Mental Health Tips: Common Mental Health Struggles Women Face & How To Combat Them
There are certain mental health issues that affect women more commonly or more intensely than men due to a combination of biological, hormonal, social, and cultural factors. Fluctuating hormone levels during menstruation, pregnancy, postpartum, and menopause can uniquely influence women's emotional well-being. Additionally, societal pressures, gender-based violence, and caregiving responsibilities often place a heavier emotional burden on women. These factors can heighten the risk of certain mental health struggles. Keep reading as we discuss common mental health issues prevalent in women and how to combat them.
Common mental health issues prevalent in women & how to combat them
1. Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)
More severe than PMS, PMDD causes intense mood swings, irritability, and depression before menstruation. Regular exercise, stress reduction through yoga or meditation, a balanced diet, and medical treatments like SSRIs or hormonal therapy can help manage symptoms.
2. Postpartum depression
This condition occurs after childbirth, marked by sadness, exhaustion, and difficulty bonding with the baby. Emotional support from family, rest, open communication, professional counselling, and sometimes medication can ease the burden. Postnatal groups and therapy are often crucial.
3. Perinatal anxiety
Women can experience anxiety during pregnancy, often related to the health of the baby or childbirth fears. Prenatal yoga, mindfulness practices, seeking support from a therapist or support group, and talking openly with a trusted healthcare provider help calm fears.
4. Menopause-related mood disorders
The hormonal shifts during menopause can trigger depression, anxiety, or irritability. Regular physical activity, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), hormone replacement therapy (if appropriate), and natural remedies like flaxseed and black cohosh may support mood balance.
5. Body image issues & eating disorders
Societal beauty standards disproportionately affect women, often leading to disorders like anorexia, bulimia, or binge eating. Therapy focusing on body positivity, support groups, avoiding media that triggers insecurities, and nutritional counselling can support recovery.
6. Gender-based trauma & PTSD
Many women experience trauma from domestic violence, sexual harassment, or assault, leading to PTSD. Trauma-informed therapy, safe support networks, grounding techniques, and sometimes EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing) are effective.
7. Caregiver burnout
Women are more likely to take on caregiving roles, leading to emotional exhaustion and feelings of being overwhelmed. Setting boundaries, self-care routines, seeking respite care, and joining caregiver support groups can help reduce stress and restore balance.
8. Depression rooted in social expectations
Pressure to 'do it all' like work, family, appearance, can lead to chronic stress and depression. Realigning personal goals, time management, reducing perfectionism, and therapy can help women reclaim mental peace.
9. Anxiety due to workplace discrimination
Women often face bias, harassment, or under-recognition in professional settings, leading to stress and anxiety. Assertiveness training, mentorship, therapy, building allyship at work, and knowing one's rights can empower women to manage such stressors.
10. Loneliness in single or child-free women
Cultural stigmas around single hood or choosing not to have children can lead to isolation or internalised guilt. Cultivating friendships, engaging in fulfilling activities, joining communities of like-minded individuals, and therapy can boost emotional well-being.
Thankfully, with awareness, supportive communities, lifestyle shifts, and professional help, many of these challenges can be managed effectively.
Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for a qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Hindustan Times
7 days ago
- Hindustan Times
What makes CCF tea a go-to Ayurveda remedy to improve digestion?
