Mental health is currently one of the most important topics in healthcare. It is especially important to address concerns specific to girls and women's mental health. There are two ways to approach understanding women's mental health:

• There are specific mental health conditions that only affect women

• Women are affected differently by mental health disorders than other genders are.

Women are more likely than men to have several common mental diseases, including sadness and Anxiety. And unfortunately, women can go months or even years without getting help for a mental disorder. This occurs occasionally because they don't even recognise how serious the issue is until their lives start to become out of control. Due to their busy lives today, women may mistakenly explain their symptoms as stress or Burnout when they truly have a more serious issue.

Signs unique to women

Mental illness affects women in a somewhat different way than it does males. In particular, men are more likely to magnify mental diseases like drug misuse, alcoholism, and antisocial behaviours, whereas women are more likely to internalise mental illnesses like sadness and anxiety. Turning inward is a symptom of an internalising mental condition. It frequently causes retreat, anxiety, Loneliness, and depressive emotions. When this symptom is combined with other circumstances, women who find themselves withdrawing from life and internalising their feelings should think about the likelihood of a mental illness.

There are more physical symptoms in women as compared to men. There are headaches, stomachaches, high blood pressure and Chronic Pain. Some other symptoms are low sex drive, fluctuation in their weight, lack of energy and sleeping problems. A doctor should always be consulted when experiencing physical complaints. Women who experience unexplained physical symptoms, however, might think about the possibility of an undiagnosed mental disorder once a medical diagnosis has been checked out.

Some general signs of mental illness

• Functioning in life is difficult: Sometimes a decline in functioning is one of the first indications of mental illness. This may appear as poor academic performance, poor job performance, failure to meet obligations, trouble managing Stress, or issues in personal Relationships.

• Mood and emotion changes: Another key indicator of many mental diseases is unexplained or unusual changes in mood or mood swings. A sad mood, sensations of pleasure, excessive energy, a lack of emotion, or feelings of indifference could be signs of all this. As an alternative, a person could feel excessively guilty, afraid, embarrassed, or angry.

• Cognitive deficiencies:  These might include issues with memory, trouble focusing, or moments of confusion and disorientation. Such disturbing cognitive symptoms should be examined and evaluated for possible mental disorders.

• Unusual or risky behaviours. Unsafe behaviours can result from mental illness, including excessive spending, risky sexual behaviour, and drug and alcohol abuse. When a person has both a drug or alcohol Addiction and another disease, such as Depression or Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), this is known as a dual diagnosis.

• Violates reality. Psychotic disorders are characterised by breaks with reality. These could seem as paranoia, hallucinations, delusions, or a sense of disconnection from reality.

Women health issues

There are some hormonal changes and life events which might contribute to negative mental health. They are:

Puberty

Some girls' risk of developing depression may rise as they enter puberty due to hormonal changes. However, temporary mood swings caused by changing hormone levels during puberty are normal and do not by themselves result in depression.  Puberty is frequently linked to additional events that can contribute to depression, like:

• New issues in sexuality and identity

• Conflicts with parents

• Pressure to perform better in school, athletics, and other aspects of one's life

Premenstrual problems

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms include abdominal bloating, breast tenderness and discomfort, headaches, anxiety, irritability, and feeling sad which are often mild and temporary for females. However, a small percentage of females experience severe and disabling symptoms that interfere with their relationships, careers, schooling, and other aspects of their lives. Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD), a form of depression that typically requires therapy, might also develop from PMS.

Pregnancy

During pregnancy, there are significant hormonal changes that might have an impact on mood. The risk of depression during pregnancy or fertilization attempts may also be impacted by other factors, such as:

• Changes in lifestyle, the Workplace, or other factors

• Relationship difficulties

• Previous depression, postpartum depression, or PMDD episodes

• Inadequate social support

• Unwanted or unplanned pregnancy

• Miscarriage

• Infertility

• Stopping the use of antidepressants

Postpartum depression

Soon after giving birth, many new mothers suffer crying episodes as well as feelings of sadness, Anger, frustration and irritation. These emotions, also known as the "baby blues," are common and usually pass after a week or two. Postpartum Depression, on the other hand, might be characterized by more severe or persistent depressed feelings, particularly if the following signs and symptoms are present:

• Crying more frequently than normal

• Feeling inadequate or like a bad mother

• Anxiety or numbness

• Even when your kid is resting, you have trouble sleeping

• Everyday functioning issues

• Being incapable of raising your child

• Imaginations that you'll harm your child

• Suicidal thoughts

Depression following childbirth is a serious medical problem that needs to be treated right away.

What can you do?

It's essential to prioritize your mental health, especially if you or a loved one are exhibiting signs of a possible mental illness. Taking the initiative to seek help and support from Online Counseling platforms like TalktoAngel can provide access to trained Online Psychiatrists or Therapists who can evaluate and diagnose your condition accurately.

Managing a mental health condition involves various therapeutic approaches tailored to your specific needs. Your Online Therapist may recommend therapies such as Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT) or Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) for addressing your symptoms.

Recognizing warning signs and being proactive about seeking help can significantly impact the trajectory of your mental health journey. Early intervention often leads to more effective treatment outcomes, making it crucial to remain vigilant and attentive to any changes in your emotional well-being.

By taking the time to explore and examine your mental health, you're prioritizing your overall wellness and taking a proactive step towards achieving mental wellness. Remember, reaching out for support is a sign of strength, and there are resources available to help you navigate and manage your mental health challenges effectively.