March is Women’s History Month! As we continue to celebrate all the women in our life, we must also recognize the importance of supporting women’s mental health, especially as we are beginning another “new normal” in the changing COVID-19 pandemic. 

Emerging studies (Pew Research Center June 2020)are showing that women were disproportionately impacted during the pandemic compared to men: 

  • Greater job loss: 11.5 million women lost their jobs in 2020, compared to 9 million men (Pew Research Center June 2020)
  •  Increased Stress Rates: Women are more likely to report that their mental health was negatively affected by COVID-19. The latest research reports 62% of women working outside the home experience stress “a lot of days” which is a 10-point increase from 2019 and other pre-pandemic data points
  •  Increased Risk of Substance abuse: Women reported higher numbers of using alcohol to cope during 2020-2021
  •  Increased Workplace Burnout: In 2021, 34% of women versus 26% of men reported workplace burnout 
  •  Intimate Partner Violence: Calls to domestic violence hotlines from women went up by as much as 40% in some areas of the country during 2020

While women are twice as likely to experience depression and anxiety as compared to men; women also face unique challenges in receiving mental health support. Women often face time constraints related to workplace and caregiver demands. They also face economic barriers due to pay gaps.

How can we better support women’s mental health? 

  •  Validate Women’s experiences: provide a space to listen where women are able to express the range of emotions they may be experiencing
  •  Raise awareness: share with family, friends, and coworkers the differences that women face in mental health and support local nonprofits that support women  
  • Create Realistic Expectations: Women often feel the pressure of “doing it all”. Create realistic expectations and set boundaries of what can and can’t be done. And make sure to make time for self-care!