Women's Mental Health: Common Conditions, Symptoms, and Treatments
Whether due to biological factors, such as hormonal changes, or differences in expectations from society, there are certain mental health conditions that are much more prevalent in women.
In this article, we will talk through the most common women’s mental health issues, their symptoms and how to seek help, including:
Anxiety in women
The Mental Health Foundation highlights that more women report experiencing high levels of anxiety, compared to men. In fact, the same research found that, on average, more than a third of women report experiencing heightened anxiety.
But what could be causing this high level of anxiety in women? According to research on anxiety in women, there could be a range of biological, psychological, and social factors at play:
Biological factors: Periods induce natural hormone fluctuations in women and, while many women manage their periods with few side effects, for others it could impact on overall mood and mental health. While fluctuating hormone levels don't always cause anxiety, anxiety is a common symptom of hormone imbalance and can be more prevalent in menopause due to reducing oestrogen.
Psychological factors: Research shows that, on average, women are more empathetic than men. While a major strength in many aspects of life, heightened empathy has links to increased levels of anxiety, as other people’s worries are often taken on in addition to an individual's own. However, this might not be true for all women’s experience of heightened anxiety.
Social factors: While not attributable to all woman, societal pressures such as gender inequality, appearance, behaviour, and meeting others' expectations of themselves could be contributing to anxious thoughts.
There are certain obvious signs of anxiety, such as frequent panic attacks, that make it clear that someone might be struggling with this mental health condition. However, due to less-noticeable symptoms and a lack of widespread information on this condition, some may not realise that they are living with anxiety.
To help you spot the signs of anxiety in women, we have broken down the physical and mental symptoms, below:
Physical symptoms of anxiety:
A churning feeling in your tummy.
Dizziness.
Feeling restless or unable to sit still.
Fast or irregular heartbeat.
Muscle aches.
Shortness of breath.
Nausea.
Shortness of breath.
Mental symptoms of anxiety:
Restlessness.
Feeling a sense of dread or fear.
Feeling constantly "on edge".
Difficulty concentrating.
Irritability.
Low mood and depression.
Feeling self-conscious that other people notice your anxiety.
Feeling disconnected from the world/people around you.
Constantly worrying about things that might happen in the future.
For more information about the symptoms of this mental health condition, read our spot the signs of anxiety article.
Getting help for anxiety in women
There are ways to manage the signs of anxiety in women, reducing their impact on your day-to-day routine. For example, breathing techniques, exercising, avoiding any known triggers if possible and eating a healthy, balanced diet are all great ways to deal with anxiety.
However, if your anxiety symptoms are disruptive, even with these management techniques, you may choose to seek mental health support from your GP. With their help, you can discuss the most common symptoms you experience and better understand your anxiety, as well as discuss the best strategies and treatment options available.
You can also find support from mental health charities, such as Samaritans and Mind, where people talk about their experiences in a safe and welcoming environment. For example, the Samaritans offer a free mental health helpline, available at any time, while Mind provides comprehensive information on local support groups that meet regularly in person.
Depression in women
Research has shown that women are twice as likely to experience depression compared to men.
In general, the specific cause of someone’s depression can be really difficult to pin down. In fact, there are a wide range of different factors that are associated with a higher risk of depression, such as personal life circumstances, physical health issues, and lifestyle choices.
And while women have a higher risk of general depression, there are also specific types of depression in women that are linked to reproductive hormones, including:
Pregnancy and postnatal depression: Affecting more than 1 in every 10 women within a year of giving birth, postnatal and antenatal (during pregnancy) depression is very common. However, many may not realise they have these types of depression in women as it can develop gradually, with symptoms including constant sadness, a lack of energy, and difficulty bonding with your baby. In some cases, women may believe these feelings of postnatal depression are a natural part of having a baby. That’s why it’s important that to talk to friends and family about these symptoms, so they can help you understand if you need to reach out for professional help.
Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD): PMDD is a severe form of premenstrual syndrome (PMS), which can cause a range of emotional and physical symptoms, including severe depression in women. The symptoms typically show in the week or two before your period starts, and they can be extremely disruptive to your daily routine, making it difficult to work and socialise.
Perimenopausal depression: Menopause can have such a huge impact on mental health, with women becoming 40% more likely to experience depression in this stage of their life. This is due to the natural fluctuations of hormones in the lead up to the menopause, causing heightened mood swings, anxiety, stress, and depression in women.
Spotting the signs of depression in women
Depression can feel very distinct, with some symptoms manifesting differently from person to person. However, there are still some common signs of depression in women that you should be aware of:
Physical symptoms of depression:
Lack of energy.
Changes in your appetite.
Unexplained weight fluctuations.
Low sex drive.
Disturbed sleeping pattern.
Unexplained aches and pains.
Mental symptoms of depression:
Constantly feeling sad or in a low mood.
Feeling hopeless or helpless.
Low self-esteem.
Little to no motivation or interest in usual activities.
Feeling anxious or worried.
Feeling irritable.
Having suicidal thoughts or thoughts of harming yourself.
In some cases, you may struggle to recognise these symptoms of depression in yourself. That’s why it’s important to keep in touch with a close network of friends and family, who may be able to more clearly identify and talk to you about any changes in your behaviour.
Getting help for depression in women
If you’ve experienced any of the above signs of depression in women every day, for more than two weeks, then you should see your GP. This is particularly important if you’re having any thoughts of suicide or self-harm.
During the appointment, your GP will ask some simple questions about your general health and how your symptoms may be impacting your daily life. It can feel difficult, but it’s important to be as honest as possible with your answers, as this may influence whether you need treatment or a specialist referral.
In addition to medical help, it can also be useful to speak to other people who understand how you’re feeling. For example, you can talk to your close friends and family about your symptoms of depression, helping them better understand how they can support and help you with your mental health condition. It can be scary to take this step, but your loved ones will always be willing and happy to help.
You can also take a look at mental health charities, such as Samaritans, Mind, and Depression UK, that have plenty of online resources that can help you create a helpful support network. This includes mental health helplines and local support groups, as well as reliable sources of information about depression.
Eating disorders in women
Eating disorders are a common mental health condition, where someone will use their control of food to cope with negative feelings or situations. This can include eating too much, not eating enough, or constantly worrying about your weight or body shape.
According to the Health Survey for England, 19% of women screen positive for a possible eating disorder, which is nearly one in five women. For context, only 13% of men were found to have a possible eating disorder from the same survey.
As such, while it’s important to note that men do get eating disorders, it is predominantly a women’s mental health condition. This is usually caused by body dissatisfaction, as women with eating disorders commonly report low self-esteem and a negative body image.
The most common types of eating disorders in women include:
Anorexia nervosa: Also known as just ‘anorexia’, this eating disorder in women is when you try to obsessively control your weight by not eating enough food and/or exercising too much.
Bulimia nervosa: In this eating disorder, people lose control of how much they eat and then they get rid of it in unhealthy ways to not put on any weight. This can include vomiting, taking laxatives, or fasting for days afterwards.
Binge eating disorder (BED): People with this eating disorder feel compelled to overeat on a regular basis, without feeling like they’re in control of what they’re doing. This eating disorder in women is not usually followed by forced vomiting, though they might sometimes fast in between binges.
Spotting the signs of eating disorders in women
Whether you’re worried about a loved one or suspect you may have an eating disorder yourself, it’s important to be able to recognise the signs of this common women’s mental health condition, which include:
Physical symptoms of an eating disorder:
Constantly feeling cold, tired, or dizzy.
Pain, tingling, or numbness in your arms and legs.
Fast or irregular heartbeat.
Gut health problems, such as bloating or diarrhoea.
Very high or very low weight for someone of your age and height.
Problems with your period or delayed signs of puberty.
Mental symptoms of an eating disorder:
Constantly worrying about your weight and body shape.
Avoiding social situations with food.
