Empowering Women: Prioritizing Mental Health a Fulfilling Life.

by Nancy Dauphinais, Chief Operating Officer
David Lawrence Centers for Behavioral Health

Positive mental health is crucial for overall well-being. While mental health affects everyone, women face distinct challenges. Data from the National Institutes of Health indicates that more than one in five women in the United States experienced a mental health condition, such as depression or anxiety, in the past year.

Women are also nearly twice as likely to experience major depression, anxiety, panic disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), or eating disorders compared to men.

These conditions have a far-reaching impact on all aspects of a woman’s life, including personal relationships, professional success, and mental and physical health.

Multiple factors contribute to the increased risk of mental health challenges for women, including biological, genetic and hormonal fluctuations throughout a woman’s lifespan. Life circumstances and experiences, as well as societal pressures, also significantly impact women’s mental health.

Women face unique challenges when it comes to a Fulfilling Life. balancing mental health and well-being. At David Lawrence Centers for Behavioral Health, women can feel empowered to seek professional help without fear of judgment or stigma.

Recognizing the signs and symptoms

Women often internalize mental health conditions, experiencing feelings of guilt, self-blame and hopelessness. They are also more likely to struggle with cognitive difficulties, such as trouble concentrating, and physical symptoms, such as sleep and appetite disturbances. Common warning signs to watch for include:

• Unexplained physical symptoms such as headaches, stomachaches, muscle tension or chronic pain
• Changes in sleep patterns
• Weight fluctuations or alterations in appetite
• Fatigue or low energy levels
• Difficulty concentrating•
• Memory problems
• Heightened irritability, anger or anxiety
• Persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness
• Social withdrawal
• Increased reliance on substances as coping mechanism
• Thoughts of self-harm or suicide

Recognizing these symptoms early allows women to proactively seek support and treatment, improving both their mental and physical well-being.

Improving mental health for women

When the warning signs linger for two to three weeks and begin impacting daily life, personal interactions and the ability to fulfill obligations at home, school or work, it’s time to seek support. By embracing treatment and accessing available resources, women can take meaningful steps toward recovery and improved overall wellness.

Tips to improve mental health for women include:

• Prioritize Self-Care: Carve out time for activities you enjoy, like reading or creative hobbies.
• Practice Mindfulness and Stress Management: Use meditation, yoga or deep breathing to reduce anxiety. Start with 5 minutes a day, using a mindfulness app to facilitate the process.
• Build a Strong Support Network: Surround yourself with positive people and lean on them when needed.
• Stay Physically Active: Exercise is a proven mood booster. Aim for 30 minutes of exercise most days, preferably outdoors.
• Maintain a Healthy Diet: Focus on a balanced diet rich in wholefoods, limiting processed foods and sugar.
• Manage Hormonal Health: Understand how hormones affect your mood and seek medical advice if needed.
• Prioritize Sleep: Quality sleep is critical for emotional resilience and cognitive functioning. Aim for seven to nine hours of sleep per night and establish a calming bedtime routine to improve sleep quality.
• Limit Social Media Use: Social media can negatively impact self-esteem and increase anxiety. Set boundaries around your screentime, follow accounts that promote authenticity and take occasional breaks from social media.
• Celebrate Small Wins: Acknowledge and celebrate your accomplishments.
• Seek Professional Help When Needed: Therapy is a powerful tool for improving mental health and can be beneficial at any stage of life.

Prioritizing mental health is key to a balanced and fulfilling life. It allows women to address challenges, strengthen relationships and improve overall well-being.

At David Lawrence Centers for Behavioral Health, women can feel empowered to seek professional help without fear of judgment or stigma. DLC offers in-person and virtual therapy and counseling for individuals and families, along with crisis resources. With personalized care, many women manage health conditions and achieve success.

To learn more about the work DLC is doing to provide lifesaving and life-changing behavioral health care to those in need, visit DLCenters.org