Every year, October 10th is celebrated internationally as World Mental Health Day. This day highlights the global need to raise awareness of important mental health issues. Such issues include the crucial nature of the emotional and psychological aspects of well-being. They also include the need for wider access to effective mental health treatment.
Men and women have equal overall risks for mental illness. However, certain issues are far more common for women than for men. This means that gender-specific women’s mental health care is a vital resource. At Women’s Recovery, we specialize in this kind of care for women who also have substance problems or a dual diagnosis. With our help, you can recover from any combination of these common health concerns. Learn more about how you can celebrate World Mental Health Day and get started on the road to recovery by calling 833.754.0554.
Basics of World Mental Health Day
World Mental Health Day is sponsored by the World Health Organization, or WHO. In the U.S., World Mental Health Day is celebrated during the same month as Mental Illness Awareness Week. The 2021 celebration takes place just one day after that week comes to an end. Both events emphasize the need to address mental health issues on a local and societal level.
Mental Health Differences Between Women and Men
The two most common mental health issues around the globe are depression and anxiety disorders. Compared to men, women have higher risks for illnesses in both of these categories. The most serious depressive illness, major depression, affects women twice as often as men. Women with depression may also suffer from longer-lasting symptoms.
Some of the risk factors for mental illness are shared by men and women. However, women also have certain gender-specific risks. Examples of these issues include:
- A high rate of exposure to sexual violence
- Lower average earnings
- An overall lower socioeconomic status
Women also carry a disproportionate load when it comes to the mental strain of caring for children and other loved ones.
The Need for Dual Diagnosis Treatment
Among both women and men, mental illness is often accompanied by a separate substance abuse problem. Experts in the U.S. call the combination of these two health issues dual diagnosis. Compared to mental illness or substance problems alone, dual diagnosis:
- Is more likely to lead to worsening symptoms
- Increases the amount and type of needed treatment
- Often requires more time for an effective recovery
As a rule, you will find it difficult to recover your well-being without specialized dual diagnosis treatment. This treatment approach accounts for the many challenges created by the condition. In this way, it greatly increases your recovery odds.
Certain dual diagnosis combinations are prevalent in women. For example, well over half of all women with PTSD also have a drug or alcohol problem. In addition, large numbers of women suffer from a combination of depression and substance problems.
The Importance of Gender-Specific Women’s Mental Health Treatment
One issue must be addressed every World Mental Health Day: the importance of gender-specific treatment. Since women often have certain underlying risks, programs designed for men or coed groups are not ideal. In contrast, a gender-specific program can target women’s unique issues. As a result, they offer a level of support often not found in other recovery environments.
Learn More About World Mental Health Day at Women’s Recovery
Want more information on World Mental Health Day? Contact Women’s Recovery today. We’re happy to fill you in on the importance of this day. We’re also a premier provider of gender-specific dual diagnosis treatment. No matter how this condition affects you, we’ll help restore your function and well-being. To learn more, fill out our online form or call us at 833.754.0554.
