March is Women's History Month, which originated in 1981. In 1987, responding to a petition by the National Women’s History Project, Congress passed a law, officially designating the entire month of March as “Women’s History Month”. From 1988 to 1994, Congress passed resolutions determining March of each year as Women’s History Month, and every year since 1995, we have been celebrating women's contributions to the United States across various fields throughout American history.
When discussing pioneers in mental health, names like Sigmund Freud, Ivan Pavlov, Emil Kraepelin, and Eugen Bleuler often come up. However, these figures are all men. In truth, numerous women, including Freud's daughter Anna Freud, have made equally significant contributions to the field.
In honor of Women’s History Month, let's acknowledge a few remarkable women who have shaped and enhanced mental health. These women, including psychologists, therapists, researchers, journalists, and public figures, have transformed clinical practice, reshaped public perception of mental health, and improved countless lives through their dedication and hard work.
Women Who made Advancements in Clinical Care
Mary Whiton Calkins (1836 – 1930): Mary was the first woman to be president of the American Psychological Association after years of discrimination in the field.
Jane Addams (1860 – 1935): Jane was the first American woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize for her work on settlement houses – and for founding social work as a profession.
Leta Stetter Hollingworth (1886 – 1939): Leta was New York City’s first female civil service psychologist and worked at Bellevue Hospital running its psychological lab. She was one of the early advocates of the field of psychology and researched women’s psychology, intelligence, and gifted children.
Women Who made Strides in Therapy and Treatment Techniques
Melanie Klein (1882 – 1960): Melanie defined object relations theory and inventing play therapy for children.
Karen Horney (1885 – 1952): Karen founded feminist psychology (womb envy!) and expanding the discourse on neuroses and narcissism.
Anna Freud (1885 – 1982): Anna founded psychoanalytic child psychology.
Mental health challenges among women are increasing.
One in five women experience common mental disorders like anxiety or depression, compared to one in eight men.
Violence and abuse are strongly linked to women's mental health:
53% of women with mental health issues have faced abuse.
78% of women with extensive violence experiences have faced life-threatening trauma, with 16% developing PTSD.
36% have attempted suicide, and 22% have self-harmed.
Women in poverty are more vulnerable:
29% experiencing common disorders compared to 16% not in poverty.
Women in poverty who have experienced abuse are even more likely to experience poor mental health
Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic (BAME) women face additional challenges:
29% Black women, 24% Asian women, and 29% mixed-race women has a common mental disorder, compared to 21% White British women, and 16% White other women
Young women are at the highest risk:
A quarter of young women (25.7%) have self-harmed – more than twice the rate for young men. There is evidence this could be higher and is growing.
1 in 7 young women (16-24) have PTSD (compared with 3.6% of young men).
72% of those in suicide counselling with NSPCC are girls
Addressing the pressing need for support in women's mental health is paramount as it not only ensures individual well-being but society benefits as a whole. By acknowledging and prioritizing women's mental health, we not only empower women to thrive but also bolster the fabric of our communities and societies. How will you be celebrating this month?
If you or someone you know is struggling with their mental health, please don’t hesitate to reach out for help. Numbers and links can be found below:
(800) 799-7233
(800) 656-4673
988
For TTY Users: Use your preferred relay service or dial 711 then 988
(Mental health statistics based on a study from Agenda Alliance between 2011 and 2014 - LINK)
Written by Kaylee Garber
Psychiatric Medical Practitioners Inc.
Business Development
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