If you often struggle with bloating, acidity, or indigestion, there is a soothing solution hiding in your kitchen cabinet---CCF tea. Made from cumin, coriander, and fennel seeds, this ancient Ayurvedic concoction is more than just a soothing drink. Known for its powerful detoxifying and digestive benefits, this tea is a favourite among wellness enthusiasts, and even Bollywood diva Shilpa Shetty swears by it to keep her digestive system on track. CCF is believed that this tea balances all three doshas, promoting better gut health and boosting metabolism. In Ayurveda, health starts with balanced doshas—Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. 'CCF tea is a remedy that helps balance all three doshas, especially by strengthening your digestive fire or Agni,' says Ayurvedic expert Dimple Jangda. When your Agni is strong, your body absorbs nutrients better and eliminates toxins more efficiently. CCF tea stimulates digestive enzymes and helps break down food more effectively. This means your stomach feels lighter, and you can avoid discomfort after meals. One of the most common issues people face is bloating and gas, which can be uncomfortable. "The combination of cumin, coriander, and fennel in CCF tea helps reduce these symptoms by calming the digestive system and releasing trapped gas," suggests Jangda. CCF tea acts as a gentle natural detoxifier. It supports the liver and kidneys by helping eliminate waste products from the body. This cleansing process helps you feel refreshed and can improve overall wellness. A healthy metabolism is essential for energy and weight management. CCF tea helps boost metabolism, which can help burn calories and maintain energy levels throughout the day. Many women experience discomfort during their menstrual cycle. 'CCF tea has anti-inflammatory properties that help relieve menstrual cramps and ease PMS symptoms, making those days a little more manageable," explains Jangda. 'For best results, drink CCF tea daily for at least 8 weeks. You can sip it after meals to ease digestion and prevent bloating, or start your day with it on an empty stomach to gently boost your system,' recommends Jangda. It is also great in the evening. The key is consistency. So, make it a regular part of your wellness routine to gain benefits. CCF tea is generally safe for most people. However, some individuals may experience mild gastrointestinal discomfort initially. Those with allergies to any of the three spices should avoid them. 'Pregnant women should consult their healthcare provider before consuming CCF tea, as fennel may stimulate uterine contractions. Also, be cautious if you are taking medications like blood thinners or blood pressure medications, as interactions may occur,' says Jangda. This tea is ideal to drink on an empty stomach for the best benefits.
NDTV
13-06-2025
- NDTV
Mental Health Tips: Common Mental Health Struggles Women Face & How To Combat Them
There are certain mental health issues that affect women more commonly or more intensely than men due to a combination of biological, hormonal, social, and cultural factors. Fluctuating hormone levels during menstruation, pregnancy, postpartum, and menopause can uniquely influence women's emotional well-being. Additionally, societal pressures, gender-based violence, and caregiving responsibilities often place a heavier emotional burden on women. These factors can heighten the risk of certain mental health struggles. Keep reading as we discuss common mental health issues prevalent in women and how to combat them. Common mental health issues prevalent in women & how to combat them 1. Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) More severe than PMS, PMDD causes intense mood swings, irritability, and depression before menstruation. Regular exercise, stress reduction through yoga or meditation, a balanced diet, and medical treatments like SSRIs or hormonal therapy can help manage symptoms. 2. Postpartum depression This condition occurs after childbirth, marked by sadness, exhaustion, and difficulty bonding with the baby. Emotional support from family, rest, open communication, professional counselling, and sometimes medication can ease the burden. Postnatal groups and therapy are often crucial. 3. Perinatal anxiety Women can experience anxiety during pregnancy, often related to the health of the baby or childbirth fears. Prenatal yoga, mindfulness practices, seeking support from a therapist or support group, and talking openly with a trusted healthcare provider help calm fears. 4. Menopause-related mood disorders The hormonal shifts during menopause can trigger depression, anxiety, or irritability. Regular physical activity, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), hormone replacement therapy (if appropriate), and natural remedies like flaxseed and black cohosh may support mood balance. 5. Body image issues & eating disorders Societal beauty standards disproportionately affect women, often leading to disorders like anorexia, bulimia, or binge eating. Therapy focusing on body positivity, support groups, avoiding media that triggers insecurities, and nutritional counselling can support recovery. 6. Gender-based trauma & PTSD Many women experience trauma from domestic violence, sexual harassment, or assault, leading to PTSD. Trauma-informed therapy, safe support networks, grounding techniques, and sometimes EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing) are effective. 7. Caregiver burnout Women are more likely to take on caregiving roles, leading to emotional exhaustion and feelings of being overwhelmed. Setting boundaries, self-care routines, seeking respite care, and joining caregiver support groups can help reduce stress and restore balance. 8. Depression rooted in social expectations Pressure to 'do it all' like work, family, appearance, can lead to chronic stress and depression. Realigning personal goals, time management, reducing perfectionism, and therapy can help women reclaim mental peace. 9. Anxiety due to workplace discrimination Women often face bias, harassment, or under-recognition in professional settings, leading to stress and anxiety. Assertiveness training, mentorship, therapy, building allyship at work, and knowing one's rights can empower women to manage such stressors. 10. Loneliness in single or child-free women Cultural stigmas around single hood or choosing not to have children can lead to isolation or internalised guilt. Cultivating friendships, engaging in fulfilling activities, joining communities of like-minded individuals, and therapy can boost emotional well-being. Thankfully, with awareness, supportive communities, lifestyle shifts, and professional help, many of these challenges can be managed effectively. Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for a qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.
