Women’s Mental Health

Some important facts about women’s mental health*:

• Women experience Major Depression twice as often as men
• Anxiety disorders affect women twice as often as men
• Although women tend to discuss their mental health with their primary care doctors more than men, it is estimated that just under half of all women with mental illness are not diagnosed nor treated
• Women consistently attempt suicide more than men, though men are more successful
• Women’s reproductive years, including during pregnancy, are a particularly vulnerable time for developing mental health difficulties

Women’s physiologic and psychological needs change over the life cycle. Having a provider who understands these changes and is sensitive to women’s many roles can be very helpful when it comes to diagnosis and treatment. Treatment recommendations are always based on the individual’s needs, and our providers always have a detailed, collaborative discussion with each woman about treatment options in the context of her life.

*from the World Health Organization