In terms of mental health, women have more risky experiences in their lives than men. Changes at puberty, pregnancy, sexual harassment, and domestic violence are all factors that put them at greater risk of mental health problems. In low-income and unstable countries, these factors are multiplied.
Several risk situations can be identified :
Women sometimes stay in relationships that cause them a great deal of pain and distress, putting a strain on their mental health. Women who identify as lesbian, bisexual, and other sexualities experience higher rates of anxiety and depression than heterosexual women. These women are more likely to commit suicide and self-harm if they experience discrimination, exclusion, bullying, and abuse. The risk of mental health problems may also increase if they do not have family or community support.
Giving birth, when one consent, is undoubtedly a positive experience, and many women around the world are happy to experience it. However, there are times when it does not go as planned. Infertility and miscarriage are experiences that affect many people. For some, the desire to be a parent is not fulfilled. Approximately one in six couples experience infertility, nearly one in four identified pregnancies end in miscarriage, and one in 100 births result in stillbirth or death of the newborn. These losses can have a devastating impact on women emotional and mental well-being who have a strong desire to be mothers. The grief associated with these losses is most often private and unrecognized. Without recognition and support, a woman can feel lost and alone, which can further impact her mental health.
It is not uncommon for women to experience depression and anxiety during pregnancy and after the birth of a baby. Anxiety disorders are thought to be equally shared, and many women suffer from both conditions simultaneously. However, adjusting to this significant life change and managing the daily challenges of early motherhood may make some women more prone to depression or anxiety, especially if they have suffered from depression or anxiety in the past.
Menopause can increase the risk of developing mental health problems. In the years leading up to menopause (perimenopause), hormonal changes can cause mood swings and irritability and contribute to depression and anxiety. In addition, changes in hormone levels can also lead to a range of physical problems such as hot flushes, night sweats, sleep disruption, and weight gain, all of which can affect mental health.
The end of a relationship is never easy. The break-up period can often be accompanied by: loneliness, severed social ties, declines in job performance, disastrous financial situations... As a result, separated, divorced, or widowed women are more likely to experience mental health problems such as depression and anxiety.
According to the WHO, one in three people will experience a mental health disorder in their lifetime. These figures testify to one fact: today, mental health is everyone's business.
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