Whether you’re a young woman in search of a social outlet to make friends and learn more about yourself, or an established lady looking to cleanse your mind and return to the real world, therapy may be the answer. If you think that therapy is just for other people, or that it’s too expensive, or that there’s no point because your problems aren’t serious enough — think again.
Therapy can help you get on with your life, whether it’s finding inner strength, discovering new passions and talents, achieving personal goals and aspirations — whatever your underlying goal may be. You owe it to yourself (or someone you care about) to get the help that you need.
The history of mental health
Even though the history of mental health is relatively new, historical evidence suggests that people have exhibited some form of psychological distress throughout time. The Ancient Egyptians, for example, believed that ‘the brain is the house where the heart lives’. Historians believe that women were treated differently in ancient Rome, with very few being allowed to study or travel independently. The reasons for this were ingrained cultural attitudes towards the female sex.
Terms such as hysterical, crazy, or mad have been used throughout history, effectively stigmatizing and discounting the experiences of women, which must have been a huge emotional burden.
Women’s mental health care today
Thankfully women’s mental health care has improved dramatically in recent times. There are now many mental health therapy services designed to help women. Some of these services, such as therapy for depression and therapy for anxiety, are very similar to those provided to men. However, others, such as therapy for post-natal depression and therapy for eating disorders, have been designed mostly with women in mind.
In many countries, access to mental health care still varies greatly. In the UK, there is a National Health Service (NHS) which provides mental health care free of charge. However, in the USA, only one-third of state governments provide any form of coverage. Other countries have a mixed system. Where access to mental health treatment is not free, there may be waiting times in order to access mental health care services.
Innovative methods to deliver mental health care
During the pandemic, the use of internet-based tools such as Zoom and other online meeting applications has become popular. For example, a San Diego Individual Therapy service provides access to weekly online retreats specifically for women. As a result, it has been able to extend its reach and offer women access to high-quality therapy sessions cost-effectively.
Attendees to the virtual retreats benefit in several ways, including:
- a sense of community
- greater ability to self-monitor
- increased confidence in interpersonal interactions
Therapy can help you get on with your life
Mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety can limit your life. By talking to a therapist, you will get help to understand the issues that are affecting you and learn how to overcome these challenges in your life, ultimately making your life better for yourself and those around you.