When it comes to some mental health conditions, particularly anxiety, it matters whether you’re male or female.
Women are almost twice as likely to experience anxiety as men, says a 2016 University of Cambridge review of studies. The Australian Bureau of Statistics National Health Survey from 2017-2018 had similar findings: women were more likely than men to experience high levels of psychological distress, anxiety-related conditions and depression.
Why women?
Biology can explain only some of the differences.
Hormonal changes across a woman’s life – during puberty, the menstrual cycle, pregnancy and menopause – have been linked to anxiety. Women also tend to be more prone to stress and to have different coping mechanisms than men. They are more likely to ruminate about life stressors, say University of Cambridge researchers, which can increase anxiety, while men tend to engage more in active, problem-focused coping.
But there are certain life events that can particularly affect women. Beyond Blue and Jean Hailes have identified a number of factors that can impact women’s mental health, including:
- Caring for others. Women do most of the caregiving, whether for a partner, elderly parents, and/or children. While it can be a very positive experience for many, caring can affect your physical and mental health, financial security and independence, particularly if caring for people who are ill, frail or with a disability.
- Infertility and miscarriage. The grief and loss of infertility and miscarriage can be devastating for women and is often experienced privately, which can further impact mental health.
- Pregnancy, having a baby and becoming a mother. For some women, adjusting to the major life change and challenges of early motherhood leaves them more likely to experience depression and anxiety.
- Hormone changes in the years leading to menopause can contribute to depression and anxiety. The physical changes of menopause – hot flushes, night sweats, interrupted sleep and weight gain – can also impact mental health.
- Conflict at home, particularly physical and mental abuse, can cause great fear and anxiety. Women who are separated, divorced or widowed are more likely to experience mental health issues such as depression and anxiety. As well as feelings of loss and grief, the end of a relationship can affect financial security, social connections, housing and relationships with children.
- Money worries. Stress over money is common and can affect your mental wellbeing. According to AMP’s 2020 Financial Wellness research, severe and moderate levels of financial stress are impacting 1.8 million Australian workers. Women were significantly more impacted than men with one in five female employees reporting financial stress, compared to just over one in ten male employees.
If you are regularly feeling anxious or depressed, seek help from your GP, a mental health professional or support line such as Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636.
Women’s Health Week runs from 1-5 September in 2025.
Words to replace anxious thoughts
Next time you have the thought “I can’t do this” or “this is going to be awful” replace it with a different phrase to help reduce your anxiety.
Choose words you use regularly and are important to you – the list below from Jean Hailes can get you started. Repeat the words at least seven time each day when you remember, or when you notice the signs and symptoms of anxiety.
- I am okay.
- I can do this.
- I am peaceful and at ease.
- I am calm.
- I have the strength to deal with anxiety.
- I let go of anxiety.
- I am strong.
- I am dealing with anxiety.
- My anxieties are thoughts, not reality.
- I am letting go of all I cannot control.
- I am accepting of my anxieties – they are just thoughts.
For more information on women and anxiety visit jeanhailes.org.au.
This article was previously published in the Well at Work Newsletter
