Girls
and women are more likely than boys and men to experience mental health
challenges, particularly conditions like depression, anxiety, and eating
disorders. These disparities are influenced by a combination of biological,
psychological, and social factors — including hormonal changes, societal
expectations, and exposure to trauma.
Key
Mental Health Concerns for Girls and Women
Depression
and Anxiety
Women are nearly twice as likely as men to experience depression and anxiety
disorders. These conditions often begin in adolescence and can persist
throughout life if not addressed.
Eating
Disorders
Conditions such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder
affect women disproportionately. Social pressures related to body image and
beauty ideals can contribute to their development.
Self-Harm
and Suicidal Ideation
Rates of self-injury and suicidal thoughts are higher among girls and young
women, especially during teenage years and early adulthood.
Post-Traumatic
Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Women are more likely than men to develop PTSD, often as a result of trauma
such as domestic violence, sexual assault, or childhood abuse.
Reproductive
Health-Related Mental Health Issues
Some mental health conditions are directly related to reproductive health,
including:
·
Premenstrual
Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)
·
Perinatal
Depression (during and after pregnancy)
·
Postpartum
Psychosis
·
Menopausal
Mood Changes
Factors
Contributing to Mental Health Disparities
Biological
Differences
Hormonal changes throughout the menstrual cycle, during pregnancy, and around
menopause can impact emotional well-being and increase the risk of mood
disorders.
Societal
Expectations
Women are often expected to meet high standards related to appearance,
caregiving, and emotional labor. Balancing work, family, and social roles can
lead to chronic stress and burnout.
Gender-Based
Violence and Trauma
Women are more likely to experience sexual violence, domestic abuse, and
harassment — all of which are strongly linked to mental health conditions like
PTSD, depression, and anxiety.
Social
and Economic Pressures
Women are more likely to experience poverty, unequal access to healthcare, and
the burden of unpaid caregiving. These stressors can worsen mental health and
limit access to support.
Early
Puberty
Girls who go through puberty at an earlier age are at increased risk for mental
health challenges, particularly depression and anxiety, due to biological
changes and social stressors.
Impact
of Mental Health Challenges
Daily
Functioning
Mental health conditions can interfere with a woman’s ability to work, study,
maintain relationships, and manage daily responsibilities.
Physical
Health Risks
Poor mental health can increase the risk of developing physical health
conditions such as heart disease, obesity, and autoimmune disorders.
Social
Isolation and Stigma
Mental health issues are still stigmatized in many communities, making it
harder for women to seek help. This can lead to increased isolation and
worsening symptoms.
Addressing
the Mental Health Needs of Girls and Women
Early
Intervention and Prevention
Providing education, emotional support, and access to mental health resources
early in life can help prevent conditions from developing or worsening.
Breaking
the Stigma
Campaigns and open conversations about mental health can empower women to seek
help and reduce feelings of shame or embarrassment.
Access
to Quality, Inclusive Care
Women need mental health services that are affordable, accessible, and
culturally appropriate. Care should consider their unique experiences,
including trauma, reproductive health, and social roles.
Tackling
Social Inequalities
To improve mental health outcomes, it's vital to address the root causes —
including poverty, discrimination, violence, and gender inequality.
🟣 Easy Read Version – Mental Health in
Girls and Women
This
version uses clear language, short sentences, and bullet points. Symbols or
illustrations can be added later if needed.
💭 What Is Mental Health?
·
Mental
health is about how we feel, think, and cope with life.
·
Sometimes
people feel very sad, worried, or stressed.
·
Girls
and women can have more mental health problems than boys and men.
❗ Common Mental Health Problems for Girls
and Women
·
Feeling
very sad (Depression)
·
Feeling
worried or scared (Anxiety)
·
Eating
problems (like eating too much or too little)
·
Hurting
themselves or having thoughts about dying
·
Feeling
scared after something bad happened (PTSD)
·
Mental
health problems linked to periods, pregnancy, or menopause
🧠 Why Girls and Women Can Struggle More
·
Hormones
change during periods, pregnancy, and menopause, which can affect mood.
·
Pressure
to look good or act a certain way can cause stress.
·
Violence
and abuse – many women have had bad experiences that hurt their mental health.
·
Money
problems and being the main carer in the family can also be hard.
·
Girls
who start puberty early may feel worse about themselves.
🚨 How Mental Health Problems Can Affect
Life
·
It's
harder to work, go to school, or look after others.
·
Mental
health problems can make your body feel unwell too.
·
Some
women feel alone or embarrassed to ask for help.
💡 How We Can Help
✅ Help early – talk to someone before
things get worse.
✅ Don't be ashamed – it’s okay to ask for
help.
✅ Support women’s needs – with kind and
fair mental health care.
✅ Stop unfair treatment – like violence
or poverty, which makes mental health worse.
Would
you like this version with symbol support (like Widget or Makaton) or in a printable
handout format?
📽️ PowerPoint/Presentation Summary Outline
Here’s
how your content could be broken into slides:
Slide
1: Title Slide
"Mental
Health in Girls and Women"
·
With a photo or illustration of diverse women and girls
Slide
2: Why Focus on Women’s Mental Health?
·
Higher
rates of depression, anxiety, and eating disorders
·
Affected
by both biological and social factors
Slide
3: Common Conditions
·
Depression
·
Anxiety
·
Eating
Disorders
·
Self-Harm
& Suicidal Thoughts
·
PTSD
·
Reproductive-Related
(PMDD, Perinatal Depression)
Slide
4: What Causes These Challenges?
·
Hormonal
changes
·
Pressure
to look or act a certain way
·
Gender-based
violence
·
Poverty
and caregiving
·
Early
puberty in girls
Slide
5: Effects on Life
·
Trouble
working, learning, or coping
·
Physical
health risks
·
Feeling
alone or ashamed
Slide
6: What Can Help?
·
Early
support
·
Open
conversations
·
Access
to fair, inclusive care
·
Tackling
abuse, poverty, and inequality
Slide
7: Final Message
“Mental
health matters. Let’s listen, support, and stand together.”
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