Throughout history, women have faced numerous challenges, and on International Women’s Day, we should celebrate their resilience and fortitude. In honour of the day, it is important to raise awareness regarding an often-overlooked aspect of women’s health: mental health. As much as they have achieved in terms of breaking down societal norms and fighting gender inequality, they continue to face silent struggles regarding mental health issues. Women are often seen dealing with their mental health issues on their own, in order to uphold their image of someone who is always seen having their act together. 

When it comes to dealing with mental health issues, one of the most pressing challenges women face is the widespread stigma attached to seeking treatment for these issues. It is common for women to come up against societal norms that require them to prioritise their caregiving responsibilities, all while displaying an unwavering courage to overcome any adversities that they may come across. In addition, when women disclose their mental health issues, they may become vulnerable to criticism, marginalisation, or rejection, resulting in feelings of guilt, shame, and self-doubt, which can lead to feelings of guilt, shame, and self-doubt. Due to this, many women feel they must endure their suffering in silence, rather than seek the help they need in order to overcome the pain they are experiencing. If they choose not to seek help, they may aggravate their symptoms, which makes them more likely to relapse in the future. 

Furthermore, stigmas may have significant impacts on the self-esteem and identity of women, which can result in feelings of hopelessness and despair. Women’s opportunities and liberties are restricted due to gender stereotypes practised by society, which promote detrimental standards. Their mental and emotional health is further deteriorated by the pressure the society exerts on them to conform to unachievable beauty standards and meet cultural expectations, which in turn further deteriorates their mental and emotional health. Moreover, the fear of being viewed as “crazy” or “unstable” ultimately deters women from seeking professional help.

 Aside from this, motherhood is heavily glorified despite the fact that it places a great deal of strain on the mental and physical health of women. In most cases, the birth of a new life is considered a joyful occasion, however, many women secretly suffer from the darkness of postpartum depression (PPD). PPD is frequently misunderstood and ignored, even though it plays a major influence on a woman’s mental health. A woman’s inability to balance caregiving responsibilities with work duties, combined with the pressures of cultural expectations of the ideal wife and mother, can cause her to feel stressed and inadequate. It is during this time that the mother needs compassionate support and understanding from others, especially the father, as PPD and anxiety are disorders that are often neglected during this time. As a matter of fact, it is necessary to remember that PPD is not only a disorder that can be devastating to mothers, but also to their families and newborns, so it is important that they understand what to expect. If left untreated, PPD increases the chance of behavioural issues and developmental delays in children, as well as the ability of the mother to form a lasting relationship with her children. Consequently, PPD can further heighten women’s feelings of shame and inadequacy by straining relationships with their spouses and family. Despite the fact that PMD is not widely known for a variety of reasons, such as the normality of mother’s suffering, lack of adequate education and awareness, and societal shame, it is a concern that needs to be addressed. Moreover, women’s recovery and well-being may also be impacted by societal misconceptions about motherhood and mental health, which can result in negative attitudes or unsatisfactory responses from health professionals. 

As we marked International Women’s Day, there is a need to recommit to the cause of women’s mental health and well-being, and show our support. The key to being able to make a society where all women feel respected, supported, and empowered to prioritise their mental health is by fighting the stigma, advocating for empathy and understanding, and promoting inclusive ways of living. In order for our culture to become more compassionate and inclusive, we need to cultivate empathy, raise awareness, and advance the understanding and support of each other. By doing so, every woman will be able to feel empowered so that she can prioritise her mental health and seek help when she needs it. By working together, we can end the stigma associated with postpartum depression by engaging in discussions that will help us create a society that values, acknowledges, and supports the mental health of mothers. 

Written by: Vanshika Dubba(Intern at Therapheal and psychology student)

Reviewed by: Manasi( Psychologist)