Moments Of You

Women’s mental health is not just a personal issue – it’s a public health priority.
Yet for years, the unique psychological needs of women have been overlooked or minimized.

The truth is, women experience mental health challenges differently than men – and understanding those differences is key to healing, support, and advocacy.

Let’s explore what research tells us about the emotional landscape of women’s lives.

Women Are Twice as Likely to Experience Depression
According to the World Health Organization, women are nearly twice as likely as men to be diagnosed with depression.
This isn’t just about biology – social, cultural, and environmental stressors, (like caregiving roles, workplace inequality, and trauma exposure) play a massive role.

Study: Kuehner, C. (2017). Why is depression more common among women than among men? The Lancet Psychiatry.

Anxiety Disorders Are More Prevalent in Women
Women are also significantly more likely to experienced generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and phobias.
Hormonal fluctuations and trauma histories (especially during adolescence) are contributing factors.

Study: McLean, C. P., & Anderson, E. R. (2009). Gender differences in anxiety disorders: prevalence, course of illness, comorbidity and burden of illness. Journal of Psychiatric Research.

The Invisible Impact of Caregiving Stress
Women are the primary caregivers in most households – and caregiving has been directly linked to higher rates of anxiety and depression. Burnout from emotional labor is real and often goes unacknowledged.

Study: Pinquart, M. & Sorensen, S. (2006). Gender differences in caregiver stressors, social resources, and health: an updated meta-analysis.

Maternal Mental Health Is Public Health
Pregnancy and postpartum periods are critical windows for mental health.
1 in 7 women experience postpartum depression, but many never seek help due to stigma or lack of access to care.

Study: Wisner, K. L., Sit, D. K. Y., et al. (2013). Onset timing, thoughts of self-harm, and diagnoses in postpartum women. JAMA Psychiatry.

Trauma and PTSD Are Often Missed in Women
Women are more likely to experience interpersonal trauma (such as emotional abuse or sexual violence) and often show different PSTD symptoms than men – like anxiety, disassociation, and internalized shame.

Study: Olff, M/ (2017). Sex and gender differences in post-traumatic stress disorder: an update. European Journal of Psychotraumatology.

Women’s mental health is not one-size-fits-all.
It’s layered with biological rhythms, social expectations, invisible workloads, and unspoken grief.
And it’s time we made space for it.

Looking for Support?
Explore the Moments of You digital tools – created to give you space to reflect, reset, and care for your own mind.