Women’s health: stats overview
BY GABRIELLE WILLIAMS
Women’s Gender-Specific Mental Health Challenges in Australia: 2023 Statistics from the Liptember Foundation
Our understanding of the unique mental health challenges faced by women - and by women we are including non-binary, gender-diverse and transgender women - is supported by a large research study published each year by the Liptember Foundation. Their report from 2023 has highlighted significant conditions and experiences that significantly impact both physical and mental health for women. This comprehensive overview delves into critical gender and body-specific mental health issues, shedding light on their prevalence and the potential impact on mental well-being.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
Demographic Impact
Most women with PCOS fall within the age group of 29 to 40. This life stage often involves significant milestones such as career advancements, relationships, and family planning.
Mental Health Implications
Research indicates that 1 in 2 women with PCOS are likely to experience severe mental disorders. Notable mental health challenges include depression (55%), anxiety and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) (54%), and body image issues (47%).
Endometriosis
Age Group Prevalence
Women in the age group of 20 to 49 are more likely to experience endometriosis, coinciding with life stages involving career advancements, relationships, and family planning.
Impact on Mental Health
Almost 50% of women with endometriosis are likely to experience severe mental health disorders. Key mental health challenges associated with endometriosis include anxiety and GAD (57%), depression (55%), and body image issues (45%).
Menopause
Life Stage Dynamics
Menopause affects women predominantly in the age group of 40 to 59. This life stage often involves parenting teenagers, potential grandparenting, and adjustments to changing family dynamics.
Mental Health Challenges
Women going through menopause are likely to experience mental health challenges, including depression (53%), anxiety and GAD (47%), and body image issues (31%).
Pregnancy and Childbirth
Age Group Impact
Women experiencing pregnancy and childbirth typically fall within the age range of 30 to 49. This life stage involves considerations such as marriage, parenting, and managing household duties.
Mental Health Considerations
Pregnancy and childbirth can have substantial impacts on mental health. Women in this category are likely to experience body image issues (50%), perinatal anxiety (31%), perinatal depression (29%), and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) (23%).
Ovarian or Cervical Cancer
Associated Challenges
Women living with ovarian or cervical cancer are likely to face mental health struggles, with over 50% experiencing severe mental health disorders.
Mental Health Impact
Common mental health challenges include depression (70%), substance use disorders (35%), borderline personality disorder (32%), and suicidal ideation and self-harm (25%).
Pelvic Floor Disorders
Age Group Affected
Women at any age can have pelvic floor disorders, however it is reported more by women having children at school or having become grandparents.
Mental Health Implications
Around 4 in 10 individuals with pelvic floor disorders are likely to have severe mental health disorders. Notable mental health challenges include depression (53%), anxiety and GAD (50%), and PTSD (22%).
Pregnancy Loss (Miscarriage or Stillbirth)
Age Group Dynamics
Women who have experienced pregnancy loss typically fall within the age range of 30 to 39, often in their first live-in relationship and planning family expansion.
Mental Health Impact
Mental health challenges associated with pregnancy loss include depression (60%), PTSD (31%), binge-eating disorder (20%), and perinatal anxiety (19%).
Conclusion
Understanding and addressing gender-specific mental health issues are integral for promoting overall well-being. By recognizing the unique challenges associated with conditions such as PCOS, endometriosis, menopause, pregnancy and childbirth, cancer, pelvic floor disorders, and pregnancy loss, we can work towards providing comprehensive and targeted support. A lot of women from the survey reported barriers to seeking mental health support, including shame or a sense that their mental health experiences weren’t serious enough to warrant support. We know that psychological support through these experiences can support women to navigate them more effectively and to improve their overall wellbeing. If you’d like to work with us, you can do so here.
Learning more and reducing stigma around these specific challenges empowers individuals, healthcare professionals, and communities to foster mental health resilience and create environments conducive to the well-being of women at different life stages.
Source
Liptember Foundation. (2023). Women's mental health in Australia: Identifying gaps and trends for better mental health. Exploring the mental health issues, triggers and barriers faced by Australian women, non-binary and female-identifying people in 2023.