Women’s Mental Health

What it means to you.
About this booklet

“Women’s mental health

is critical to their overall

health and to the health 

of our Nation.”

Wanda K. Jones, Dr.P.H.

Deputy Assistant Secretary for Health (Women’s Health)

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

Good mental health is 

important to everyone. 

And because it is so important, 

we need to talk about it more. 

This booklet is about women’s 

mental health. It is based on the best 

science available. Researchers have a 

growing understanding about women’s 

unique mental health needs. 

This booklet does not take the place of your 

doctor. And it does not diagnose mental 

illness. But it offers tips to help you protect 

your mental health. It also suggests who 

to turn to and where to go when you 

need help. And it could make it easier 

for you to talk about mental health.

Promoting better mental wellness 

for women is important to 

everyone.
Women’s Mental Health

What it means to you.

Good mental health is an 

important part of a woman’s 

overall health. 

Your mental health is as important 

as your physical health. In fact, new 

research is showing us how closely 

the two are connected. Taking care 

of your mental health can help you 

feel better physically. And taking care 

of your body is important for your 

mental health. 

Good mental health helps you 

enjoy life and cope with problems. 

It offers a feeling of well-being and 

inner strength. Just as you take care 

of your body by eating right and 

exercising, you can do things to help 

protect your mental health.

Being able to recognize and talk 

honestly about your mental health 

is the first step.

“You need 

a balance of mental 

health along with spiritual, 

emotional, and physical health. 

It all works together.”

Elaine, age 48, self-employed

1
Your mental health is important 

to others. 

Other people depend on you and 

your well-being. Your mental health 

affects how you 

act with family 

and friends. It 

affects your 

work. Taking 

care of your 

mental health is 

important 

to the people 

around you. 

Mental health is hard to 

talk about.

Although it is easy to talk to our 

doctor, our family, or our friends 

when we are sick or hurt, we 

might prefer to keep mental health 

problems a secret. It isn’t hard to see 

why. There is still shame associated 

with mental illness. We fear what we 

do not understand. 

Family and culture can sometimes 

block the way when we need help 

for mental health problems. The way 

we were raised often shapes how 

we express feelings. We sometimes 

feel uncomfortable talking about 

problems outside our family – or 

even within our family. In some 

families, talking about your feelings 

or seeking help is considered taboo. 

In many cultures, mental illness is 

something that you just don’t discuss.

For these reasons, women can feel 

that if they discuss their mental 

health with a professional, they are 

being disloyal to their families or 

showing a sign of personal weakness. 

But taking care of your mental health

is too important to ignore, even if it 

embarrasses others close to you.

2

“There’s a fear of putting our business 

in the street . . . of somehow 

revealing too much. Black women 

can perceive going to a therapist as 

something we don’t do. There is 

a deep-seated feeling that going to 

seek professional help is a sign of 

weakness. But self-care is not weak or 

selfish. Take care of you, so you can 

take care of others.”

Latonya Slack, Executive Director, 

California Black Women’s Health Project
Being able to “bounce back” 

is part of good mental health.

No one chooses to be mentally 

ill. And no matter what you do to 

prevent it, sometimes mental illness 

just happens. There are causes you 

cannot control. A crisis or traumatic 

event can hurt your mental health. 

Some disorders also run in families. 

The ability to bounce back from 

hard times or to deal with problems 

when they come is a big part of good 

mental health. It won’t keep bad 

things from happening, but it helps 

us get past them when they do.

3

Here are some things that help you 

to bounce back: 

u Having good friendships and 

family ties

u Doing activities you enjoy 

each day

u Feeling support from your faith, 

community, or loved ones

u Finding ways to reduce stress in 

your life

u Getting mental health help when 

you need it.

Mental health is important at 

every stage in your life.

Your mental health needs change 

throughout your life. But being 

able to recognize and talk about 

mental health is important in every 

life stage. Here are helpful things 

to know about mental health at 

different times in your life.

Y i d o u K n o

D

w ?

Half of all mental illnesses begin in childhood, before age 14. 

Three-fourths begin before the age of 24.
Childhood is an important time to 

build mental wellness. Half of all 

mental illnesses begin before age 

14. Some are caused by child abuse 

or other kinds of trauma. Others 

are not. But all can lead to later 

problems like drug abuse, eating 

disorders, and trouble in school. 

