Women’s mental health issues

What issues affect women specifically?

Rates of severe mental illness do not vary significantly between men and women. However, a range of physical, socio-economic and psychological factors operate which increase women's vulnerability to various psychological difficulties and illnesses.

Women's rates of anxiety and depression are nearly twice the rates of men, while rates of self-harm are two to three times higher. At least one new mother for every ten will experience post-natal depression and ninety per cent of people who have an eating disorder in the UK are women.

Perfectionism

Striving for perfection is a double-edged sword which can fuel achievement, but all too often results in unrealistic expectations in all aspects of life including relationships and work. Perfectionists never feel good enough, are self-critical and tend not to allow themselves to experience feelings of success resulting in low self-esteem, poor body-image and deep feelings of unhappiness.

Independent research commissioned by the Priory Group found that more than half of British women are 'people-pleasers' and would rather keep others happy than address their own feelings and needs.

These factors impact adversely on women's mental health contributing to the development of major psychological problems including self-harm and suicidality, depression, eating-disorders, personality difficulties and psychosomatic disorders.

Women's role in society and the family

Social factors, such as poverty, discrimination, victimisation and abuse significantly increase the risk of mental illness.

Women traditionally act as primary carers of children and the elderly and they are more likely to end up bearing the brunt of the burden of care in the event of a family breakdown. They also tend to take on household tasks and management. These heavy responsibilities, which carry little personal and social recognition and rewards, especially when combined with other pressures at work, for instance, can create an overload and result in an inability to cope.

Women and child-bearing

Difficulties in conceiving a child or carrying a pregnancy full term can create feelings of inadequacy and decreased self-worth as well as emotional conflict and distress. Furthermore, women who do have children, or who have a desire for children, may feel they cannot discuss mental health issues with professionals for fear of being stigmatised or of social services' involvement and custody concerns.

Younger women

In general terms, young women are more susceptible to mental health problems than men. The most common issues affecting women aged under 25, are depression, self-harm and eating disorders, which are often brought on by suppressing and internalising negative feelings. Whereas young men are more likely to express their distress through anti-social behaviour or outward violence, women will react by harming themselves or by turning against themselves psychologically.

Women are more often victims of acts of sexual violence which may result in severe problems, such as anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, eating disorders, borderline personality disorders and self-harm.

Older women

Higher rates of mental ill health in older women have been attributed to the greater social and personal pressures they face, such as isolation and poverty. Older women are less likely to have a state pension or to drive a car. Dealing with the loss of their partner, as women tend to live longer than men, as well as that of friends and loved ones, combined with physical illness and disability can adversely affect mental wellbeing.

How Priory can help

Priory has been helping to treat women with mental illnesses for over 25 years. We have some consultants who specialise in women's psychological health and many of our therapy staff have expertise in this area. We know that everyone's situation is different, which is why we ensure that everyone has a unique treatment plan tailored to their needs.

The type and length of treatment is dependent on individual circumstances and the severity of the problem. Some patients are treated as outpatients, which means they come to Priory for hourly sessions with their consultant, psychologist or therapist. Often, couple or family therapy is necessary to effectively address the situation.

In other cases, a more intensive treatment approach is required. This may involve attending for a treatment programme as a day-patient and having group-therapy. Sometimes, usually when there are more severe problems, inpatient treatment at one of the Priory hospitals is needed which involves intensive support and therapy as well as regular contact with their consultant psychiatrist.

For more information or to request an initial assessment, please call 0845 2 PRIORY (0845 2 774 679) or email info@priorygroup.com

To view a list of the Priory hospitals that can help with women's mental health issues please click here.

For more support

If you feel you are a woman who may be affected by mental health problems and would like help or more information, you can ask your GP or contact any of the following organisations:

Mind
www.mind.org.uk
0845 766 0163

The Samaritans
www.samaritans.co.uk
08457 909090

Priory
www.priorygroup.com
0845 2 774 679

If you are interested in receiving treatment from us, your GP will be able to refer you.