions in that respect,” said Dr. Stephanie Harper, psychiatrist.
Women are more likely than men to be diagnosed with clinical depression, generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder and eating disorders. Women also experience sexual assault and domestic violence more often and are more likely to be diagnosed with clinical post traumatic stress disorder as a result.
Abrupt hormonal changes also cause significant changes in one’s mental health, especially if there’s a predisposition. This includes puberty, menstruation, pregnancy and menopause.
Depression, for instance, can present as a lack of joy, struggling to feel a full spectrum of emotions and struggling to care about things like you once did.
“Depression can really distort the way we think about life and even the way we think about ourselves,” Dr. Harper said.
Generalized anxiety disorder can present as constantly thinking about “what ifs” and worst-case scenarios. For those experiencing symptoms of mental illness, talking with a physician, seeking treatment and practicing self-care are important.
“I actually think self-care starts with setting boundaries,” Dr. Harper said. “Until you start setting boundaries with what people are asking of you, setting boundaries with work-life balance, you’re not going to have room to recharge.”
Healthcare providers and those passionate about mental health awareness are working to break the stigma and get people talking.
“Stigma reduction really starts with talking about one’s own experience,” Dr. Harper said.
If you hear about the importance of mental health from a loved or family member, you may be more likely to share your experience or consider seeking treatment yourself.
To learn more about women’s mental health, visit the Virginia Mason Franciscan Health website.
Sponsored by Virginia Mason Franciscan Health.
Segment Producer Rebecca Perry. Watch New Day Northwest 11 a.m. weekdays on KING 5 and streaming live on KING5.com. Contact New Day.