Eating very little or too much food.
Making yourself sick or taking laxatives after you eat.
Obsessively exercising.
Noticeable changes to your mood, such as being anxious or depressed.
It’s important to note that those suffering with an eating disorder can hide their symptoms well, making it difficult to know whether they are struggling. In these cases, if you suspect a loved one has an eating disorder, try gently asking questions about their eating habits and their physical wellbeing to better understand if they need your support.
Getting help for eating disorders in women
If you think you have an eating disorder, then it’s important you see your GP as soon as possible. It’s completely natural to feel worried or anxious about taking this step, but getting the right support is important for looking after your health and mental wellbeing.
However, we understand that even just admitting you have a problem with this women’s mental health condition can be very difficult. As such, you can try to talk to your friends and family beforehand about your situation – and you can also bring them to your GP appointment, if that makes you feel more comfortable.
For those who don’t feel comfortable opening up to friends and family, there are many helplines, online workshops, and chat rooms on eating disorder charities, such as Beat. These resources can help you feel less alone on your recovery journey.
Self-harm in women
Typically used as a way of dealing with difficult feelings or situations, self-harm is when you intentionally harm yourself or injure your body.
And while it’s not specifically a mental health condition, the prevalence of self-harm in young women is significant enough to be considered a women’s mental health issue in its own right. In fact, according to the Mental Health Foundation, more than a quarter of women aged 16 to 24 have self-harmed at some point in their life.
There are many reasons why someone may start self-harming, with most being linked to emotional distress. For example, people report they have self-harmed because they are:
Struggling to express themselves.
Changing emotional pain into physical pain.
Reducing overwhelming emotional feelings or thoughts.
Trying to create a sense of being in-control.
Trying to escape traumatic memories or experiences.
Trying to stop feeling numb, disconnected, or dissociated.
Punishing themselves for their feelings or experiences.
Expressing suicidal feelings without taking their own life.
Spotting the signs of self-harm in women
While those who self-harm will be aware of their own behaviour, they will often try to hide their injuries from their friends and family, making it difficult to notice when someone needs help.
If you’re worried about a loved one, look out for the following signs of self-harm:
Unexplained injuries, such as cuts, bruises, or burns.
Constantly keeping themselves covered, even in hot weather.
Speaking about suicidal thoughts and feelings.
Becoming socially withdrawn.
Pulling out their hair.
Unusual weight loss or gain.
Signs of depression or low mood.
Signs of low self-esteem.
Noticeable changes in eating habits.
Getting help for self-harm in women
If you’re self-harming, or even thinking about self-harming, it’s important that you speak to your GP as soon as possible. With the right support and treatment, you could help with the underlying cause of this behaviour and prevent any suicidal thoughts from developing.
However, we understand that opening up about your experiences, either to a loved one or medical professional, can be extremely difficult. In these cases, it can be helpful to write down your thoughts and feelings ahead of your conversations, so you can better explain your experiences without getting overwhelmed.
You can also find online support, if you don’t feel ready for that face-to-face discussion. For example, the likes of National Self Harm Network, Self-injury Support, and LifeSIGNS all have helpful information and forums where you can find support.
How can Benenden Health help with women’s mental health conditions?
If you’re worried about women’s mental health issues, such as anxiety, depression, eating disorders, or self-harm, you should make an appointment to see your GP as soon as possible.
If you’re a Benenden Health member, you can access our 24/7 Mental Health Helpline, where you can speak to a counsellor at any time of day or night. They can provide more information and talk about your mental health condition while you wait for a face-to-face general practice appointment.
Benenden Health provides affordable private healthcare for everyone, giving you access to services such as our 24/7 GP Helpline and 24/7 Mental Health Helpline straight away. Once you’ve been a member for six months you can request access to diagnostic consultations and tests. You'll also have access to a wealth of health and wellbeing articles, videos and advice on a range of health issues.
If you’d like to find out more about women’s mental health, head over to our women’s health hub.
Medically reviewed in July 2024.
