International Women’s Day

 

How can we support one another?

(Written for http://www.wellbeing.place/home/2021/3/2/international-womens-day)

March 8th is International Women’s Day and is a perfect opportunity to celebrate women and their achievements across the globe and to focus on women’s health. While nearly one in five people in the United States experience mental health disorders in a given year, did you know that certain factors can lead to women being more vulnerable than men when it comes to mental health issues?

Some of those reasons can include social factors and biological factors: 

Social Factors: While there have been impressive strides in gender equality, women today can still find themselves being discriminated against and passed over for career positions, social status and more. Women also make up more than 75% of all caregivers for elderly loved ones and are still seen as the primary caregivers for children as well. These responsibilities can contribute to excess depression or stress.

Biological Factors: Women can be more than twice as likely to suffer from depression compared to men. Females also appear to produce less serotonin, a neurotransmitter that helps you feel good and happy, as compared to males. While the main reason for this is still unclear, many believe biological factors play a large role – specifically the hormonal changes that women go through during their lives. One of the largest factors can be seen in the form of postpartum depression, which affects many as 1 in 10 new mothers.

To Better Love Yourself, Try Out These Mental Health Tips:

• Take Time To Take Care Of Yourself: Good mental health practices can begin with putting yourself first. Be sure to get regular exercise, sleep the recommended 7-9 hours a night and eat healthy while avoiding too much caffeine and alcohol (especially before bed!).

• Don’t Be Afraid To Ask Others For Support: The best way to get help, no matter the issue, is to ask for help. Reach out to your family, friends, coworkers or a professional if you feel overwhelmed emotionally or mentally.

• Get Some Fresh Air: Getting exposure to the sun is a great way to improve your mood. Studies have shown that getting at least 15 minutes of sunshine every day can help increase the production of the feel-good chemical serotonin.

• Combat Negative Thinking: Everyone at one point or another can overthink a certain situation or emotional response. How you handle these situations can greatly help ease worry, stress or tension. One way that you can cope with stressing about the negative side of things is to try to frame them in a positive light. For example, if you are given a challenging project at work, instead of thinking, “I’ll never get this done,” tell yourself, “I’ve been given this opportunity because someone believes I’m capable of accomplishing great things.”

In addition to celebrating women on March 8th, take opportunities year-round to thank the women around you for all they do and encourage them and yourself to look after your mental health.