As we gather to mark International Women’s Day in 2024, we are invited to dream boldly—a dream of a world where gender equality is not just an aspiration but a reality. As a counsellor, I hope to reflect on the theme of this year “Imagine a gender-equal world,” as a clarion call to address one of the most pressing arenas: mental health.
“You’re not too emotional”
Recent studies have illuminated the stark disparities in mental health care risks and outcomes across genders. The Singapore Medical Journal found that the lifetime prevalence of Major Depressive Disorder was higher among women (7.2%) than men (4.3%) and that women had significantly higher odds of having generalised anxiety disorder. A 2023 survey done by the Ministry of Health indicates that women are approximately 18.6% more likely as men to experience poor mental health such as depression. Singapore also ranked Top 5 in APAC in female suicide rates according to statistics reported by Statista’s research department. There is much work still needed to adequately support women at risk. Prejudice within the health system leads to the underestimation of women’s psychological pain as “overly emotional”.
“It’s not your fault”
The good news is that more attention is being paid today to women’s mental health worldwide. There are conversations destigmatising conditions like postpartum depression. We also see more research on the biological factors affecting female psychology.
Heightened biological vulnerability also predisposes women to mental health issues at varied life stages. Hormonal fluctuations related to menstruation, pregnancy and menopause also influence mental wellbeing. For example, sensitivity to shifting estrogen levels can trigger depressive symptoms in the weeks leading up to menstruation. This is because estrogen modulates brain networks and processes related to changes in stress response, cognition, and emotional dysregulation that are core characteristics of depression. During pregnancy and postpartum, the rollercoaster of hormonal shifts and new motherhood duties can heighten risk for perinatal mood disorders that occur during pregnancy and after childbirth.
“We’re all in this together”
In my years of practice, the stories of women and gender minorities have painted a vivid picture of the unique challenges they face in accessing mental health support. These challenges are not just statistics but real stories of struggle, resilience, and the quest for dignity. Whether it’s the single mother battling depression while juggling work and childcare, the young woman grappling with the aftermath of trauma, or the transgender individual seeking acceptance and understanding, their experiences underscore the need for a mental health care system that recognises and responds to diverse needs.
At the heart of my clinical philosophy is the belief that healing requires feeling empowered, understood and connected. By building an atmosphere of trust, compassion and humility, I aim to support diverse individuals towards reclaiming mental wellness and resilience. Moreover, the essence of this year’s International Women’s Day vision for a gender-equal world lies in our ability to value and celebrate our differences. This is imperative in every session, every story shared, and every tear wiped away in the confidentiality of therapy rooms.
As we commemorate International Women’s Day, we affirm the importance of women prioritising their mental health. We encourage society to continue to alleviate the outdated pressures we may face. We praise the resilience women show in coping with unique emotional challenges. We call for family, friends and policy makers to acknowledge the unique pressures faced by women. We advocate for the destigmatisation, funding and accessibility of mental health support tailored specifically for women. No woman should suffer alone in silence. The opportunity lies before us to replace judgement with empathy, ignorance with understanding, and inequality with resounding support.
To meet with a professional psychologist or counsellor, call The Other Clinic at 8809 0659 or email us hello@theotherclinic.sg.
References:
Albert, K. M., & Newhouse, P. A. (2019). Estrogen, stress, and depression: Cognitive and Biological Interactions. Annual Review of Clinical Psychology, 15(1), 399–423. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-clinpsy-050718-095557
Leander von Kameke, & 28, A. (2023, April 28). APAC: Number of female suicides per 100,000 population by country. Statista. https://www.statista.com/statistics/1112991/apac-number-of-female-suicides-by-country/
Picco, L., Subramaniam, M., Abdin, E., Vaingankar, J., & Chong, S. (2017). Gender differences in major depressive disorder: Findings from the Singapore Mental Health Study. Singapore Medical Journal, 58(11), 649–655. https://doi.org/10.11622/smedj.2016144
Ganesan, N., (n.d.). Prevalence of poor mental health increasing in Singapore; young adults have highest proportion at 25.3%. CNA. https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/poor-mental-health-young-adults-seek-help-moh-survey-3802531. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (n.d.). Perinatal depression. National Institute of Mental Health. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/perinatal-depression