May is classified as Women’s Health Month. This is a time dedicated to better understanding the health needs unique to women. Heart disease—still a primary concern for women—and reproductive disorders are top of the list for many who work with and treat women’s health issues. The focus in May is often on physical health; however, women are often plagued by stress, anxiety, and sometimes depression, which may go unrecognized.
Modern women are also likely to suffer from the “emotional labor” that they find themselves dealing with regularly. Women are more likely to become concerned with and often try to help their families and friends to find solutions to the issues and struggles they’re dealing with. All of this caring comes with a price. According to Talker Research, 72 percent of the women surveyed for this article admit that they feel pressured both internally and by society to take on this emotional labor. In addition, 60 percent of those polled believe that being a woman is more stressful now than ever before.
Taking care of one’s health—physical, mental, and emotional—may be more important to today’s woman than ever before. Seeking quality mental health services, making time for relaxation and renewal, and saying “no” more often are steps that could make the most difference in women’s mental health this year.
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