Women and Mental Health: Breaking the Silence
Mental health remains a taboo subject in India, but for women, the stigma is compounded by cultural expectations. Women are expected to balance work, home, and caregiving roles, often at the cost of their own well-being.
According to the National Mental Health Survey (2016), common mental disorders such as depression and anxiety are twice as prevalent among women compared to men. Social pressures, domestic violence, financial dependence, and lack of support structures worsen this burden.
The pandemic highlighted this disparity. A 2021 Lancet study showed women reported higher levels of anxiety and depressive symptoms due to increased unpaid care work and domestic challenges during lockdowns.
One of the major challenges is underreporting. Women hesitate to seek help due to fear of judgment or lack of access to affordable mental health services. For many, visiting a psychiatrist is seen as “shameful” or unnecessary.
Solutions require a multi-pronged approach:
- Integrating mental health into primary healthcare.
- Expanding community counseling centers, especially for rural women.
- Workplace policies addressing stress, maternity, and work-life balance.
- Public campaigns normalizing therapy and counseling.
Ultimately, empowering women also means ensuring their mental well-being. By breaking the silence and addressing gendered aspects of mental health, India can move toward a healthier society.
References:
- National Mental Health Survey of India, 2016
- The Lancet, Women and COVID-19 Mental Health Study, 2021
- WHO, Gender and Mental Health Factsheet
