Prioritizing mental health, supportive policies and open discussion can helpwomen thrive personally and professionally
OdishaPlus Bureau
Mental health plays a vital role in overall well-being. Neglecting mental health can have lasting repercussions, affecting personal life, family, and society as a whole. The intersection of stressful life in current scenarios and mental health is riddled with a lot of challenges for all of us. This becomes even more complex when gender-based roles and inequalities are thrown into the mix, especially for women.
Stress, anxiety and burnout affect everyone, but for women, the emotional burden is amplified by the constant pressure to juggle multiple roles—as professionals, caregivers and partners.
Mental health differences between genders are influenced by both biological and social factors. While biological refers to the physical differences between males and females, social pertains to the roles and behaviors society assigns to them. Mental health issues arise from a combination of genetics and individual experiences shaped by gender. These experiences differ significantly between genders, impacting how mental health problems develop.
Mental Health Landscape for Women
Women frequently find themselves caught between various demands—from society, family, and even their inner self. The expectation to be resilient, selfless and endlessly capable leaves little space to acknowledge their struggles or prioritize mental health.
Be it a working mothers, business women or young professionals, daily struggles of women take a hidden toll on their mental health.
While strides have been made in gender equality, balancing career, work-life integration and personal goals remains a struggle. The expectation of being ‘enough’ — a successful professional, a nurturing mother, a supportive partner — leads to a constant internal conflict.
In a video series by multi lingual health awareness cum advocacy platform Swasthya Plus Network, senior doctors and experts have shared the causes, symptoms and treatment of mental health issues.
Creating Supportive Workplaces
Given the mental load many women carry, workplaces play a vital role in shaping their mental well-being. Job-related stress is a growing concern globally and when organizations fail to prioritize mental health, it not only impacts the workplace but spills over into personal lives, family and long-term career growth.
Stress doesn’t just affect individuals; it has a direct impact on businesses, leading to lower productivity and higher absenteeism. But when workplaces prioritize mental health, employees feel supported, work more efficiently and report higher levels of job satisfaction.
For women juggling both personal and professional responsibilities, supportive workplace policies can make a significant difference. Access to counseling, mentorship programs, and flexible work arrangements can lighten the load. When organizations actively promote mental health, they create environments where women can excel without compromising their personal lives.
Influence of Social Media on Mental Health
Digital age has brought new challenges for mental health, particularly with social media. While social platforms allow us to stay connected and share our lives, they can also fuel self-doubt. Seeing others highlight only the best parts of their lives can make someone feel inadequate or like they’re falling behind.
However, social media can also serve as a powerful tool for connection, empowerment, and community. It offers a space for women to share their stories, celebrate successes and find support from others who truly understand their experiences. When used thoughtfully, social media can enhance confidence, foster authentic relationships, and promote a sense of belonging.
By curating positive content and engaging in meaningful discussions, women can transform social media into a source of strength, a platform to uplift each other, share inspiration and focus on personal growth.
Empowering Women to Prioritize Mental Health
Mental health challenges can feel overwhelming, especially for women balancing many responsibilities. But, prioritizing well-being doesn’t have to be an off-putting task. Changing the narrative around mental health means building a culture where seeking help is seen as the strength, not a weakness.
Mental health should be valued just as highly as physical health, with open conversations and accessible resources making it easier for everyone to seek support. By normalizing mental health discussions and ensuring that resources are easily available, we can create an environment where women can thrive in all aspects of life.
Several studies emphasize significant gender differences in the prevalence of various mental health conditions. For instance, women are more prone to depression and anxiety, while men are at a higher risk for substance abuse disorders.
Recognizing these gender-specific patterns is crucial for improving the accuracy of mental health diagnoses and enabling more effective, personalized treatment options. Understanding the underlying causes of these differences can lead to better mental health care for all.
Addressing the unique mental health challenges women face is key to achieving genuine gender equality. The pursuit of gender equality must encompass mental health as a fundamental human right, ensuring that every woman has access to the resources and support she needs to thrive.