India Today
08-06-2025
- India Today
What to eat during each stage of your menstrual cycle
For centuries, women have been conditioned to put themselves last. But in the past few years, there has been a paradigm shift in the way women treat themselves and prioritise their well-being, especially when it comes to the menstrual cycle. While the length of the menstrual cycle varies from woman to woman, a regular menstrual cycle can vary from 21 to 35 days, with the average being around 29 phase comes with changes in hormone levels that can lead to fatigue, cramps, bloating, mood swings, trouble sleeping, and even changes in way to deal with these fluctuations is through cycle syncing, a practice to align your diet, exercise, and lifestyle habits with each phase. India Today spoke with Dr Sonu Taxak, Director & Senior IVF Consultant, Yellow Fertility to get more insights on this. Let's break down each cycle and design your diet:MENSTRUAL PHASEThis phase starts on the first day of your period and lasts around five days. During this time, estrogen and progesterone levels are at their lowest, which can lead to fatigue, low energy, and menstrual cramps. To support your body, it's essential to replenish lost iron through foods like spinach, lentils, and dates. Focus on hydration and anti-inflammatory ingredients like ginger and turmeric to soothe discomfort. FOLLICULAR PHASEadvertisementThis phase begins right after menstruation ends and continues until ovulation, spanning days 6 to 14. Nourish your body with complex carbohydrates, lean proteins, and omega-3s to support rising estrogen and follicle PHASEOvulation typically occurs mid-cycle, around day 14, and lasts 24 to 36 hours. Estrogen peaks before ovulation, followed by a rise in progesterone to prepare the uterus for a possible pregnancy. Many women feel a spike in energy during this time. Support your body by incorporating nutrients like zinc, selenium, and vitamin E, which are found in pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, sesame seeds, eggs, and PHASEThis phase is the second half of the cycle, occurring after ovulation and lasting until menstruation begins. This phase generally spans days 15 to 28. If the egg isn't fertilised, progesterone and estrogen levels drop, often triggering premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms such as mood swings, fatigue, irritability, and cravings. During this phase, include foods rich in magnesium, vitamin B6 and fibre in your diet. You can also eat dark chocolate, bananas, and whole grains. The female body is dynamic and beautiful. When it comes to food, syncing your nutrition during each phase of your menstrual cycle will support your body and overall Suneet Kaur Malhotra, Associate Director, Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Max Super Speciality Hospital told us more on your diet healthy and balanced throughout the menstrual cycle is essential to maintaining both physical and emotional health. Every stage of the cycle introduces hormonal shifts that can affect energy levels, mood, digestion, and general sense of comfort. Altering your diet to accommodate these shifting needs can help alleviate symptoms and enhance the menstrual stage (Day 1-5), when women have their periods, they tend to feel tired, crampy, bloated, and lack energy. This is mostly because of the decrease in hormone levels and blood battle all this, some foods can be highly useful:advertisementIron foods such as spinach, lentils, and tofu restore iron lost during bleeding and can enhance energy broths, cucumber, and watermelon can help alleviate bloating and ensure proper hydration in the cooked food is easier to digest and can offer relief and comfort from the premenstrual phase, prior to the onset of the period, most women experience mood swings, cravings for food, fatigue, and water retention. These are caused by hormonal changes, specifically the fall in estrogen and progesterone order to better control these premenstrual symptoms, it's ideal to:Steer clear of excess sugar, which can make mood swings worse and trigger energy intake of caffeine and salty foods, which can lead to bloating and plenty of water and eat plenty of water-dense foods to stay well-hydratedBy synchronising your diet with the body's cyclical demands, you can gain more control over menstrual symptoms and nourish your overall hormonal balance. Minor changes in diet can significantly impact the way you feel throughout the month.