If your daughter shows signs of 

problems, get help right away. Not 

only can it help her feel better, it 

can help avoid serious learning or 

social problems. 

Young girls need to build good 

mental health habits. School is one 

place to learn them. Competitive 

4

sports and games, clubs that help 

others, the arts, and faith can also 

help children develop skills for better 

mental health. 

Girls need friends their own age, 

but they also need adults they can 

trust, respect, and look up to. If you 

are a parent, friend, or mentor of a 

young girl, talk with her every day. 

Be a good listener. Be involved. Show 

support by going to her games and 

performances. Find things you like 

doing together and talk while you do 

them. Be a good role model, and help 

her to pick good friends. 
5

The teenage years are a time of 

rapid physical and personal growth. 

It is also a confusing time. During 

puberty, changes in levels of 

hormones can affect teens’ moods. 

Teen girls may be at higher risk for 

depression, anxiety, or even suicide. 

Some teens develop eating 

disorders, too. 

Some of the ways that girls and 

women are depicted in magazines, 

movies, and television shows can be 

confusing to teens. They can alter 

ideas for how our bodies should look 

and how to act. They can shape how 

young girls deal with problems. 

Recognize the warnings and prevent teen suicide.

Many teenage girls feel sad, stressed, angry, or confused from time to time. These are normal 

growing pains. But sometimes these feelings last a long time or become too big to bear. When teens 

feel stressed, terribly angry, violent, numb to the world, or so sad they think they will never feel 

better, they may consider taking their own life. 

Girls are more likely than boys to attempt suicide, although boys are four times more likely to actually 

kill themselves. If anyone talks of suicide, it is very serious. Seek medical help immediately. 

Who is at most risk? Teens who

u have tried to commit suicide before

u are depressed

u have a history of alcohol or drug abuse

u have a close family member who has attempted or committed 

suicide

u are already coping with depression or alcohol/drug abuse, and 

then also face a serious loss or stressful situation

u have easy access to a gun, particularly at home

u have recently read, seen, or heard about other teenagers who 

have committed suicide

u have been physically or sexually abused

u are in jail.

If you know anyone thinking about suicide, call 1-800-273-TALK 

(1-800-273-8255). Or dial 911. 

You can also call 1-866-SAFEYOUTH (1-866-723-3968), or check in the phone 

book for the number of a suicide crisis center near you. Call immediately.
“Part of the reason I suffered 

from anorexia in the first place was 

that I was lonely and had too much free 

time on my hands. I thought that raising money 

for eating disorder awareness would give me 

something to do, something to care about, and 

something to think about besides food. It worked. 

It did help me get better. ... it makes me feel so 

good knowing that I can help other girls in 

the same position.”

Anna, age 16

Even if your daughter is not having 

problems, it is important to talk. 

It may seem awkward at times, but 

keep the conversations open. Tell her 

that you love her. Remind her that 

often things seem bad, but they can 

get better. Let her know that you 

are willing to help. List adults your 

daughter can turn to. Add phone 

numbers and e-mail addresses. It 

can be a parent or other relative, a 

friend’s parent, a school nurse or 

counselor, a coach, a teacher, a faith 

leader, a trusted neighbor, or an 

employer.

Good habits and relationships help 

girls resist bad influences and trust 

their own judgment. They include 

playing sports, taking on challenges, 

helping others, and having people to 

look up to.

6

Know the signs of an eating disorder. 

u Dieting to maintain lower weight than is healthy

u Feelings of distress or extreme concern about 

body size, shape, or weight

u Eating tiny meals or skipping meals

u Exercising too much

u Binge eating (eating far too much at one time)

u Fasting

u Forcing oneself to vomit

u Misusing laxatives

u No longer having a period
7

Pregnancy can be a time of great 

joy for women. However, it can also 

be a time when you feel sad, scared, 

or not in control of your life. You 

may worry about the extra costs and 

responsibilities that come with being 

a parent. There are many changes 

that happen during pregnancy – 

changes in eating habits, weight, and 

body shape. There are also changes 

in hormones that can affect your 

energy level and mood. 

During the first year after 

giving birth, 60 to 80 

percent of mothers 

feel “baby blues.” 

