Honoring Women’s History Month: Closing the Mental Health Gap

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, depression, anxiety, and eating disorders are more common in women than in men. Why is this? When viewed through a biological lens, women experience sharper and more pervasive hormonal shifts throughout the menstrual cycle, as well as during and after pregnancy. Men, by contrast, tend to have a more stable hormonal profile, with relatively consistent testosterone levels that gradually decline over time.

From a social perspective, women often experience greater pressure to balance work, personal life, and caregiving responsibilities, which can also lead to increased financial hardship compared to men. Gender-based violence, such as sexual or physical abuse, also disproportionately affects women. Additionally, women’s pain and discomfort are frequently minimized in medical settings due to the lack of female-specific research, along with persistent gender bias and stereotypes that label women’s pain as “emotional” or “exaggerated.”

While men are often socialized to hide vulnerabilities or rely on “fight-or-flight” responses, an externalizing coping style, women are typically socialized to focus on internal emotions and experience more rumination, leading to internalizing behaviors. Women are also encouraged more than men to discuss their feelings, which may contribute to higher diagnosis rates. The American Psychological Association has proposed a stress-response theory more commonly observed in women called “tend-and-befriend.” This theory suggests that women respond to stress by nurturing their offspring and seeking social connection. This tendency may be a hidden strength and could help explain why women tend to live longer than men.

So, how should women care for their mental health during and after Women’s History Month? First, we need to shift our mindset around self-care. Many women feel selfish when prioritizing self-care due to the pressure to perfectly balance work, life, and caregiving responsibilities. As cliché as it may sound, you must put on your own oxygen mask first. Taking care of yourself is essential to prevent burnout and is not selfish. Normalize saying “no” when necessary to protect your time and energy; boundaries should not be villainized. Replace self-criticism with self-compassion. Ask yourself how you would speak to a friend facing the same challenge- you are likely far more understanding, forgiving, and empathetic toward others than to yourself.

Lean into one of women’s greatest superpowers: social connection. Oxytocin, often called the “love hormone,” is released when we foster close relationships and can help reduce anxiety while lowering cortisol, the “stress hormone.” Although social media may trigger small spikes of oxytocin, it does not compare to the benefits of face-to-face interaction. Social media can trap us in cycles of comparison, anxiety, and fear of missing out; everyone’s online highlight reel is not an authentic or realistic representation of the female experience. Consider joining a book club, women’s group, or shared hobby that encourages connection and self-care. Lastly, therapy offers a safe space for women to explore challenges, build emotional resilience, strengthen self-esteem, and improve relationship skills. Challenge negative self-talk that society has normalized for women; remember that you are entitled to prioritize your emotional, physical, mental, and spiritual needs.