There are many types of mental health disorders that affect women. These conditions can range from mild to severe. They also impact behavior, lifestyle and relationships.
While mental health disorders also affect men, they can look different for women.
Types and causes of mental health disorders in women
Common types of mental health disorders that affect women are:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Bipolar disorder
- Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
- Trauma- and stressor-related disorders
Possible causes of mental health disorders in women can include:
- Life challenges and changes
- Family history and genetics
- Pregnancy, postpartum, perimenopause and menopause
- Trauma or abuse
Learn more about mental health in women
What does anxiety look like in women?
Anxiety disorder symptoms can vary from person to person. However, there are some anxiety symptoms that are more common in women. They include:
- Persistent and excessive feelings of worry, dread, danger or panic
- Irritability
- Avoiding things like social activities or specific situations
- Difficulty staying calm or concentrating
- Sleep problems and fatigue
- Physical symptoms such as upset stomach and headaches
Learn more about anxiety disorders and how to get help
How common is anxiety in women?
Women are almost twice as likely as men to experience an anxiety disorder in their lifetimes. Sometimes an anxiety disorder can occur at the same time as depression.
Explore self-care tips to help manage anxiety
What are the signs of depression in women?
Like anxiety, depression is a mental health disorder that affects both men and women. There are some depression symptoms that women commonly experience, such as:
- Feeling hopeless or lonely
- Feeling overly tired
- Loss of energy, motivation and interest
- Trouble sleeping
- Appetite changes
- Thoughts of suicide or not wanting to be alive any more
If you are in crisis, call 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.
Learn more about suicide prevention and how to get help
How common is depression in women?
Depression is more prevalent in women than in men. Women are almost twice as likely as men to experience depression in their lifetimes.
Effects of pregnancy and postpartum on women’s mental health
Mental health conditions are common in women who are pregnant or postpartum (after childbirth). Hormonal changes are the most common cause of these mental health conditions.
A common side effect of the postpartum hormonal shift is feeling the “baby blues”. While this is not a disorder, someone experiencing the baby blues will often feel emotional. This doesn’t interfere with the ability to care for and bond with your baby. The baby blues typically resolve within a few weeks.
Some women experience mental health effects after pregnancy that are more impactful. These mental health conditions can include depression, anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder, among others.
Common symptoms of maternal mental health conditions can include:
- Feeling sad or down
- Feeling angry and irritable
- Feeling overly guilty or worried
- Experiencing appetite changes or sleep problems that go beyond typical newborn care
- Feeling like you are not bonding with your baby
- Difficulty concentrating
- Feeling constantly overwhelmed
There are also more serious maternal mental health conditions, like postpartum psychosis. Symptoms can include:
- Thoughts of harming yourself or your baby
- Seeing or hearing things that others aren’t
- Engaging in extreme or reckless behavior
Learn more about maternal mental health and treatment
Menopause and mental health
Menopause is a stage when the body stops producing eggs. It marks the end of the reproductive years. Menopause is a hormonal shift, which can impact mental health. Treatment options, such as hormone therapy, may be available to women experiencing mental health conditions caused by menopause.
Learn more about treatments for menopause mental health side effects
What does mental health treatment look like and how do you get started?
If you or a loved one is having symptoms of a mental health disorder, you can get help. Some forms of treatment are the same for men and women, while some can vary by cause and symptoms.
Treatment is personal and can vary. Common mental health treatment options for women include:
- Therapy: Talking with a therapist can help reduce mental health symptoms. There are even certain types of therapy that are very helpful for anxiety.
- Support groups: Examples of support groups for women include menopause, postpartum and anxiety groups.
- Medication: A primary care provider or psychiatrist can help manage medication for mental health. Medication is often taken along with therapy.
- Hormone therapy: Hormone therapy may help ease symptoms of hormonal shifts such as menopause.
- Meditation and mindfulness: Practicing meditation, mindfulness, and breathing activities for 10 minutes a day can concretely benefit mental health.
- Lifestyle changes: A healthy diet, regular exercise and sleep hygiene can be good for mental health. Spending time outdoors or with pets is also shown to have a positive impact on mental health.
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How do you know when to seek help for mental health?
It’s normal to experience stress, sadness, anxiety and other emotions. However, it may be time to seek help if:
- Distressing thoughts and emotions become excessive or persistent
- They get in the way of carrying out everyday tasks
- They cause behavioral changes
Learn about types of therapy and how to get started
Explore mental health services at UC Davis Health
This blog was medically reviewed by general psychiatrist Jesse Koskey.