They are sad 

without 

knowing 

why. About 

1 in 10 

mothers may 

experience 

more serious 

post-partum 

depression.

Don’t keep these feelings to yourself. 

Get help if you feel depressed, 

anxious, or overwhelmed during 

pregnancy or after childbirth. 

Preventing or treating depression 

helps both you and your child, and 

may also lower your child’s risk 

of developing depression or other 

health problems later.
Menopause and midlife bring changes to your body and feelings. Changing 

hormone levels can cause mood swings. Aging parents, children leaving home, 

or the serious illness of someone you love often add stress during 

this time.

Develop ways to cope with stress, find positive 

friendships, and fit in activities you enjoy. Take 

care of yourself and be alert for signs of 

mental health problems. Ask for help if you 

feel you need it.

The senior years are the best time of 

life for some women. For others, 

they can bring on depression and 

anxiety. These are not normal signs 

of getting older. They are signs that 

you may need help. Get treatment 

if you need it. 

To promote good mental health, 

keep exercising your body and 

mind. Do activities you enjoy, 

strengthen friendships, hobbies, and 

family ties. Remember to exercise 

and eat lots of fruits, vegetables, whole 

grains, and nuts. Reading, playing cards, 

gardening, doing word or number puzzles, 

playing music, or going to concerts and 

shows help keep your mind alert. 

8
9

Taking time to relax and talk about problems can help 

promote good mental health. 

Your work, family, and friends all affect your mental health. This can be good or bad. You juggle work 

and family. You take care of others. You try to keep balance and control in your life. 

Here are some ideas for better mental health:

u Family can help your mental health by 

supporting your life choices. They can also 

encourage your interests.

u Friends are the people you can count on in a 

crisis. They make you laugh and are there just 

to listen. 

u Other relationships include your faith 

leader, teacher, or counselor. You can confide in 

this person and talk with him or her about your 

concerns.

u Pets can keep you company and give you 

comfort.

u Clubs can get you out and talking to other 

people. A book club, service club, bridge club, 

or other social groups are all good ways to stay in 

touch.

u Community events, like celebrating your 

culture, volunteering in your neighborhood, or 

coaching youth sports can also be helpful. 

u Exercising is good for your body and your 

mood. Sometimes finding others to join 

you—a walking buddy, exercise class, or dance 

group—can help keep you going. 

u Relaxing is a good way to protect your mental 

health. Practice yoga, Tai Chi, or meditation. 

Take breaks to talk to workmates or friends. 

Take time out just for yourself—even just a few 

minutes a day. 

u Enjoying life is very important. Take a bubble 

bath, visit your favorite park, play music, enjoy a 

crafts project, or have a pedicure. Make sure to 

fit fun things into your life.

u Take time off from work or family. Find ways 

to really relax and enjoy yourself.

“I think mental health 

is being able to order your 

life, your children, and all your 

responsibilities...most of the time.”

Gerri, age 57, community 

health services employee
10

Women and men have different rates of mental disorders during their lives. 

36%25%

6%3%

16%

9%

10%

4%

3%

1%

20%

13%

22%

29%

14%

28%

Anxiety

Disorders

 

Panic

Disorder

Phobia PostTraumatic

Stress 

ObsessiveCompulsive

Disorder

Major

Depression

Impulse

Control

Disorders

Substance 

Abuse

Disorders

Disorder

women men

Source: National Comorbidity Survey Replication, 2005

Mental illness is more common 

than you think.

Nearly half of all Americans have 

symptoms of a mental illness at some 

point in life. So if it happens to you 

or someone close to you, you are 

not alone. 

Even if you take care of your body 

and mind, there are no guarantees 

against mental illness. Even experts 

don’t know the exact cause of most 

mental illness. Some forms can run 

in families. Others are caused by 

changes in the brain. And we know 

that a crisis can trigger some 

mental illness.

You might think mental illness is 

something to be ashamed or afraid 

of. These feelings may cause you to 

not talk about it, especially outside 

your family. But it is important to 

know that counseling and treatment 

is always private. And talking with 

others about mental illness can help 

you feel better.

Y i d o u K n o

D

w ?

