HOW TO NAVIGATE THROUGH 5 DEADLY MENTAL HEALTH PROBLEMS IN WOMEN FOR A HEALTHIER FUTURE?

Mental health problems in women are the biggest challenges to the entire health care industries across the globe. Mental health problems in women may entails bipolar disorders, depression, anxiety and schizophrenia. Mental health problems in women also connected with the social stigma associated with diseases.

Generalized anxiety disorder is among common mental health problems in women. According to The Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA) 6.8 million people encounter GAD but only 43% people got treated. The females out of them are least treated.

Mental health problems in women are more common but seek least attention due to under reporting. According to a survey results, mental health problems in women like depression and anxiety are 1.9 times and 1.4 times respectively are higher than males.

Similarly, the occurrence of mental health problems in women is 70% more probable than men. Panic disorders and phobias are also common problems among women but ironically the treatment of women is considered least important in various countries of the world.

One of common mental health problems in women is PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) which may arise due to traumatic situation or experience. It is observed that men are less sensitive to certain traumatic conditions than women.

The occurrence of PTSD among women is 20.4% in comparison with men which is 8.1%. Similarly, mental health problems in women related to eating regimen is more prevalent among women which accounts for around 10 times greater than men.

According to a research, women seek treatment concerning mental health problems in women after about 4 years while men seek attention after 1 year from exposure of symptoms.

Common Mental Health Problems in Women & Symptoms

Mental health problems may affect both men and women but women face certain acute conditions which deteriorate their health more than men. Actually, the stigma attached with mental health problems in women is really disturbing and counterproductive.

In most parts of the world women face an atrocity that’s why they hesitate to disclose any mental problem even with their blood relations and husbands. Owing to which their mental health issues remain unaddressed which affect their overall health and wellbeing.

There are some details about common mental health problems in women along with symptoms which are as follows:

Depression

Depression is among most common mental health problems in women. The depression among women may happen due to multiple factors like pregnancy issues and other social and cultural factors. But, unfortunately, their mental illnesses remain unaddressed in most of situations.

Furthermore, depression may stem out due to perimenopause and premenstrual dysphoric disorders. Depression symptoms may include:

• Lethargy
• Emotional panics like crying very frequently
• Hopelessness
• Sad behaviors
• Emptiness
• Lack of focus
• Loss of appetite
• Loss of weight
• Sleep disorders
• Suicidal thoughts
• Nausea and frequent headache
• Mood swings

Anxiety

Anxiety is among more common mental health problems in women which accounts of around 23.4% in comparison with men which is about 14.3%. GAD (General Anxiety Disorder) may include phobias, panic disorders, social anxiety disorders, separation disorders and obsessive compulsive disorders.

The common symptoms of anxiety are as follows:

• Irritations
• Nervousness
• Weakness
• Sleeping problems
• Sweating and high pulse rates
• Digestive problems

The Eating Disorders

The eating disorders may affect men and women but the prevalence is more common in women which accounts for around 20 million in comparison to 10 million men. The reasons may include certain psychological, biological and cultural antecedents.

The major risk factors of disturbing eating habits may include:

• Dieting
• Type 1 diabetes
• Due to anxiety disorder
• Poor reflection about self poor physical image
• Intolerance to criticism about skinny appearances and bullying

Bipolar Disorders

Previously it was known as manic depressive illness. It is among common mental health problems in women. It is basically related to extreme mood swings which are different from certain behavioral and emotional mood swings which we experience in daily life.

Among people who experience more extreme conditions may be characterized as bipolar I which are more sensitive and vulnerable than bipolar II.

Although, bipolar disorders are equally prevails among both men and women but again they are more common among women. Women with bipolar II exhibit more depressive as well as manic episodes but the good news is that bipolar II is treatable without any hospitalization.

Borderline Personality Disorders

Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is really prevalent mental health problems in women. BPD is known for a varied behaviors and moods for considerable period of time. It is best known due to really inconsistent behavioral tantrums.

BPD is basically a very serious mental disorder which is characterized by really inconsistent and instable behaviors, moods, self image and relationships even on the daily basis. Although, it covers around 2% population but it is more prevalent among women.

Brain related trauma and family history are important indicators for borderline personality disorders. The common symptoms of borderline personality disorders are as follows:

• Quick relationship making and breaking
• Extreme mood swings
• Deprived and skewed self image
• Impulsive and dangerously risky behavioral orientation
• Unrealistic mental orientation

Body Dysmorphic Disorder

It is a mental disorder which occurs due to the certain bodily and physical appearances. It results in extreme levels of anxiety.  The people confronting from body Dysmorphic disorder perceives oneself as ugly. Such people always want plastic surgery to get rid of unwanted physical features.

Although, it is common in both men and women but it’s more prevalent among women due to certain gender based societal and professional pressures. Physical imperfections concerning hairs, skin or physical features may further develop such disorders.

Conclusions

Mental health problems in women are really unproductive and limiting issues. Women related mental health issues are increasing even in this information age due to certain factors like societal, cultural and demographic reasons.

Apart from these factors, women related mental health stigma is also aggravating the issue. Due to certain issues women have less opportunity to openly discuss and get treatment of certain mental disorders.

Women are more prone to depression, anxiety, PTSD, BPD and other mental health problems in women which reduce their potential. Finally, it is suggested to get women treated for any mental or any other health problem.

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