Addressing the Mental Health Crisis in Young Women: A Call for Gender-Specific Approaches
The mental health crisis among young women is on the rise, with more and more presenting to emergency services and healthcare practitioners with issues such as deliberate self-harm, eating disorders, anxiety, and depression. Despite this alarming trend, their mental health issues are often not considered differently from men, and standard treatments are offered with varying outcomes.
One of the key factors behind this disturbing trend is trauma, particularly early life trauma, which can have a significant impact on the developing brains of young women. Adverse social factors such as violence against women and social challenges in negotiating identities also play a role in exacerbating mental health issues.
The recent pandemic lockdowns have further exacerbated mental health issues among young women, with increased rates of depression, anxiety, eating disorders, and substance addictions being reported. Additionally, the menstrual cycle can also play a significant role in affecting brain chemistry and hormone regulation, leading to conditions such as premenstrual depression.
Poor self-esteem, anger suppression, and the stigma associated with self-harm are also contributing factors to the mental health crisis among young women. A new, woman-focused approach that is holistic and empowering is needed to address the rising tide of mental illness in this demographic.
It is time for a change in the provision of mental health services for young women, with a focus on understanding the specific factors that contribute to their mental health issues and providing tailored, compassionate care.