Nearly half of all Americans (46%) suffer from a 

mental illness at some point in life. 
11

Recognize signs that 

something is wrong.

Mental illness can keep you from relating to 

your family and friends. It can also keep you 

from taking care of other people in your life. It 

can make it hard to do your work and even put 

your life at risk. Know signs of trouble and ask 

for help.

u You gain or lose a lot of weight. 

u You lose your appetite or eat a lot more.

u You feel sad or cry a lot and it doesn’t go away.

u You feel guilty for no reason, like you’re no 

good, or you lose your confidence.

u Life seems meaningless or like nothing good is 

ever going to happen again. You have a bad 

attitude often, or it seems like you have no 

feelings.

u You don’t feel like doing things you used to 

enjoy, and you want to be left alone most of the 

time.

u You do dangerous things for no good reason.

u You aren’t as good at school or work as you 

used to be.

u It’s hard to make up your mind. You forget a lot 

of things, and it’s hard to pay attention.

u Little things make you mad, and you over-react.

u You start sleeping a lot more or you have trouble 

falling asleep at night. Or you wake up really 

early most mornings and can’t get back to sleep.

u You feel restless or tired most of the time.

u You think about death or feel like you’re dying.

You think about killing yourself.

u You hear voices in your head. 

Everyone has some of these feelings from time 

to time. But you should get help if they last for 

two weeks or more, or if they keep you from 

your relationships, your work, or your life.

Some mental illness is caused by 

trauma, violence, and abuse. 

Trauma is a terrible event in your 

life. It can be either physical or 

emotional, meaning it can happen 

to your body or your feelings. 

Trauma increases your risk for 

mental disorder. It may come from

u Domestic violence

u Child abuse

u Incest

u Sexual abuse 

u Emotional abuse

u Natural disasters

u War or terrorism

u Serious accidents.

Do you have a loved one who 

needs help?

 Make a list of reasons why you think so. A 

good first step may be to make an appointment 

with your family doctor. Go with your loved one 

to the appointment and help describe 

the problem. 
12

Trauma, violence, and abuse are 

more common than you may think. 

Nearly one-fourth of all women are 

raped or physically abused at some 

point in their lives. The effect of 

trauma on your mental health can 

appear right away. Sometimes the 

effects can appear long after the crisis 

is over. It may influence how you act 

with your friends and family. It may 

shape how you raise your children. It 

may also hurt your health and lead 

to depression, panic disorder, or post 

traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). 

Being the victim of trauma may 

lead to drug abuse, alcohol abuse, 

unhealthy eating, smoking, unsafe 

sex, hurting yourself, or thoughts 

of suicide. 

If trauma, violence, or abuse has 

happened to you, get professional 

help so you can heal. Treatment and 

support can help you deal with the 

hurt and pain.

“I am living proof that healing is 

possible. I know there are many ‘rafts 

in the river’ to offer help and support 

to victims of trauma and abuse. 

Relationships like friends, service 

providers, and recovery groups are 

out there.”

Rene Anderson, Center on Women, 

Violence, and Trauma

D i d Y o u K n o w ?

Nearly 1 out of every 4 women is 

raped or physically assaulted at some point during her life. 
13

It’s not just “all in your head.”

Depression is related to physical changes 

in the brain. Chemical messengers in the 

brain allow nerve cells to communicate 

with one another. A person with 

depression may have changing levels of 

these messengers, so nerve cells do not 

work as well as they could.

Help for mental health problems 

is available.

If you feel out of control or feel like 

a mental health problem keeps you 

from enjoying life, ask for help. 

People with mental illness often do 

not seek help when they need it. Or 

they may delay seeking treatment 

for years. They suffer while it could 

be avoided. Only 2 in every 5 people 

with a mental health problem seek 

a doctor’s help when symptoms first 

appear. For some, it’s because they 

feel ashamed. Others don’t recognize 

that mental illness is a real, treatable 

illness. Still other people with mental 

health problems do not know where 

to get help or how. 

Treatments can help you feel better 

and enjoy your life again. The best 

treatment depends on the type 

of problem you are facing. It may 

be one-on-one talk therapy. This 

is when you talk with a doctor or 

counselor alone. Or you may join 

group therapy, where you talk with 

other people like yourself along 

with a counselor. Your doctor may 

prescribe medicine to help control 

or reduce your symptoms. Or your 

doctor may suggest both medicine 

and talk therapy. For most people, 

this is better than either one alone. 
14

Choose help that works best 

for you.

