International Women's Day 2025 Spotlights Female Mental Health

8^th March 2025

International Women's Day (IWD) is a global celebration of women's social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. The theme for 2025 is to "Accelerate Action".

International Women's Day is also a powerful reminder of the ongoing fight for gender equality. While statistics show little difference between the number of men and women experiencing mental health issues, women are disproportionately affected by certain conditions. According to mentalhealth.org.uk, women are more likely to suffer from anxiety, OCD, and eating disorders.

Causes of Mental Health Issues in Women

Mental health conditions arise from a complex mix of factors, regardless of gender. However, societal pressures and life circumstances can have a significant impact on women’s mental well-being.

Caregiving responsibilities: Women are often primary caregivers for children or dependent relatives, leaving little time for self-care. 

Financial inequality: Women are overrepresented in low-income brackets and lower-status jobs, making them more vulnerable to financial stress and poverty.

Multiple roles and expectations: Many women juggle caregiving, household management, career responsibilities, and supporting their partners, leading to emotional and physical exhaustion.

Gender-based violence: Over 75% of reported domestic abuse cases involve female victims. Living in fear, even in one’s own home, adds immense psychological strain.

Sexual violence: One in five women has been sexually assaulted since the age of 16. The societal expectation that women must take extra precautions for their safety creates additional mental and emotional burdens.

Unrealistic beauty standards: Society pressures women to conform to certain beauty ideals, often leading to low self-esteem and body image issues. More than one million women in the UK suffer from eating disorders.

The Role of Empowerment in Women’s Mental Health
At DRCS we work with you to explore the challenges you are facing and to find ways forward which feel right for you using a range of evidence based psychological therapies.

If you need a space to reflect, talk and grow please call us on 0800 047 6861 or visit drcs.org.uk

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