WHO And UK Institutions Highlight Gender Disparities and Potential Solutions
Recent statistics and developments released by the World Health Organization (WHO) and leading UK health institutions have shed light on the alarming rise in mental health issues among women, emphasizing the urgent need for gender-specific interventions and support.
As the world grapples with the far-reaching consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic, it has become increasingly clear that women are bearing a disproportionate burden when it comes to mental well-being.
One In Five Women In the UK Suffer From Mental Health Issues
According to the Mental Health Foundation, around one in five women in the UK have a common mental health problem, such as depression and anxiety. While there can be many reasons why these conditions develop, women are more likely than men to face certain risk factors that contribute to poor mental health.
Women are more often found in caregiving roles, which can lead to stress, anxiety, and isolation. Carers UK, a leading charity supporting carers, emphasizes the importance of prioritizing mental health for those in caregiving roles.
Additionally, women are more likely to live in poverty, which, along with concerns about personal safety and working mainly in the home, can further exacerbate social isolation.
Women Suffer More Physical And Sexual Abuse, As Compared To Men
Experts stress that women are more able to experience physical and sexual abuse, which can have a long-lasting impact on their mental health.
Refuge, a UK-based charity supporting survivors of domestic violence, highlights the critical need for accessible support services and resources for women facing abuse.
When women find it challenging to talk about complicated feelings, they tend to internalize them, leading to a higher risk of developing depression, eating disorders, and self-harm. Reports informed that men, conversely, are more likely to express their feelings through disruptive or anti-social behaviour.
The World Health Organization (WHO) shared that depression is approximately 50% more common among women as compared to their male counterparts.
WHO pointed out that more than 10% of expectant mothers and lactating women experience depression.
WHO informed that more than 700,000 women commit suicide around the globe each year, with suicide being "the fourth leading cause of death in 15–29-year-olds."
Despite these challenges, some factors can help protect women's mental health.
Women tend to have better social networks than men, find it easier to confide in their friends, and are more likely to have sought treatment for mental health problems.
Nutritional Supplements As Additional Aid For Better Mental Health
One promising area of research in supporting women's mental well-being is the potential benefits of omega-3 fatty acids, particularly those found in cod liver oil.
Product proponents of cod liver oil affirm that according to their research, "regular consumption of high-quality cod liver oil can positively impact mental well-being, especially for women more prone to certain mental health issues."
Insights from health industry insiders' research studies further prove that "nutrient deficiencies and imbalances adversely affect the way we think and feel."
"After all, the brain and the nervous system are integral parts of our physical bodies and must be nourished, just like the other organs. With a healthy body and brain, we can produce the endorphins and other biochemical compounds needed to feel optimistic, happy, balanced and focused," the report further said.
Health experts also shared that health groups and institutions recognize the potential role of nutrition in supporting mental well-being and that "a balanced diet that includes omega-3 fatty acids, such as those found in cod liver oil, can play a role in supporting mental health."
As the world continues to navigate the complexities of the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on mental health, it is crucial to prioritize the unique mental health needs of women.
By promoting a holistic approach that includes gender-specific interventions, improved access to support services, and the potential benefits of balanced health and adequate nutrition, women's health proponents can work towards a future where women's mental well-being is supported and prioritized.
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