When you go for help with your 

mental health, it’s important to find 

a place you trust. You need to feel 

comfortable. If you think you are not 

improving, keep trying. If you still 

are not feeling better, see if there is 

another person, type of therapy, or 

place that can work better. You may 

feel more comfortable with a mental 

health professional who is a woman 

or with a support group for women. 

You may prefer a group that has 

the same age, race, religion, cultural 

background as you, or one that 

speaks your language. 

Your family doctor can be a good 

first step. If you feel you need help, 

talk openly to your doctor about 

how you are feeling. You can also get 

help from any licensed mental health 

professional or the resources listed in 

the back of this booklet. 

Seeking treatment for mental illness 

is not a sign of weakness. It is a 

sign of strength. And it is the first 

step on a path to recovery.

Your local health clinic may have 

nurses, counselors, and social 

workers who are mental health 

experts. Even with visits as short as 

15 minutes, they can offer treatments 

that can help you feel better. 
15

“There is a good life for us, too.”

“Hispanic families have three very important values: Family, Respect, and Trust. Women are expected to 

put the ‘familia’ first, certainly before themselves. Speaking up, especially outside the home, breaks trust and 

respect. When I knew I needed mental health help I tried to turn to my family and follow their way (prayer, 

rosaries, candles, altar to the Saints). But I ended up in the hospital anyway. There I had to choose: either 

stay sick by not speaking about the truth or get well by talking to outsiders. My choice to get well, alienated 

me from family. After 14 years, some relatives still will not forgive me. But I’ve learned to break some chains 

and fill the void with my husband, children, and people I have met in recovery. It has taken a lot of work, but 

I have healed from many labels and am now on the happiest journey I have ever experienced. 

That is why I share my story – to help other women like me know that there is a good life for us, too.” 

Gloria Grijalva-Gonzales, 

Substance Abuse Counselor 

San Joaquin County Health Care Services

Many other people and resources 

around you can give you strength. 

They include:

u Your family and friends 

u Your church or faith leader 

u A school guidance counselor

u Your employer’s employee 

assistance program

u Support groups found through 

networks like your local YWCA. 
16

Women’s mental health touches 

the lives of almost everyone, 

either directly or through the 

women we love.

Remember...

u Your mental health is important. 

You will not have a healthy body if 

you don’t also take care of 

your mind. 

u You have to take care of yourself 

to take care of the people who 

depend on you, your strength, and 

your well-being.

u Promote your own mental health 

by keeping up with people and 

activities you enjoy. Find support 

when you need it.

u Remember that by caring for your 

mental health and getting help 

when you need it, you can enjoy 

life at any age.

u Don’t be afraid or ashamed 

to ask for help. Everyone 

needs help at 

some point.

“Good mental health isn’t just 

the absence of mental health 

problems. It’s about having a 

sense of balance in your life —

time alone and time with friends 

and family, work and play, rest 

and exercise. It’s about taking care 

of yourself— body and mind.”

Susan G. Kornstein, M.D., Executive 

Director, Institute for Women’s Health, 

Virginia Commonwealth University

Find help for drug and alcohol abuse.

Drug or alcohol abuse is a kind of mental illness. It is also often 

a sign of other mental health problems, like depression or 

having a history of trauma or abuse. 

If you or someone you love has a drug or alcohol abuse 

problem, get help.

You can call the government’s Toll-Free Referral Helpline at 

1-800-662-HELP (1-800-662-4357). 

Or you can search online for a treatment facility near you at: 

http://dasis3.samhsa.gov/

Or seek help from your doctor, local clinic, employee 

assistance program, school counselor, or your faith leader.
Acknowledgements

This public 

document was 

prepared by the Office 

on Women’s Health, 

Office of Public Health and 

Science in the U.S. Department 

of Health and Human Services to 

make information about mental health 

available in plain language to improve 

health literacy on this topic. 

Wanda K. Jones, Dr.P.H., Deputy Assistant 

Secretary for Health (Women’s Health), U.S. 

Public Health Service, Office on Women’s Health, 

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 

Washington, DC.

