Women's Mental Health

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If you are in crisis, call the National Suicide
Prevention Hotline at
1-800-273-TALK (8255)

As we move through different stages in our lives, we enjoy and cherish happy times as well as face challenges. In fact, many of the things that bring us great joy and fulfillment, such as close relationships, a promotion, having a baby, or buying a home, also can cause stress on our mental health. At some point we also have to cope with traumatic life events such as dealing with a loved one's serious illness or death, a loss of a job, domestic violence or sexual assault. Changes in our physical health also affect our mental health. For instance, changing hormone levels due to a woman’s monthly period can affect mood, causing irritability and tearfulness. Also, women’s mental health is at greater risk for problems such as depression during puberty, after having a baby, and in the years just before menopause. Depression also comes along with many illnesses such as cancer, heart disease, stroke, HIV, or autoimmune diseases.

Other Special Sections on Mental Health:

We all feel worried, anxious or sad from time to time. But, a true mental health disorder makes it hard for a woman to function normally. Women suffer twice as often as men by most forms of depression and anxiety disorders, and nine times as often by eating disorders. And some mental disorders show up differently in women and men, such as schizophrenia. While there are different mental health disorders, they all are real illnesses that can't be willed or wished away. Most mental disorders do not have a precise cause, but result from the interplay of many forces, including life events, brain chemicals, genes, hormones, and illness. You aren't at fault if you have one, and you should not suffer in silence. Be patient with yourself and reach out to others for help. These illnesses can be treated successfully so that you can get back to enjoying life — not only for yourself, but for your family too.

Here you will find information about mental health issues that affect women and links to the best organizations and publications on mental health.

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Content last updated April 30, 2008.

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If you are in crisis, call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255)

Other Special Sections on Mental Health:

If you are in crisis, call the National Suicide
Prevention Hotline at
1-800-273-TALK (8255)