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Empowering

Women:

Prioritizing

Mental Health for

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.

by Nancy Dauphinais, Chief Operating Officer
David Lawrence Centers for Behavioral Health
ositive mental health is crucial for overall Improving mental health for women
well-being. While mental health affects When the warning signs linger for two to three weeks and begin
P everyone, women face distinct challenges. impacting daily life, personal interactions and the ability to fulfill
Data from the National Institutes of Health obligations at home, school or work, it’s time to seek support. By
indicates that more than one in five women in embracing treatment and accessing available resources, women can
the United States experienced a mental health take meaningful steps toward recovery and improved overall wellness.
condition, such as depression or anxiety, in the Tips to improve mental health for women include:
past year. Women are also nearly twice as likely Prioritize Self-Care: Carve out time for activities you enjoy, like
to experience major depression, anxiety, panic reading or creative hobbies.
disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), or eating disorders Practice Mindfulness and Stress Management: Use meditation,
compared to men. yoga or deep breathing to reduce anxiety. Start with 5 minutes a day,
These conditions have a far-reaching impact on all aspects of a using a mindfulness app to facilitate the process.
woman’s life, including personal relationships, professional success, Build a Strong Support Network: Surround yourself with positive
and mental and physical health. people and lean on them when needed.
Multiple factors contribute to the increased risk of mental health Stay Physically Active: Exercise is a proven mood booster.
challenges for women, including biological, genetic and hormonal Aim for 30 minutes of exercise most days, preferably outdoors.
fluctuations throughout a woman’s lifespan. Life circumstances and Maintain a Healthy Diet: Focus on a balanced diet rich in whole
experiences, as well as societal pressures, also significantly impact foods, limiting processed foods and sugar.
women’s mental health. Manage Hormonal Health: Understand how hormones affect your
Recognizing the signs and symptoms mood and seek medical advice if needed.
Women often internalize mental health conditions, experiencing Prioritize Sleep: Quality sleep is critical for emotional resilience
feelings of guilt, self blame and hopelessness. They are also more and cognitive functioning. Aim for seven to nine hours of sleep per
likely to struggle with cognitive difficulties, such as trouble night and establish a calming bedtime routine to improve
concentrating, and physical symptoms, such as sleep and sleep quality.
appetite disturbances. Limit Social Media Use: Social media can negatively impact
Common warning signs to watch for include: self-esteem and increase anxiety. Set boundaries around your screen
• Unexplained physical symptoms such as headaches, time, follow accounts that promote authenticity and take occasional
stomachaches, muscle tension or chronic pain breaks from social media.
• Changes in sleep patterns Celebrate Small Wins: Acknowledge and celebrate your
• Weight fluctuations or alterations in appetite accomplishments.
• Fatigue or low energy levels Seek Professional Help When Needed: Therapy is a powerful tool
for improving mental health and can be beneficial at any stage of life.
• Difficulty concentrating
Prioritizing mental health is key to a balanced and fulfilling life.
• Memory problems
It allows women to address challenges, strengthen relationships and
• Heightened irritability, anger or anxiety
improve overall well-being.
• Persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness
At David Lawrence Centers for Behavioral Health, women can
• Social withdrawal
feel empowered to seek professional help without fear of judgment
• Increased reliance on substances as coping mechanism or stigma. DLC offers in-person and virtual therapy and counseling
• Thoughts of self-harm or suicide for individuals and families, along with crisis resources. With
Recognizing these symptoms early allows women to proactively personalized care, many women manage health conditions and
seek support and treatment, improving both their mental and achieve success.
physical well-being.
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
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