The State of Women's Mental Health

March is Women’s History Month—a time to celebrate progress, but also to reflect on the silent struggles many women still face. In an era of endless to-do lists and impossible expectations, how is our mental health holding up?

Women are balancing more than ever, juggling careers, relationships, and family responsibilities while moving at an exhausting pace. Societal expectations are unrealistic, and social media only amplifies the pressure. Despite advances in gender equality, women still shoulder a disproportionate share of housework and childcare. And on top of everything else, we carry the added stress of worrying about the impact of social media on our children—especially our daughters.

America Ferrera’s monologue at the end of the Barbie movie captured this struggle perfectly. Here’s just a snippet of the words that have resonated with so many of my therapy clients and friends:

“It’s impossible to be a woman... You have to be thin but not too thin. And you can never say you want to be thin. And you have to say you want to be healthy, but you also have to be thin. You have to have money but you can’t ask for money because that’s crass. You have to be a boss but you can’t be mean. You have to lead but you can’t squash other people’s ideas. And you are supposed to love being a mother but don’t talk about your kids all the damn time….”

It’s no wonder women are particularly vulnerable to anxiety and depression.

The Workplace Struggle

We’ve made progress—no doubt about it. But in many ways, it’s still a man’s world. The glass ceiling may be cracking, but it hasn’t shattered. As the Barbie monologue highlights, women in leadership walk a tightrope: Be assertive, but not too assertive. Be ambitious, but not aggressive. The same traits that are praised in male leaders often bring criticism when displayed by women.

The Healthcare Gap

According to a recent study from the World Economic Forum, women make up 52% of the global population, yet only 5% of medical research and development focuses on women’s health. Women spend 25% more of their lifetimes in poor health compared to men.

Consider this: Women are twice as likely to develop Alzheimer’s, and emerging research suggests a link between the disease and chronic sleep deprivation—something many women experience during child-rearing years and again during menopause. Yet, funding for this type of research remains alarmingly low. We need to change that.

Another critical issue? Access to reproductive care. The uncertainty surrounding birth control, abortion rights, and appropriate care during miscarriage directly affects the mental health of countless women. When healthcare is in flux, so is our sense of stability and control.

The Importance of Boundaries and Connection

As a systems therapist, I often help women navigate the balance between connection and independence. Women thrive on relationships—with friends, partners, and family. But many of us struggle with the separateness part. We hesitate to step away, set boundaries, or prioritize our own needs.

So, what does a healthy boundary look like in real life? Sometimes, it’s as simple as committing to a non-negotiable self-care habit:

• A weekly exercise class that the family knows is sacred
• Regular nights out with friends
• An annual girls’ trip
• Saying no to obligations that drain your energy

It’s easier for me to encourage this than it is for a busy woman to implement it. But I push for it anyway—because when we take time for ourselves, we have more to bring back to our families, our work, and our communities. And, most importantly, we feel better.

The Power of Conversation

One of women’s greatest strengths is our ability to connect. We are socialized to communicate openly, and whether it’s with friends, family, or a therapist, talking things through can be profoundly therapeutic.

This Women’s History Month, let’s not just celebrate progress; let's take care of ourselves, too. What’s one small step you can take today to prioritize your well-being?

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