International Women's Day: Shining a Light on Women's Mental Health

Today, we have an opportunity to not only celebrate the achievements and contributions of women but also to reflect on the challenges they face, including those related to mental health. Many women neglect their mental health as they often fill their days putting other people’s needs before their own. We asked Dr. Jeanetta Viljoen, Joseph Brant Hospital’s Interim Co-Chief of Psychiatry, about the leading causes of anxiety in women ages 30 - 45, what signs and symptoms women can look out for and resources women can use to learn how to manage and cope with anxiety.

Anxiety in women is a common condition that involves excessive worry, nervousness, or fear of various situations or events.

“Women ages 30-45 can experience anxiety for many reasons, including but not limited to career demands, work-life balance, and fertility and family planning.”

What symptoms should women look for?

Symptoms of anxiety can include:

• decreased or disrupted sleep
• tension
• headaches
• difficulty with focus and concentration
• irritability or mood changes
• worrying
• fast heartbeat
• shaking
• sweating
• panic attacks

“Anxiety can impact overall emotional well-being, quality of sleep, and even hormone levels if chronic. People with anxiety disorders are also more likely to develop depression and other mental health disorders such as substance use issues.”

What resources are available for women seeking help?

Women experiencing anxiety can reach out to many resources for support, including their family physician, religious or spiritual healers, workplace assistance programs (EAP), telephone hotlines, and more.

People wanting to know more can also access https://maps.anxietycanada.com/ -- which offers personalized coping plans using cognitive behavioural therapy techniques – or camh.ca for more information.

"Addressing women's mental health is not just the responsibility of a doctor, it's a collective commitment to understanding and supporting the unique challenges and experiences that women face in their journey towards well-being."

By promoting awareness, challenging stigma, providing accessible and inclusive mental health services, and advocating for gender equity and social justice, we can work towards creating a society where all women have the support and resources they need to thrive mentally and emotionally.

Let us use International Women's Day as an opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to supporting women’s mental health today and every day.