Women and Mental Health: Signs and Treatment
Article
World Health Organization statistics indicate that women are approximately two times more likely to experience mental health problems compared to men. However, all mental health problems such as anxiety, depression, eating disorders, and personality disorders affect men and women differently. According to experts, there are some particular types of mental health disorders that are more common among women.
For instance, some women may experience symptoms of mental illness such as perimenopause-related depression, postpartum psychosis, and body dysphoric disorder at times of hormone change.
However, researchers are still working to clearly differentiate the percentage of men and women who experience some other mental health problems such as schizophrenia, eating disorders, and bipolar disorders.
The sex of an individual largely affects the course of the illness. Females experience these mental problems differently as certain symptoms in them are more common than in males.
Researchers are only now beginning to differentiate the various biological and psychosocial factors that may affect the mental health of both men and women and impair their lives.
Warning Signs:
Both men and women are vulnerable to developing the same type of psychological problems but they show different signs and symptoms. Here are some warning signs associated with some mental health disorders in women:
- Persistent sadness, emptiness, and endless feeling of hopelessness
- Alcohol or substance abuse
- Dramatic changes in eating, sleeping, and personal care habits
- Appetite changes that lead to significant weight changes
- Low energy or tiredness
- Extreme agitation, anxiety, guilt, fear, or worry
- Unshakable beliefs in something unnatural
- Extreme changes in mood
- Physical problems such as aches, headaches, or digestive problems without a known cause
- Social withdrawal
- Irresistible suicidal thoughts
- Reduced sexual performance
- Decreased productivity at work or home
Finding Help:
Fortunately, mental health disorders are treatable. First, consult a specialist and get your problem diagnosed. After this, your doctor will advise you to go for medications and psychotherapies (counseling). Besides medications, online counseling is becoming trendy due to its countless benefits.
Various mental health clinics offer online counseling to treat mental health problems. Psychotherapists talk to their patients, understand their problems, and help them figure out the ways to deal with the situation. Not only this but with virtual counseling they track your all-day activities and help you become mentally fit.
The bottom line:
Mental health disorders are more common among women compared to men. Although both men and women can develop the same type of mental health problem, their symptoms can vary. Thankfully, mental health illness in women is treatable. With online counseling sessions, you can easily get back to your old life.
All information in this article is written based on the publication of The National Institute of Mental Health, a U.S based federal agency that researches mental disorders. The experts of NIMH provide information on mental health problems and the latest mental health research.
