International Women's Day: Women's Mental Health

In recognition of women’s history month, we want to take this opportunity to highlight how mental health issues impact women.  As an all women-run organization, PeerWorks recognizes that mental health issues can affect women differently and some mental disorders are unique to women.  

A Canadian poll conducted in 2017 found that 47% of women were considered at high risk of developing mental health disorders, compared to 36% of men. Women are also twice as likely to be diagnosed with depression and those that have experienced childhood trauma are three to four times as likely. 

The mental health issues get compounded in women of colour who are at higher risk. Compared to White women, women of colour may experience additional race or culture-related stressors that can contribute to poorer mental health outcomes. 

Given that mental health issues impact women uniquely, it is also important for them to access care that is tailored to their needs. For example, women may feel more comfortable seeking mental health care if they can relate their care provider. Similarly, women of colour may be a lot more comfortable seeking mental health care if the person providing it is a woman of colour as well. 

To this end, we have compiled a list of resources that are specifically tailored for women and women of colour: