Mental Health in Women: Coping with Anxiety and Depression

• Pressures of the Beauty Industry: Many women face unrealistic beauty standards due to the influence of the internet and social media in their daily lives. This often negatively impacts their self-esteem and can lead to eating disorders and body image issues. Additionally, for women from marginalized communities— especially women of color—economic disparities and social injustices can add even more strain, further impacting their mental health. It's also common for women to experience both anxiety and depression at the same time, with one condition often making the other worse. Anxiety can wear you down mentally and physically, leading to hopelessness or even depression. Depression, in turn, can worsen anxiety by feeding negative thoughts.
• Parenting & Perinatal Depression: Parenting can also be affected by mental health struggles. For new mothers, postpartum depression can make bonding with a baby or managing the challenges of parenthood more difficult. Perinatal Depression is a medical condition that can affect any pregnant or postpartum woman, and the woman is not to blame for such a condition. There are several treatments available for such a condition, such as Psychotherapies and Medications, both of which need to be supervised by a healthcare professional.  
• Gender Discrimination in the Workplace: For women, mental health struggles at work can make it harder to focus, be productive, and balance work with family responsibilities. On top of that, women may face additional stress due to workplace discrimination, unequal pay, and fewer leadership opportunities. These obstacles can have a direct impact on women's well-being.

Effective & Scientifically Proven Ways to Improve Mental Health

There are several initiatives or routines women can attain to improve their mental health and well-being:

• Exercise: Moving your body, whether through yoga, walking, dancing, or running, is one of the most effective ways to fight anxiety and depression. Physical activity boosts endorphins—those "feel-good" chemicals in the brain—that naturally help to relieve stress.
• Nutrition: What you eat has a significant impact on your mental health. A well-balanced diet with nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, B vitamins, and magnesium can improve mood and help your brain function better.
• Sleep: Getting good sleep is crucial because sleep routines can lead to irritability, stress, and mood swings. Creating a calming bedtime routine, cutting down on using screens before bed, and setting a consistent sleep routine can make a huge difference.
• Mindfulness: Practices like meditation, deep breathing exercises, or even yoga can help to quiet the mind and manage stress. These activities allow you to relax and stay centered when things feel overwhelming.
• Boundaries: Women must know that learning to say “no” and set healthy boundaries is key to mental well-being. Whether it's work, family, or social obligations, taking time for yourself and prioritizing your own needs can reduce stress and guil

Role of Developing Long Lasting Routine in Improving Mental Health

Engaging in routine activities supports mental health, providing a lot of benefits for emotional well-being. These hobbies offer a valuable way to get rid of stress, improve mood, and increase self-esteem through a sense of achievement. Hobbies, whether through reading, physical exercise, or creative pursuits, are powerful tools for staying present, significantly reducing anxiety, and enhancing mindfulness. They also foster social interaction, creating meaningful connections that effectively combat feelings of isolation. Embracing hobbies enriches our lives and strengthens our well-being. By taking on and maintaining hobbies as a regular part of daily life, individuals can find joy, purpose, and relaxation, all of which are essential for maintaining mental health.