About one of every four women in the U.S. experienced a mental health issue (defined as a mental, behavioral, or emotional disorder) in the past year, according to 2022 U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) data. While substance use disorders and impulse control disorders are diagnosed more often in men, many mental health disorders are diagnosed more often in women. They include depression, anxiety and eating disorders, according to the National Institute for Health.

Researchers point to several social, economic and biological factors that could account for these discrepancies, including:    

• Wage gaps. While substantial gains have been made over the past four decades, women continue to earn less money than their male counterparts over the course of their respective careers, according to the Pew Research Center. The wage gap grows more pronounced as women age. 
• Traumatic experiences. Roughly one-third of women experience sexual and physical violence and/or stalking by an intimate partner during their lifetime, according to SAMHSA data cited by the American Psychiatric Association. 
• Time. The APA also notes women are more likely to be either the sole caregiver or the primary caregiver of children. About 65% of caregivers are women, and female caregivers may spend twice as much time providing care for children as male caregivers do. Coupled with other constraints due to work and family commitments, lack of personal time can be both a cause of mental health issues and a barrier to receiving treatment.   
• Hormonal differences. As the NIH points out, women can experience depression symptoms during times of hormone changes, including during or after pregnancy, around the time of their period and during the menopause transition.   

Addressing our mental health is a lifelong pursuit, but it can too often take a backseat to other obligations. Of the estimated population of women experiencing a mental health issue in the past year, only about 57% received treatment, according to the 2022 SAMHSA data. (Only 42% of men sought treatment over that same period.) Our team at Brightli encourages you to celebrate the accomplishments of women in your life (including your own!), and to encourage women you love to take the time they deserve to prioritize their mental health.  

Here are some ways SAMHSA suggests you can address mental health: 

1. Dedicate time for yourself – Do something you want to do, or do nothing at all. 
2. Get rest – Seven to nine hours is the recommended amount of time of nightly sleep for adults. 
3. Exercise regularly – Commit to 150 minutes of moderate-intensirty aerobic/physical activity per week.  
4. Spend some time outside –With summer around the corner, it’s a reminder that time in the sunshine can be restorative. 
5. Use relaxation techniques – meditation, mindfulness, and prayer can all help recharge your mentally.  
6. Seek help – Whether speaking to a loved one or a professional, being open about your mental health can bring about healthy changes.