Women’s Mental Health: A Global and Local Health Issue

Women’s mental health is an essential part of overall health and a key factor in the stability of individuals, families, and societies. It is not a temporary condition, but rather an integrated system influenced by interconnected biological, social, cultural, and economic factors. With the rapid pace of modern life and increasing responsibilities, women have become more vulnerable to accumulated psychological pressures, making attention to their mental health a necessity that cannot be overlooked.

Statistics and Facts on Women’s Mental Health

Global data reveal the magnitude of the challenge women face in the field of mental health:

• More than one billion people worldwide suffer from mental disorders, with women representing a large proportion.
• Rates of depression among women are 20–40% higher than among men in most countries.
• Anxiety disorders are more common among women, especially in younger age groups.
• Approximately one in seven mothers experiences postpartum depression.
• Women are more likely to develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as a result of domestic violence or wars.
• Eating disorders are more prevalent among women due to social pressures and stereotypical beauty standards.

These figures confirm that women’s mental health is not an individual issue, but a global health challenge that requires comprehensive solutions.

Factors Affecting Women’s Mental Health

• Biological factors: Hormonal changes associated with the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, childbirth, and menopause.
• Social factors: Multiple roles between work and family, social pressures, and expectations of constant performance.
• Economic and psychological factors: Lack of support, fear of stigma, and difficulty accessing mental health services.
• Global crises: Such as the COVID-19 pandemic, which increased rates of anxiety and depression among women.

How Can Women’s Mental Health Be Strengthened?

Enhancing mental health begins with simple yet impactful steps:

1. Acknowledging emotions and expressing them without fear or shame.
2. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including adequate sleep and balanced nutrition.
3. Learning stress management skills and building balance between life demands.
4. Strengthening family and social support as a source of psychological safety.
5. Seeking professional help when needed as a legitimate health right.
6. Utilizing digital technology such as mental health apps or online counseling platforms.

The Role of the International Health Organization (IHO) and Local Initiatives

The International Health Organization (IHO) works to promote women’s mental health as an integral part of public health and human rights through:

• Raising awareness through educational content and digital platforms.
• Integrating mental health services into healthcare systems.
• Encouraging equitable and safe access to psychological support.
• Combating stigma associated with mental health.
• Collaborating with health institutions to enhance women’s mental well-being.

In the Arab world, some local initiatives have begun focusing on psychological support programs for mothers and awareness campaigns against domestic violence, reflecting a growing recognition of the importance of this issue.

Caring for women’s mental health is an investment in the health of society as a whole. When women are given the support, understanding, and psychological care they need, they become more balanced, resilient, and capable of facing challenges and contributing positively to building a healthy and sustainable future.

Prepared by:
Dr. Reham Al-Droubi
PhD in Psychology, University of Damascus

World Health Organization. (2023). Depression and mental health.
https://www.who.int
National Institute of Mental Health. (2022). Major depression and anxiety disorders statistics.
https://www.nimh.nih.gov
Ritchie, H., & Roser, M. (2023). Mental health. Our World in Data.
https://ourworldindata.org/mental-health
Mental Health Foundation. (2022). Women and mental health: Statistics and facts.
https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk