Initiating conversations around women’s mental health

Did you know that women are twice as likely to suffer from clinical depression and anxiety as men?

This was according to psychiatrist Dr Leverne Mountany at the South African Depression and Anxiety Group’s (Sadag) open discussion on women and mental health on 12 March. “Many women have been struggling to cope whilst running households as the primary caretaker, holding on to jobs and some facing gender-based violence on a daily basis.”

Mountany unpacked all of the challenges that are facing South African women today, including menopause, hormonal changes, pregnancy, and postnatal depression and how it impacts women’s mental health.

She noted that menopause and postnatal depression, depression that occurs after birth, are very serious versions of depression that can be found among women. “During menopause your estrogen drops which can trigger a drop in serotonin (your mood chemical), which can lead to depressive symptoms.”

According to the World Health Organisation, symptoms of postnatal depression include insomnia, loss of appetite, intense irritability and difficulty bonding with the baby.

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) can also cause anxiety and other mood changes. “There is a drop in your serotonin prior to menstruations that can aggravate this,” Mountany added.

It remains important that women continue to have conversations around women’s health and how it impacts their mental health, whether that is through support groups, professional assistance or both is up to them.

Looking for someone to speak to? Contact the Sadag mental health helpline on 011 234 4837.

Details: www.sadag.org

Related articles:

https://www.citizen.co.za/sandton-chronicle/112195/sadag-needs-counsellors-and-support-groupsormake-a-difference-to-mental-health/

https://www.citizen.co.za/sandton-chronicle/286366/sadag-reflects-on-an-unprecedented-year/