Women’s Day is around the corner and so are the e-commerce sale offering huge discounts. But don’t let the fervour distract you from seeing the essence of Women’s Day. A day to celebrate what it means to be a woman for 365 days with little or no recognition at all.
It is a day where women are celebrated and appreciated. We talk about what it means to be a woman. Amongst all the things that women do which includes handling the toughest jobs like managing a household to working in a stressful environment, it is astounding sometimes to see their resilience.
Being a woman–
From handling period cramps to enduring childbirth. From handling the societal taunts of not having kids to being a transwoman who chose her identity. A woman does it all.
But one aspect where women do not pay much attention is ‘mental health’. Women are stereotyped as the ‘caregivers’ that they often forget to be their ‘own caregivers’. Women’s mental health and their needs are often ignored but the stats show that it is the women who need mental health accessibility.
According to statistics, women are more likely to-
- Face mental health issues like anxiety and depression
- Experience fatigue, sadness and lack of motivation
- Undergo post-partum depression, depression during menopause (because of hormonal changes)
- To struggle with body-image issues and suffer from eating disorders
What it indicates-
The above stats indicate how women are different from men not only in their physical attributes but also in their psychological attributes. The need for mental health care for women is much needed. This is what should be talked about whenever we want to celebrate women’s day. Along with the appreciation and celebration, the uncomfortable topic of women’s mental health struggles should also be reflected upon.
So how can we improve women’s mental health or at least aid them in their struggles? Below are some of the tips which can be useful to women and people who want to support them.
Some tips
1. Have a safe space-
Having a safe means creating a zone for yourself where you can be vulnerable. You can share your feeling and emotions without worrying about being judged or criticized by others. Try to be around people who make you feel safe and where you don’t have to be worried about ‘What will they think?’.
2. Normalize taking help-
Women are used to be the symbol of emotional support that more often they think twice before asking for mental or emotional help. Normalize asking for help and make it a part of your life. You can be an independent and fiery woman and asking for help will not change it. You can even take professional help if you feel overwhelmed by your situations.
3. Take time for yourself-
Easier said than done especially if you are a stay-at-home mom, or a woman juggling career and home. Taking time for yourself is important. Carve a time where you can be just you and not be someone’s wife, mother or daughter and focus on having a ‘me time’. Don’t forget to have a time out where you can pursue what you want to be even for a couple of minutes.
4. Don’t neglect your physical health-
It is important to care for both your physical as well as your mental health. Try being active or at least indulging in some form of physical exercise. Exercise helps to keep your body active. Furthermore, exercise also helps in boosting good hormones which are beneficial for mental health.
Remember that it is okay to seek professional help when you feel that you cannot handle something. Many helplines are catering to the mental health needs of women. This Women’s Day gives yourself and your loved ones the gift of mental health.
Come let’s celebrate Women’s Day together.
image source- www.pixabay.com
