It’s no secret that historically women of all ages face bigger challenges than most men all around the globe.   The sad truth is that women have been more vulnerable to social and economic factors all around the globe.  

Studies show a big increase in stress and anxiety in girls ages 10 through 18, as they are under pressure to sustain friendships, get good grades in school, gain acceptance from their community and maintain questionable standards of beauty.  Women in our society are also expected to take on many roles without support.  As of 2019, studies show that American women are facing significant amounts of stress in trying to manage work/careers, motherhood, and overall societal expectations.  As a result, women are more at risk of falling into disordered eating, major depression, poor stress management, and dysfunctional partnerships.  Some would say that it’s become a national crisis.

Some women struggle with the following: 

• Trying to be perfect always – trying to do things perfectly.
• Creating high demands on yourself daily.  (Over packing your schedule).
• Poor self-esteem or self-worth.  Not feeling “good enough”.
• Unexplained feelings of shame.
• Isolating from others, especially other women.
• Chronic exposure to degrading mainstream material and looming threats of sexual assault

(Link:  https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11199-014-0444-y#page-1)

• Only focusing on your achievement or the validation of others.  
• Constantly judging yourself.
• Difficulties maintaining healthy relationships.
• Staying in relationships where we are made to feel “less than”.
• “People pleasing”

Our society has an impact on the way that we, women, process and experience our emotions.  Factors that lead to this include gender biases/sexism, poverty, higher risk of exposure to abuse/sexual violence, a tendency to internalize criticisms, and existing stigmas regarding mental health or seeking support.  

In a changing world you must reinforce your ability to adapt.  

Your counselor should be able to celebrate your inner strength and help process limiting thoughts/experiences.  In counseling you can work on some of the following:

• Realize your strengths and healthy ways to explore your identity.
• Understand cultural and societal influences on your stress.  
• Openly process moments of “microaggressions” and potential trauma that you have faced directly or vicariously as a woman.
• Practice healthy ways to communicate your needs to others.
• Setting limits and boundaries around your time and schedule.
• Identify positive and negative supports.
• Mutually create a lifestyle that will allow you to balance your self-care and duties.

“There is no greater threat to the critics, cynics, and fearmongers than a woman who is willing to fall because she has learned how to rise.” – Brene Brown

Your happiness is important – if not for you then for those who look to you for support and guidance.  Let’s talk about it.  

Schedule your FREE 30 minute consultation