adminDr Mazvita Machinga
As Zimbabweans, we joined the rest of the world in commemorating International Women’s Day on March 8, 2015. The Ministry of Women Affairs, Gender and Community Development with support from the United Nations celebrated the International Women’s Day on 6 March 2015.
The occasion was also celebrated across the country with government, civic organizations, and communities attending and delivering speeches acknowledging the role of women in society.
As we continue to celebrate the importance and role of women in families’ society and our nation as a whole, we cannot afford to do so without taking cognizant of the importance of sound mental health for women.
Day by day scores of women live in different tough conditions threatening their mental health.
From my psychotherapy practice, I have learnt that some women are particularly exposed to factors that increase the risk of poor mental health because of the role and status that they typically have in society. Pressures created by women’s multiple roles, gender discrimination and associated factors of poverty, hunger; malnutrition, overwork, domestic violence and sexual abuse, all combine to account for a woman’s poor mental health in many cases.
If unattended, poor mental health can lead to mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, psychosis substance abuse and suicidal.
Such mental health problems can affect women at any time regardless of age, status, race or income.
It is important to note that while this article talks of women and mental health. Everyone has mental health. Mental health does not mean that we are unwell in any way, it means a state of well-being in which every individual realises his or her own potential, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to her or his community (World Health Organisation)
In the process of trying to cope with normal stress, various mental health problems affect women and men equally, but some are more common among women. What I have seen in the community is that various social factors put women at a greater risk of poor mental health than men.
There are known risk factors such as exposure to trauma, violence, ill-treatment, pregnancy, menstruation, menopause and poverty that can affect the chances women will experience mental health challenges.
Because of the role women play in society they tend to be more at risk to certain mental health conditions. It is therefore very important for women and those who care about their well-being to know that no matter how busy they are, women should look after their mental health as well as their physical health.
The following are ways that may help women to live productive and fruitful lives and promote sound mental health;
Taking time to care for yourself. Research findings have indicated that women sometimes neglect their own needs while focusing on other concerns. So, take care of yourself too. You are worth it! Healthy Diet and physical exercises help. Refer to your spiritual resources for coping.
Talking about your feelings and having strong social networks can help protect your mental health.
Being in friendship with other women can help protect your mental health. Have adequate sleep.
Having Good social support is key and can play a part in preventing mental ill health and can help women recover from mental health problems. So join a women’s group ( ruwadzano etc) and mingle.
And please ask for help if you should need it. Whatever your reason for waiting — maybe it’s “not the right time” or maybe you feel ashamed or scared — understand that the sooner you get help, the sooner you can begin a new life free from the constraints and stress of mental or physical breakdown.
Do not wait, Get help for yourself or someone you know.
Make it happen and stay healthy. Healthy Mind. Healthy bodies. Healthy Communities.
Dr Mazvita Machinga Ph.D. is a qualified Psychotherapist in Mutare who offers professional counseling and psychotherapy. For information on mental health and counseling contact [email protected] <mailto:[email protected]>, or call 0771 754 519.
Online Reporter