There are many causes of stress. Men and women share many of the similar causes of stress, such as money matters, loss in business, job security, health issues, and relationship issues. Perhaps a little more distinctive to women is the many roles they take on, in their lives. In today’s culture, women’s roles often include family commitments; care giving for children and/or elderly parent (statistically more likely to be a woman) and work responsibilities as well as other roles. As demands rise to accomplish these roles, women can feel overwhelmed with time pressures and unmet commitments. They may feel a sense of failure in unable to meet expectations for themselves and others. Most of times, women spend more time meeting the demands of others instead nurturing her own needs. In cases at high stress levels and high burnout times, women may not even recognize what her needs are.
Generally women are more likely than men to experience symptoms of stress. Perhaps it is related to how men’s and women’s bodies process stress hormones. Long-term stress is more likely to cause problems with moods, depression and anxiety in women. Women who are stressed and depressed are more likely than men who are stressed to experience depression and anxiety.
How working women can carry work-life balance during COVID-19?
The COVID-19 pandemic has increased disparities and stress among women. It revealed that the pandemic is taking a toll on the emotional well-being of working women. Remote working has lined a tougher road for working women. Working women are feeling increased stress because of the corona virus pandemic.
Action items for a healthy work-life balance for Women in Pandemic:
Each will depend on your personal condition, context, and preferences.
- Adapt your attitude
- Engage in self-care
- Become more organized
- Stay connected
- If you have children, spend time with them and involve them in your planning
Mental Stress is on the Rise for Women:
Generally, there are two different types of stress that everyone experiences. There is short-term stress, which is normally only experienced for a short period of time (ranging from a few minutes to a day or two). Short-term stress can be caused by possibilities like:
- Being late for a meeting
- An upcoming work deadline
- Arguments with a friend, colleague, family member, or partner
Then there’s long-term (or chronic) stress, which can impact the person affected by it for expanded periods of time — such as a month or even a year. Long-term stress possibilities can include, but aren’t limited to:
- Traumatic events (like accidents or disasters)
- Poverty or significant financial concerns
- Discrimination and/or harassment
Although everyone can experience these kinds of stress, in both of these forms, stress influence women at a much higher rate.
Following are some symptoms of woman’s mental stress:
Stress affects everyone differently. Some ways that chronic or long-term stress influences women:
- Feelings of sadness, hopelessness, uselessness, emptiness or loneliness
- Crying frequently
- No longer enjoying favourite activities
- Inability to focus, remember, or decide
- Incapability to sleep, sleeping too much, or struggling to get out of bed
- Weight loss, Loss of appetite, or overeating in an attempt to “feel better”
- Thoughts of self-harm, death, or suicide
- Constant headaches, nausea, or other physical pain that doesn’t improve with treatment
- Becoming easily annoyed or angered, high tempered
- Pain, including back pain
- Acne and other skin related problems
- Upset stomach
- Feeling like you have no control on yourself
- Forgetfulness
- Lack of energy
- Drug and alcohol misuse
- Loss of interest in things once enjoyed in past
Habits to Improve Women’s Mental Health:
Good mental health doesn’t necessarily mean being happy every time. Women having good mental health may experience happiness and sadness, anger and excitement, all in healthy ways. When you have good habits to improve mental health, it means your mind can perform all its functions properly.
You can do things such as:
- Learn new information
- Build strong relationships with other people
- Adapt quickly to change
- Experience a range of emotions in a healthy way
- Work and contribute productively
A variety of factors can affect your mental function and health. The particular can be as simple as being sleep-deprived or hungry or as complex as eating disorders and major depression. Depending on your state of mental health, you can increase your wellbeing with healthy practices. If you’re concerned about the current state of your mental health, then seek the support of experienced healthcare professionals.
Treatment for Women’s Mental Health Conditions:
If you think you or your loved ones is facing mental health challenges, you should seek help and support. Your healthcare providers can associate you with the resources that can help you learn new habits to improve mental health. You can also talk to a number of trusted health providers and healthcare practitioners including:
- Your primary care physician
- Your OB/GYN
- A psychiatrist
- A licensed counsellor
Women’s Mental Health: Knowledge Is Power
Often, the first and most important step on the road to mental health is recognizing the need to take action. For women, taking that first step can be specifically challenging due to the societal pressures women feel to be the strong, nurturing caregiver for their families, friends, and communities. The health care industry is continuing to determine the unique needs of women affected by mental illness in terms of treatment options and support services.
Armed with accurate, up-to-date information on the most effective master plans for overcoming mental health challenges, women can be more empowered to recover the fulfilling, enjoyable, and purposeful lives they so richly deserve.
