Honoring Women's History Month: Mental Health Insights and Empowering Women’s Stories
By: Amanda Coval, MSW, LCSW
EMDR Certified, EMDR Consultant in Training
Honoring Women's History Month: Empowering Stories and Mental Health Insights
March is a time to celebrate women’s achievements and address challenges they face, including mental health—an area where empowerment and understanding are crucial for positive change.
Women, Mental Health, and History
Historically, women’s mental health concerns were dismissed and stigmatized. Terms like “hysteria” invalidated genuine issues, and societal norms discouraged seeking help. Today, advocacy and research, much of it led by women, are reframing this narrative. Mental health issues like PTSD, depression, and anxiety affect millions of women, exacerbated by societal pressures, caregiving roles, workplace discrimination, and trauma. Addressing these concerns requires tackling systemic barriers and promoting education, resources, and policy reform.
Women and Trauma: Breaking the Silence
Globally, one in three women experiences physical or sexual violence, according to the WHO. Marginalized women face additional risks and challenges accessing care. Trauma’s effects—including PTSD, depression, and chronic health issues—are significant, yet many women exhibit extraordinary resilience, finding healing and inspiring change.
Inspiring Stories of Resilience
History is filled with women turning adversity into advocacy:
- Malala Yousafzai: After surviving an assassination attempt at 15, Malala became a global advocate for girls' education.
- Tarana Burke: Founder of the #MeToo movement, Burke amplifies survivors’ voices, fostering healing and accountability.
- Elizabeth Smart: After enduring nine months of captivity, Smart advocates for trauma recovery and the power of education.
Steps Forward: Healing from Trauma
Key strategies to support recovery include:
- Trauma-Informed Care: Professionals should foster safety, empathy, and trust.
- Eye Movement Desensitization Therapy (EMDR) is an evidenced based treatment modality in the treatment of PTSD that can help women heal by safely reprocessing painful memories, reducing their emotional impact, and fostering recovery. To learn more about getting trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy, click here.
- Access to Resources: Affordable, culturally competent care and peer support networks are essential.
- Breaking Stigma: Open conversations reduce stigma and create solidarity.
- Advocacy: Push for policies addressing gender-based violence and mental health care.
Mental Health Insights for Women
Universal principles to empower mental health journeys:
- Prioritize Self-Care: Self-care is vital for well-being and healthy relationships.
- Build Support Networks: Connections with trusted allies reduce isolation and aid healing.
- Speak Up: Breaking the silence about mental health dismantles stigma.
- Acknowledge Intersectionality: Recognize how race, class, gender, and orientation impact mental health support.
How to Honor Women This Month—and Beyond
Ways to support women’s mental health and resilience:
- Educate Yourself: Learn about women’s mental health challenges and disparities.
- Support Women’s Organizations: Volunteer or donate to groups advocating for mental health reform.
- Share Stories: Amplify stories of resilience to inspire and create awareness.
- Advocate for Change: Push for policies prioritizing mental health care and gender equity.;
Looking Ahead: Empowerment and Equity
Women’s History Month is a call to action. By addressing mental health, sharing inspiring stories, and advocating for systemic change, we honor trailblazing women and build a brighter future where every woman can thrive.
References
World Health Organization. (n.d.). Violence against women prevalence estimates, 2018. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240026681