A special thanks to the many people who provided 

expert advice and suggestions: Richard H. Carmona, 

M.D., M.P.H., FACS, U.S. Public Health Service, 

Former Surgeon General; Kenneth P. Moritsugu, M.D, 

M.P.H., RADM, U.S. Public Health Service, Former 

Acting Surgeon General; Karen Near, M.D., M.S., CDR, 

U.S. Public Health Service, Senior Science Advisor, Office 

of the Surgeon General; Catherine Roca, M.D., Chief, 

Women’s Programs, National Institute of Mental Health; 

Carolyn Aoyama R.N., C.N.M., M.P.H., CAPT, U.S. 

Public Health Service, Senior Consultant for Women’s 

Health, Indian Health Service; Ulana Bodnar, M.D., 

CDR, U.S. Public Health Service, Visiting Senior 

Science Advisor, Office of the Surgeon General; 

Jennifer Bishop, M.P.H., Policy Analyst, Office of the 

Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation; Susan 

Salasin, Director, Women and Violence Program, Center 

for Mental Health Services, Substance Abuse and Mental 

Health Services Administration; Teresa Chapa, Ph.D., 

M.P.A.,Director, Office of Minority Health; Adrienne 

Smith, Ph.D., Public Health Advisor, Office on Women’s 

Health; Barbara Disckind, Senior Writer, Office on 

Women’s Health; Renee Schwalberg, M.P.H., 

Altarum Institute

Project Leads and Writers 

Valerie Gwinner, M.P.P., M.A., Altarum Institute

Pete Xiques, Vickie Reddick, 

Jamie Farley, Science Applications 

International Corporation

Graphic Design

C. Mark Van Hook, 

Phil Brooks,

Science Applications 

International Corporation
Resource Guide for Women

Here are some places you can g

information on women’s menta

v Talk to your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or ot

v See the Consumer’s Guide to Mental Health 

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service

http://mentalhealth.samhsa.gov/publica

Default.asp 

v For free information about mental health, in

and referrals to local and national resources a

SAMHSA’s National Mental Health Inform

1-800-789-2647 (toll-free), 866-889-2647 (

http://www.mentalhealth.samhsa.gov 

v For information on substance abuse treatme

Spanish-speaking operators available or visit 

http://csat.samhsa.gov/

v For information on the mental health of girl

National Women’s Health Information Cent

1-888-220-5446 (TDD), or at http://www

v You can find out more about girls’ mental he

http://www.girlshealth.gov/mind/ 

v More information on mental health issues of 

from the National Institute of Mental Healt

http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/index.s

v The Office of Minority Health Resource Ce

Spanish at 1-800-444-6472 (toll free) or htt

v Free tools and materials offering practical wa

adult women achieve better physical, mental

available at http://www.hrsa.gov/womens

Information Center at 1-888-ASK-HRSA .
HELPLINES

The numbers listed 

States. These organi

and, in some cases, c

Depression and Bipola

1-800-826-3632

8:30 a.m.–6:00 p.m

www.dbsalliance.org

Spanish-speaking op

National Alliance on M

1-800-950-NAMI (

10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m

www.nami.org

Spanish-speaking op

National Association o

1-847-831-3438

9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m

www.anad.org

National Center for Po

1-802-296-6300

www.ncptsd.va.gov

National Center for Vi

1-800-FYI-CALL (3

TTY 1-800-211-799

www.ncvc.org

Multi-language serv

National Eating Disorde

1-800-931-2237

www.nationaleating

National Suicide Preve

1-800-273-TALK (8

www.suicideprevent

Spanish-speaking op

S.A.F.E. (Self Abuse 

1-800-DONT CUT (

www.selfinjury.com

This list includes pr

and girls. Inclusion o

endorsement of any 

helpline numbers an
To download or order copies of this booklet 

go to SAMHSA’s Health Information Network 

(SHIN) at http://www.samhsa.gov/shin

To order single copies of this document 

or Action Steps for Improving Women’s 

Mental Health, go to the website above or 

call toll free

1-877-SAMHSA-7 (1-877-726-4727)

HOW TO ORDER COPIES

For more information

More information about this topic is available 

on the Office on Women’s Health website at

www.womenshealth.gov