mental health disorders

3 Mental Health Disorders That Are Common Among Women

Mental health conditions affect people of all types of backgrounds. Men and women alike are susceptible to mental health issues, as such conditions do not discriminate. The challenges of daily life or the struggle to overcome trauma can be difficult for anyone regardless of who they are and where they come from.

There are some conditions that tend to be more common in women than in men. Not only can hormone imbalances play a role in certain mental health conditions, but the pressures that women face from society and cultural norms are different from those experienced by men. Here are three conditions that are more commonly seen in women than in men.

1. Eating Disorders

Both men and women, typically those who are younger in age, can suffer from eating disorders. However, statistics show that twice as many women battle eating disorders than men. This is generally attributed to the fact that women are under more pressure to fit certain criteria physically than men are.

The actual cause behind eating disorders is relatively unknown, although research heavily suggests that cultural, biological, and psychological factors all come into play. Typically, a woman develops an eating disorder because she feels that she needs to make her body look a certain way at the expense of eating enough.

If you feel that you or someone you know is battling an eating disorder, it is important to seek help from anorexia treatment centers as soon as possible for this and other eating-related mental health disorders.

2. Anxiety

The topic of anxiety can be a complex one. This is certainly a condition that affects both men and women alike; however, women are more likely to suffer from anxiety. Sometimes, anxiety develops slowly over time as a result of the stress of daily life. Other times it is the result of a traumatic event, with anxiety attacks being brought on by a trigger that reminds your mind and body of that event.

Ultimately, anxiety isn’t something that should be ignored. Anxiety can lead to other, more serious mental health disorders like depression.

Although it can be difficult to ask for help, anyone suffering from anxiety attacks, feelings of overwhelming stress, or other symptoms of anxiety should look to receive help as soon as possible.

3. Postpartum Depression

Pregnancy causes hormonal, mental, and physical changes, which can lead to postpartum depression (PPD). The exhaustion that most mothers feel in the months after giving birth is also a contributing factor to PPD as sleep directly affects your ability to manage stress and anxiety.

PPD is categorized by feelings of extreme sadness and anxiety following birth. These feelings can be emphasized by the fact that one feels as though they should naturally be happy to have given birth to a child.

Many mothers wonder what is wrong with them and tend to be afraid to speak up as a result. PPD is highly treatable, though, and help should be sought as soon as you begin to feel the effects of this condition.