Women and Mental Health

A woman’s medical needs change throughout her life. Each phase brings new concerns or changes old ones.

Biological and environmental factors contribute to mental health and mental illness in both women and men. Depression may accompany many illnesses such as cancer, heart disease, stroke, HIV or autoimmune diseases. Women suffer twice as often as men with most forms of depression and anxiety disorders and are nine times more likely to experience eating disorders.

Mental illnesses affect women and men differently. Changes in a woman’s hormone levels from pregnancy and childbirth or menopause can cause depression, anxiety, irritability and tearfulness.

These symptoms and disorders can be treated successfully. Ongoing research, advances in medications and increased public awareness have resulted in successful treatment and improved quality of life for those with mental disorders. Counseling and psychotherapy can help individuals identify risk factors, protective factors and healthy coping skills to manage symptoms, stress and emotional isses.

Whatever your stage in life, contact St. John’s Psychiatric Program to help.