Mood Swings or Something More? Understanding Mental Health in Women

It’s easy to brush off mood swings as “just hormones,” especially when it comes to women. We’ve all heard someone say, “It must be that time of the month,” or “She’s just being emotional.” But what if these emotional shifts are more than fleeting hormonal reactions? What if they’re a sign of deeper mental health challenges?

In recent years, conversations around mental health have become more open but when it comes to women, there’s still a lot of stigma and misunderstanding. Women often carry the emotional weight of multiple roles – career, caregiver, daughter, partner, friend – all while trying to maintain their own mental wellness. It’s time we start asking: Is it a mood swing or something more?

Why Women Experience Mental Health Differently

According to the World Health Organization, women are twice as likely to experience depression and anxiety than men. One key reason is biology, fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone can affect brain chemistry. But the full story isn’t just about hormones.

A study published by The Lancet Psychiatry suggests that social pressures, gender roles, and trauma exposure also contribute significantly. For instance, women are more likely to be caregivers and are more frequently subjected to emotional abuse or domestic violence, all of which affect mental wellbeing.

Common Mental Health Conditions in Women

While everyone’s experience is different, these are some of the most reported mental health issues in women:

• Anxiety Disorders: From general anxiety to panic attacks, many women silently deal with persistent worry and fear that interferes with daily life.
• Depression: Often misdiagnosed or underreported in women, depression may show up as exhaustion, irritability, or even chronic physical pain.
• Postpartum Depression (PPD): Around 1 in 7 women experience PPD, and many suffer in silence due to guilt or fear of being judged.
• Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD): Unlike PMS, PMDD is severe and can cause intense mood shifts, irritability, and feelings of hopelessness.
• Bipolar Disorder: Although equally prevalent among men and women, bipolar symptoms in women often involve more depressive episodes and mixed moods.

When Should You Be Concerned?

It’s natural to have occasional mood swings, especially around your menstrual cycle, during pregnancy, or in menopause. But some signs should not be ignored:

• Feeling persistently low, angry, or anxious for more than two weeks
• Withdrawing from relationships or work
• Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much
• Loss of interest in things that once brought joy
• Thoughts of self-harm or hopelessness

If any of these symptoms persist, it’s important to seek help. Mental health is just as important as physical health and you deserve support.

What You Can Do

Here are some steps women can take to nurture their mental wellbeing:

• Talk About It: Don’t bottle it up. Speak to a trusted friend, therapist, or family member.
• Track Your Cycles and Moods: Apps like Clue or Flo can help identify patterns related to hormones.
• Self-Care Isn’t Selfish: Take time to rest, journal, walk, or do what makes you feel good.
• Seek Professional Help: Therapists, counsellors, or psychiatrists can offer effective treatments like CBT or medication when needed.