Common Mental Health Issues in Women

It is essential that you really pay close attention to your mental health as a woman, just like men need to. It is imperative that you not ignore symptoms of certain mental health conditions, whether you have stress or clinical depression. Here are some of the more common mental health issues women tend to face.

Stress

This is probably one of the biggest and most common mental health issues that plagues women. While both men and women can definitely get stress, there have been many studies to show that women in general are at a higher risk for getting stress. The good news is that there are a lot of easy and healthy ways to reduce your stress levels, from changes in your job and home life, to healthy lifestyle changes like exercising more often and making sure you focus on self-care.

Anxiety

Another big mental health dilemma among women is anxiety. Anxiety in general is equal among men and women, but there are certain types of anxiety that you are more prone to. This includes generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), panic attack disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and specific phobias like agoraphobia. If you struggle with a high amount of stress, that can also be a contributing factor to your anxiety or panic attacks. For anxiety, remedies range from cutting out caffeine and alcohol, to taking anti-anxiety medications.

Depression

Along the same lines of anxiety is depression, which is also a bigger risk in women. Studies have shown than women are twice as likely to get depression and have more suicide attempts. Women tend to commit suicide more often than men, and approximately 12 perfect of women are suffering from depression, while the number is only 6 percent with men. However, men are more likely to actually die from the suicide attempts. Either way, no matter your gender, you should never ignore your depression. Get help from a licensed mental health professional right away.

Eating Disorders

Eating disorders are also considered a mental health condition, and are more common in women. Men still get anorexia and binge eating disorder, but women are at a higher risk. If you feel that you might have an eating disorder like bulimia, anorexia, binge eating disorder, or overeating disorder, you should talk to a doctor as soon as you can. These disorders affect your mental and physical state, and can even be life threatening.

Waves of Grief

**God’s love is always there for you, especially in grieving times.**

Some days, I think I’m doing fine. I’m coping with my chronic illness. I’ve accepted it and I’m even able to live with a measure of happiness.

Your reality may not be chronic illness; it could be heartbreak from a break up or divorce, losing a loved one, your business being shut down, etc. Just like me, you’ve accepted it and are living your new normal.

Then come the bad days. The ones I’m reminded of everything that’s been taken. Of all the milestones I’ve been robbed of. All the things that my illness has stolen, and I find myself wanting to sob.

I feel the loss all over again.

Can you relate?

Grief is a funny thing. It comes in waves, but in between those waves, the waters can be perfectly still. In fact, they can be so still that you convince yourself you’re OK.

Then the next one rises, and you’re gasping for breath. In moments like these, I cling to verses like Psalm 34:18.

“The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” (NIV)

Can I pray for you today friend?

God, I pray for (subscriber’s name). Surround them with Your comforting Presence. Remind them again that You are for them and You are close beside them. Let them feel You wrapping Your arms around them and pulling them in for a hug. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Dealing With Overactive Bladder

Women have a higher risk of having an Overactive Bladder.

Women deal with a lot of medical conditions and have a higher risk for certain diseases, from heart disease to menopause. Another medical condition that women often have a higher risk of than men is an overactive bladder. This affects millions of people in the U.S. alone, and can be really frustrating to live with. The following information helps you understand overactive bladder and get a better handle on it.

About Overactive Bladder

First of all, it helps to know a little more about what an overactive bladder is and how it might affect you. In the United States alone, about 33 million men and women suffer from an overactive bladder, even more when you are looking at the worldwide numbers. There are about 10% more women than men with this condition, looking at approximately 40 percent of adult women with the condition. Since this is often an embarrassing affliction, many people will not visit their doctor and instead look for natural and home treatments. It is essential that you understand what happens when you have overactive bladder so you know if a visit to your doctor is warranted.

How it Affects You

Having an overactive bladder means that you will get an urge to urinate immediately. There are often no warning signs, and if you can’t get to a bathroom fast enough, you may suffer an accident. This is also known as urine incontinence. This can create feelings of severe panic and anxiety any time you are not at home or not near a restroom. Aside from the sudden urge to urinate, you may find that with an overactive bladder you also urinate more frequently and that as soon as you feel the need to urinate, you have an accidental leak of urine involuntarily. If you wake up multiple times at night to urinate consistently, that can be another very common sign of this condition.

What Can Be Done About it

If you are dealing with incontinence or an overactive bladder, you should talk to your doctor. There are a variety of medical treatments available. Aside from that, there are also some things you can do at home. This includes getting to a healthy weight, reducing alcohol and caffeine, and quitting smoking. Having a healthy, active life can also be good for you, so don’t shy away from it just because of your overactive bladder.

Be A Blessing To Others

When life changes impact someone’s life, show them their light in the midst of change.

One of the most difficult aspects of having a chronic illness can be a feeling that you no longer have anything to contribute. Maybe you once provided for your family through a job, but you can no longer do that job. Perhaps you kept the household running, and now you can barely get out of bed.

It’s hard to face the loss of abilities and skills as you get sick. But there are still ways that you can contribute and bless those you love. They can be small like an encouraging word, a pat on the shoulder, or even a simple note tucked in a lunchbox.

You still have value and you still have plenty to offer others. Each day you wake up, aim to bless one person. It’s a simple goal and it’s a wonderful way to feel like you’re making a difference.

As a caregiver to someone with a chronic illness makes sure to highlight the things that they are still able to do. This will not only bless them, but bless others. We value ourselves from the aspect of who we were, but know you are still beautifully and wonderfully made now with the changes in your body. You still have value, and you are still a wonderful light to this world!

Period and Menstrual Cycle Health

Leslie at her OBGYN appointment about her cramps.

As a woman, your menstrual health is something you should always be concerned about. When you are between 11 and 14 (on average), you will get your first period, which then starts your regular menstrual cycles. If you are currently an older woman, you are well aware of how this works, but might not be aware that what you are experiencing is abnormal.

A Normal Menstrual Cycle

The term ‘normal’ is a little subjective when it comes to your menstrual cycle because it can vary between different women. What you are really looking for is your own patterns, and whether they change suddenly or not. Many people like to say a menstrual cycle is 28 days long, but it is not unusual for it to be considerably longer or shorter. The important thing is to look at changes that happen suddenly, such as missing a period completely or having several months where the length keeps changing dramatically. In a ‘normal’ menstrual cycle, you should ovulate around the same time each month and have the same type of flow.

Healthy Menstrual Period

When you get your period, there are more things to look at to ensure it is a healthy menstrual period. Typically, you will bleed for 4-6 days, but again, this can vary. However, if you have a month where the flow is shorter or less overall than usual, you might want to tell your gynecologist. Some common issues that might warrant a visit to your doctor include a lighter or heavier flow, blood that is much darker than it typically is, blood clots, and excessive pain when you did not experience it before.

Don’t Ignore PMS Symptoms

PMS, or premenstrual syndrome, can also vary based on the woman. Some women start experiencing PMS symptoms around the time they get their period, while others have it worse on random months. This latter is what you are looking for. If you have always gotten a little moody and headaches before your period, it is nothing to be concerned about. However, if you are suddenly getting severe cramps, extreme mood swings, aches and pains, and migraine headaches when you never did before, that is something to tell your doctor. These PMS symptoms might be from hormonal changes, stress, and other factors that need to be addressed. PMS changes are also signs that your menstrual cycle may change as well.