This week at PsyMood we celebrated Women’s Equality Day!
A part of achieving equality is bringing awareness to gender related risk factors that contribute to mental health issues in women. Several societal and cultural factors affect women to a greater deal, thus increasing the risk of mental health concerns. Prominence of physical and sexual violence, socioeconomic disadvantage, low income and income inequality, low or subordinate social status and rank and unremitting responsibility for the care of others are some of the identified risk factors.
Taking steps to achieve better mental health can be difficult, and even more so with added societal and cultural barriers. Crossing these barriers is not impossible as there are several resources that can help women overcome and take charge of their mental health journeys.
Mental Health Support Groups
Dealing with mental health issues can be challenging, especially if you feel alone or isolated. But you don’t have to go at it alone, it may be easier to overcome challenges in a group.
YWCA Toronto Choices for Living is a free program for women living with mental health challenges. It is a support group where women can come together with facilitators to share problems and coping skills. They also offer resources and information to help women make independent decisions about their mental health and wellbeing.
Crisis Helpline for Women Survivors of Abuse
Violence against women is a widespread issue, more than 67% of Canadian women over the age of 16 have been victims of violence.
Mental health implications of abuse are serious, and survivors often need help immediately. The Assaulted Women’s Helpline is a free, anonymous, and confidential 24-hour telephone and TTY crisis telephone line that provides crisis counselling to women in Ontario who have experienced any form of abuse. They also provide resources relating to identifying abusive situations, safety planning, and emotional support.
Seeking Therapy with Cultural Awareness
Canadians are multicultural and speak a variety of languages. Cultural awareness and language compatibility is a large part of building positive recovery plans and successful therapy.
PsyMood prides itself on providing online and affordable diverse mental health support for newcomers to Canada by matching our users to mental health specialists that understand their culture and speak their native language. You can start your FREE no obligation introductory session today!
Community Initiatives and Research
Impacts of gender related issues can lead to segments of the community being underserved when it comes to mental health. WomenmindTM is a community of philanthropists and thought leaders working together with CAMH to support women become leaders in mental health research. Their goal is to close the gap for access, support and growth of community resources for women’s mental health.
If you feel the need to talk to someone about your mental health, PsyMood is here for you. Our mental health specialists can speak your language and understand your culture. Sign up today to speak with a specialist. We offer sessions at any time, anyplace!
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