Fortis Escorts Hospital Jaipur Encourages Women to Prioritise Mental Health and Overcome Stigma in Seeking Help

Fortis Escorts Hospital Jaipur Encourages Women to Prioritise Mental Health and Overcome Stigma in Seeking Help 

Experts Highlight Importance of Mental Wellness Month in January, Citing Higher Rates of Depression Among Women in India 

 Jaipur, January,  2024: The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that in India, the prevalence of depression and anxiety among women is twice that of men, affecting approximately 25% of the female population. About 20% of women experience at least one episode of depression in their lifetime. The study also said that women's mental health suffers in a society where gender expectations are heavily tilted towards women managing home and work, making work-life balance a difficult goal to achieve on most days. During Mental Wellness Month, Fortis Escorts Hospital Jaipur is actively working to increase awareness and support for women suffering from Common Mental Disorders (CMDs). These disorders, which include burnout, overwhelming stress, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), work-related fatigue, and other stress-induced conditions, are being highlighted to ensure women receive the necessary care and assistance. 

  Dr. Tushar Kant, Consultant Psychiatrist, Fortis Escorts Hospital Jaipur, says, women of all ages, ethnicities, and occupations battle with anxiety, and the worrying part is, that they are not taken seriously, as awareness of mental health is still scarce, and the inevitable stigma attached to seeking help for being psychologically and emotionally overwhelmed. He adds that seeking medical attention is essential because mood regulation can be greatly impacted by hormonal oscillations that occur during the menstrual cycle. Anxiety symptoms can appear in a variety of ways, such as increased stress, impatience, and, most notably, binge eating. Anxiety and binge eating have a complicated relationship that is frequently entwined with coping strategies and emotional triggers. Anxiety in women can be exacerbated by disorders such as Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD).  

  Highlighting the urgency of the issue, Dr. Tushar Kant, Consultant Psychiatrist, Fortis Escorts Hospital Jaipur, underscores the critical need for heightened awareness and treatment of Common Mental Disorders (CMDs) in women, which often remain unnoticed or untreated. He stresses the importance of understanding and addressing the intricate links between various factors in women's mental health. These include menstrual history and irregularities, symptoms related to conditions like binge eating and Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD), hormonal fluctuations, and age-related changes. Dr. Kant points out that sometimes the most effective support is simply being a good listener. He advocates for a holistic approach to mental health care, combining lifestyle adjustments, psychological support, and medical treatment. This comprehensive strategy is essential for empowering women to manage and mitigate anxiety effectively throughout different phases of their lives.