Women’s Health Week – Day 4
Each day this week we will be covering a different aspect of Women’s Health. Women’s Health Week is a great reminder to take time out to check on your own health and continue to make positive lifelong changes. Women are known for putting family and friends first. But when it comes to your well-being it is important to speak up when you need support. Today we look at mental health and emotional well-being, as we coincide with RUOK Day.
Day 4 – Mental and Emotional Well-being
While mental health is important for both men and women, there are some particular mental health issues that women experience at much higher rates. During their lifetime, 1 in 6 women will experience depression, while 1 in 3 will experience anxiety.
Sadness and anxiety are normal emotions, and feeling these emotions is perfectly healthy. It can become unhealthy when these feelings are ongoing and interfere with everyday life.
Mental Health covers a range of issues, including:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Stress
- Poor body image and eating disorders
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Grief and loss
- Post-Natal Depression or Anxiety
Sometimes it can be difficult to determine whether what you are feeling is sadness or depression. If your emotions become excessive or irrational, it’s important to seek out help to manage your mental health.
How can I care for my mental health?
Maintain social contact and healthy lifestyle choices
While it may not always be possible to physically see friends and family, staying connected over the phone and online can be beneficial to mental health. Engaging in healthy activities where possible, regular sleep routines, and healthy foods can help you relax, as well as keeping your body healthy.
It’s also important to reach out to others. If you think someone in your social circle is struggling, reach out and let them know you care.
Continue with treatment
If you’re already managing a mental health issue, it is extremely important to continue with the treatment plan outlined by your health team, and monitor for any new symptoms that may arise. If you feel anxious about attending health clinics at this time, Telehealth options are available.
Seek support if you need it
It’s normal to feel anxious or stressed, especially during the pandemic. If you feel your mental health is being impacted:
- Surround yourself with a support network of friends and family
- Acknowledge any feelings of anxiety or stress – it’s ok to feel this way
- Seek out support from mental health professionals as soon as you feel you’re struggling
There are a number of interventions and strategies that can be used to manage mental health. These include cognitive behaviour therapy, relaxation, mindfulness and ‘talk’ therapy. It is important to seek help from health professionals to find a strategy to help you.
If you feel that you need support during this time, our team of GPs and Psychologist can provide you with the help you need. To make an appointment, call our friendly team on (02) 9241 1577, or click here.
Check back tomorrow for our next topic – Bladder & Bowel Health.
Resources
https://www.beyondblue.org.au/who-does-it-affect/women
https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/mental-emotional-health
