Submitted by Sarah Coates, LCMHC
Women’s health has long been overlooked or misunderstood. For much of the 20th century, medical research was based almost entirely on men. Male bodies were treated as the “default,” and women were often excluded from clinical trials due to concerns about hormonal cycles or pregnancy risks.
As a result, diagnoses, medications and treatment guidelines frequently failed to account for sex-specific differences. A major institutional change came in the 1990s. In 1993, the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH) Revitalization Act legally required the inclusion of women and minorities in federally funded clinical research. This marked a turning point in acknowledging that women’s bodies could not simply be studied as smaller versions of men’s.
Women’s mental health has also been long misunderstood and is a vital part of overall well being. Women experience mental health challenges differently from men due to a mix of biological, social and cultural factors. Hormonal changes linked to puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, postpartum periods and menopause can significantly affect mood and emotional stability.
At the same time, women are more likely to face social pressures such as gender discrimination, caregiving burdens, income inequality and exposure to gender-based violence, all of which increase the risk of mental health conditions.
Anxiety and depression are more commonly diagnosed in women and these conditions can impact relationships, physical health, work productivity and quality of life. When women’s mental health needs are ignored, the effects often extend beyond the individual, influencing families, children and communities. Supporting women’s mental wellbeing therefore has a powerful ripple effect across society.
Prioritizing women’s mental health also means improving access to appropriate care. This includes affordable services, early intervention, culturally sensitive support and reducing stigma around seeking help. Open conversations and education can empower women to recognize symptoms and ask for support without shame.
We know that oftentimes women put their families, spouses and friends before taking care of themselves. Nine times out of 10, women are calling to schedule mental health appointments for others, including their children and spouses. We want you to take care of you, too! After all, you can’t pour from an empty cup!
With six Triangle-area locations, One80 Counseling offers comprehensive mental health and substance abuse counseling for school-aged children, pre-teens, adolescents, adults, couples and families. Learn more at one-eightycounseling.com.
