Women's Mental Health

Every year, doctors treat millions of people for mental health conditions. They are learning more about how people who identify as women experience these conditions. In some ways, women's mental health differs from men's. Women also may face different barriers to diagnosis and care.

Certain mental health conditions are more common in women than in men. These conditions include:¹

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Eating disorders

Women may experience mental health symptoms more often or differently than men. The reasons behind these differences are complex. Research shows possible genetic differences between the sexes in conditions such as depression. And people who identify as women face unique psychological, social, and cultural challenges that can add to mental health issues.¹

Meanwhile, some mental health conditions are connected to women's hormones. Depression before or after giving birth (perinatal depression) affects around 10 to 13 percent of all women. Women are also affected by premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), a severe form of PMS that can cause depression. They may also have depression around the time of menopause.¹

Barriers to mental health treatment

There is no denying that people living with mental health issues face negative attitudes and beliefs from society. As a result, they may be hesitant to get help for a mental illness.

Women carry an even heavier burden of stigma surrounding mental illness. Experts say women are less likely than men to reach out for help when they have symptoms of mental illness. This reluctance often stems from shame. Many women feel shame when they do not think they meet the expectations of others.¹

Black and Latina women delay treatment for mental health more often than white women. These groups could feel cultural pressure to be "strong." Or they may distrust health professionals because of racism in the healthcare system. For example, doctors diagnose Black people with schizophrenia more often than people in other racial groups with the same symptoms.^1,2

Women face other barriers to mental health treatment as well. They may not have access to:³

• Health insurance
• Time away from work
• Childcare
• Transportation

Mental health resources

If you are having a mental health crisis, call 911 or the National Suicide Prevention Line at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).

For less urgent mental health needs, schedule an appointment with a healthcare provider. They can help diagnose and treat any mental health disorders. You may first need a referral from your family doctor. Or you can ask your health insurance company for a list of providers in your area.¹

If you do not have insurance, find out if your mental health provider offers service on a sliding scale. This means their fee is based on your income. Federally funded health centers also provide mental health services to those who lack insurance or money. Medicaid is another option for U.S. citizens with low income who need mental health treatment. And Medicare provides coverage to those 65 years or older.⁴

Here are some other ways to get help right away if you are having a mental health crisis:

• Crisis Text Line – Text "HELLO" to 741741.
• Veterans Crisis Line – Call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) and press 1 or text to 838255 or chat on the web.
• The National Alliance for Mental Health (NAMH) – Call 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) or email helpline@nami.org.