Women’s Mental Health and Mental Wellness
As we approach the end of 2022 Women’s History Month, we can’t help but reflect on our journey, and the struggles women continue to face in today’s society. We are a woman-owned and women-led business, so we are constantly reflecting on the challenges and victories of women.
Women from all backgrounds continue to face challenges due to the never-ending societal norms and expectations. We acknowledge that even though all women face these challenges of societal norms and expectations, racism, classism, homelessness, immigration, and others make things extra difficult for women from these cultural backgrounds.
We choose to address a few struggles during our 2022 Women’s History Month celebration. We addressed the topics below on our Instagram page.
Postpartum Depression
Women’s Mental Health
Women in Prison
Domestic Violence
Postpartum depression (PPD) is a mental health and health issue that women continue to face. However, as a society, we do not take this issue seriously. The fact of the matter is that PPD is real. Due to the myths and misconceptions around PPD, women continue to suffer in silence. You can check out our recent IG post to learn more about the topic Signs and symptoms of PPD
Mental health has been a point of controversy, especially in our Black and brown communities, because society continues to ignore and invalidate the pain and experiences of people of color. Depression and anxiety are the two common mental health issues women face. Depression and bipolar disorder affect more women than men and affect women differently from men. Female caregivers spend as much as 50% more time providing care than male caregivers. One in three women has experienced stalking, sexual, physical, emotional violence. All these experiences, discrimination, and unequal economic and social conditions increase the likelihood of mental health challenges for women. You can check out our recent IG post to learn more about the topic Signs that indicate you might be suffering from mental health issues
Historical studies have shown that Black women are less likely to seek and accept mental health care. It is estimated that eight in ten Black women have endured some form of trauma, sexual abuse, domestic abuse, poverty, childhood abandonment, victim/witness to violence. Maternal mortality in Black women is more than twice the rate compared to White women. These statistics show that Black women face unique challenges. The Strong Black Woman schema often leads to
the lack of support for Black women. When people view Black women through the Strong Black woman schema, they often fail to acknowledge the humanity of Black women.
Incarceration, an adverse life experience, makes women who are incarcerated and their communities more prone to PTSD, depression, and anxiety. Women’s experiences in the criminal justice system are a topic that we are very familiar with. As a practice, Centering Wholeness Counseling advocates for a better approach to serve incarcerated women and their families affected by incarceration. The Prison Policy website (prisonpolicy.org) provides all the facts to understand the dimension of the issue. You can check out our recent IG post to learn more about the topic Facts you didn't know about women in prison
Women still face intimate partner violence in our so-called “modern” society. One in every four women has experienced some form of physical violence by an intimate partner. Intimate partner violence includes a range of behaviors such as slapping, shoving, pushing, gaslighting, belittling, emotional abuse. Learn more about domestic violence through www.ncadv.org. We need to address and acknowledge intimate partner violence because the more we talk about it, the fewer women feel shame/ guilt and can find the strength and support they need to end the vicious cycle. If you or someone you know is experiencing intimate partner violence, please contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233. The hotline is open 24/7 and available in English, Spanish, and 200+ through interpretation service. You can also chat on their website or Text START to 88788. You can check out our recent IG post to learn more about the topic How do I know if I am in an abusive relationship?
As women, we have this continuous battle to fight the struggles and traumas. In this fight, our main target is defeating the thoughts of unworthiness, self-hatred, and unrealistic expectations that do not align with the purpose and calling of our lives. Life is a beautiful gift, but sometimes it feels like an unwanted box full of undesirable surprises. In those moments, we must remember our strengths and seek help to address trauma and our thoughts. This way, we will be able to have one goal in mind, the goal of redeeming ourselves instead of hiding the pain or holding on to the stigma.