International Women’s Day: Supporting Women’s Mental Health & Well-Being
More Than Just a Celebration
International Women’s Day isn’t just about celebrating women’s achievements—it’s also a time to reflect on the challenges women still face, particularly in mental health and emotional well-being.
Women often carry invisible burdens—balancing careers, caregiving, societal expectations, and personal ambitions—which can impact mental health in ways that aren’t always recognised or addressed. This post explores how we can support women’s well-being, challenge gender biases, and create a world where women feel empowered to prioritise their mental health.
The Unique Mental Health Challenges Women Face
1. The Mental Load & Emotional Labour
Many women juggle work, childcare, relationships, and household responsibilities.
The expectation to "hold everything together" can lead to stress, exhaustion, and burnout.
✅ Support Tip: Recognise and share emotional and domestic responsibilities equally.
2. The Pressure to “Have It All”
Women often feel pressured to excel in multiple roles—career, motherhood, relationships, and self-care.
The unrealistic expectation of "doing it all" leads to self-doubt and comparison.
✅ Support Tip: Challenge the idea that women must do everything perfectly. Success is personal.
3. Gender Bias in Mental Health
Women’s emotions are often dismissed as "overreacting" or "being too sensitive."
Many women struggle to be taken seriously when speaking about anxiety, depression, or burnout.
✅ Support Tip: Validate women’s experiences and advocate for mental health conversations.
4. Confidence Gaps & Imposter Syndrome
Women are more likely to question their abilities, even when they are qualified.
Workplace inequality and lack of representation can fuel self-doubt.
✅ Support Tip: Encourage women to own their achievements and challenge self-doubt.
How to Support Women’s Mental Health & Well-Being
1. Encourage Women to Prioritise Self-Care Without Guilt
Many women feel guilty for taking time for themselves.
Self-care is not a luxury—it’s essential for mental well-being.
✅ Try this: Remind yourself or the women in your life that rest is productive too.
2. Create Safe Spaces for Women to Speak Openly
Women’s voices are often talked over or dismissed in professional and personal settings.
A supportive space allows women to express thoughts without judgment.
✅ Try this: Instead of offering advice immediately, ask "How can I support you?"
3. Challenge Gender Stereotypes & Bias
Mental health struggles aren’t "weakness"—they are human experiences.
Challenge narratives that label women as “emotional” when they express feelings.
✅ Try this: If you hear dismissive comments about women’s emotions, call them out.
4. Support & Uplift Women’s Achievements
Women’s successes are often downplayed or attributed to luck rather than skill.
Celebrate achievements without minimising them.
✅ Try this: If a woman downplays her success, remind her: "You earned this."
How Therapy Can Help Women’s Mental Health
1. Navigating Burnout & Emotional Overload
Therapy helps women set boundaries, manage stress, and prevent burnout.
It provides a space to talk about pressures without guilt or fear of judgment.
2. Overcoming Self-Doubt & Imposter Syndrome
Therapy supports women in recognising their worth and challenging limiting beliefs.
It helps develop confidence in work, relationships, and personal goals.
3. Healing from Past Trauma & Societal Conditioning
Many women experience gendered trauma, discrimination, or deep-seated conditioning.
Therapy allows for unpacking these experiences and moving forward with strength.
Final Thoughts: Prioritising Women’s Mental Well-Being Every Day
International Women’s Day is a moment of reflection, but supporting women’s mental health should be a daily practice. By creating safe spaces, challenging bias, and promoting self-care without guilt, we can empower women to prioritise their well-being.
