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Mental Health Toolkit

Mental Health Awareness Month is over, but we shouldn't stop having conversations that destigmatize mental illness and help women flourish.
To keep those conversations going, we&rsquo;ve put together a toolkit that will empower you to make mental health a priority year-round. &nbsp;
Use this toolkit as a guide to support your mental health needs, and share the love with others in your community. We hope it will inform, inspire, and ignite action on women&rsquo;s mental health.&nbsp;&nbsp;
<h2 data-pm-slice="1 1 []">Race-based trauma explained&nbsp;</h2>
The definition of trauma is evolving to address the hidden toll of racism on health. Learn how to start your healing journey. &nbsp;
<a href="https://discrimination.wmnhealth.org/blog/race-based-trauma-explained/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Continue reading</a>
<h2 data-pm-slice="1 1 []">&nbsp;</h2>
<h2 data-pm-slice="1 1 []">Microaggressions: What they are and how to address them&nbsp;</h2>
Daily slights and dismissals known as microaggressions cause real psychological harm. Fortunately, there are effective ways to disarm them and protect your mental health.&nbsp;
<a href="https://discrimination.wmnhealth.org/en/microaggressions-what-they-are-and-how-to-address-them/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Continue reading</a>
<h2 data-pm-slice="1 1 []">&nbsp;</h2>
<h2 data-pm-slice="1 1 []">Turning to TikTok for health advice?&nbsp;</h2>
The social media platform is a minefield of medical misinformation. How do you separate fact from fiction and helpful advice from the rest?
<a href="https://wmnhealth.org/blog/turning-to-tiktok-for-health-advice/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Continue reading</a>  &nbsp;
<h2>&nbsp;</h2>
<h2>Eating disorder vs disordered eating</h2>
Disordered eating and eating disorders aren't the same, but both are cause for concern. Here&rsquo;s how to spot the signs, so you can get help early.&nbsp;
<a href="https://wmnhealth.org/blog/eating-disorder-vs-disordered-eating/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Continue reading</a>
<h2>&nbsp;</h2>
<h2>Mental Health Check: How to use online screening tools effectively&nbsp;</h2>
Thinking about taking an online mental health screening test? Use this guide to learn how it can help you, the tests' benefits and limitations, and what to do with the results.  
<a href="https://wmnhealth.org/blog/mental-health-check-how-to-use-online-screening-tools-effectively/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Continue reading</a>

Join our study on <a href="https://discrimination.wmnhealth.org/#studies">Discrimination and Mental Health in Our Community</a>.

Want to find other ways to get involved?

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When weight stigma is a matter of life and death  

Aubrey Gordon is a self-described "very fat person."&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
As an activist, podcaster, and author, <a href="https://www.yourfatfriend.com/">Gordon</a> doesn't shy away from discussing the blame, discrimination, and mistreatment she faces because of her weight. It is everywhere, including the doctor's office.&nbsp;&nbsp;
"I had good insurance and plenty of doctors nearby. I had all the access I needed. But there was just one problem: I was fat, and I couldn't seem to find a doctor who would take my symptoms seriously. So, for the better part of a decade, I abandoned the medical care that had long since abandoned me," she <a href="https://www.self.com/story/weight-stigma-kept-me-out-of-doctors-offices">wrote</a> in her Self magazine column in 2018.&nbsp;&nbsp;
According to Gordon, also the subject of a <a href="https://tribecafilm.com/films/your-fat-friend-2023">documentary</a> premiering this June, "Every symptom, from ear infections to endocrine issues, was attributed to my size and met with a requirement of weight loss. It was a strange feeling: to be so readily disregarded, so lazily misled, and still to feel so ashamed."&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Shame. Just one of the insidious effects of weight stigma. Decades of research have revealed the <a href="https://discrimination.wmnhealth.org/blog/when-weight-bias-hinders-your-success-at-work/">negative consequences of weight stigma for people with higher weight or obesity</a>, including emotional and psychological distress, disordered eating, and poorer mental health. &nbsp;&nbsp;
In the hands of doctors and other healthcare providers, weight stigma can be a matter of life and death. In fact, a longitudinal study from the United States associated weight discrimination and <a href="https://doi.org/10.1177/0956797615601103">increased risk of death</a> after adjusting for other factors.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Just how widespread is the problem? How does it play out? What can people with higher weight or obesity do about it? And how can they find healthcare providers who will treat them with compassion, respect, and the best evidence-based care?

<h2>Weight stigma in healthcare&nbsp;&nbsp;</h2>
What Gordon experienced at the hands of healthcare providers &mdash; and her choice to avoid visits and defer preventative care &mdash; is perilously common.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
When psychologists at the Rudd Center for Food Policy &amp; Obesity at the University of Connecticut surveyed American adults enroled in Weight Watchers, they found that <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41366-021-00860-z">as many as 40% of American adults experience weight-based teasing, unfair treatment, and discrimination</a>, particularly people with high body-mass index, with obesity, and women. Next to family members and classmates, doctors are the most common interpersonal source of weight stigma.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
A follow-up study by the same researchers with the same participants found that <a href="https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0251566#references">63-74% of participants felt fat-shamed by doctors because of their weight</a>. As a result, they said they were less likely to seek healthcare.&nbsp;&nbsp;
Another study reported that <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18317471/">women with a higher body mass index were likelier to report negative care experiences during pregnancy and after birth</a> than women with a lower weight. &nbsp;

<h2>What weight-based stigma in healthcare looks like&nbsp;&nbsp;</h2>
There are thousands of personal anecdotes from people with higher weight or obesity on social media who are fed up with bias in healthcare that can jeopardize diagnosis, treatment, and optimal health. For example, women with obesity say they have had serious health concerns dismissed or overlooked. Some recount doctors who recoil at conducting a physical exam, or attribute every symptom to excess weight, failing to consider other causes and, ultimately, misdiagnosing the problem.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Here are some ways weight stigma in healthcare settings plays out:&nbsp;
Assumptions about lifestyle: Healthcare providers may assume that women with obesity are not physically active or have poor eating habits without considering other factors that strongly influence body weight, such as genetics, hormonal imbalances, or medication side effects.&nbsp;&nbsp;
Dismissal of health concerns: Healthcare providers may be dismissive, attributing health concerns to their weight rather than investigating other possible causes. They may also spend less time in consultations.&nbsp;
Stigmatizing language: Healthcare providers may use stigmatizing language, such as describing a patient as "obese" or "morbidly obese," which can dehumanize and contribute to feelings of shame and low self-esteem.&nbsp;&nbsp;
Lack of accommodation: Clinics may not have adequate equipment, such as blood pressure cuffs or seating, to accommodate women with high weight, making them feel excluded and uncomfortable.&nbsp;
Inappropriate comments, behaviors, or facial expressions: Healthcare providers may make inappropriate comments or engage in discriminatory behaviors, such as providing unsolicited weight loss advice, unwillingness to perform specific exams, or making less eye contact. &nbsp; &nbsp;

<h2>How to fight back against weight stigma and discrimination&nbsp;&nbsp;</h2>
Increasingly, medical schools and healthcare organizations such as the American Medical Association are <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41591-020-0803-x">committing to ending weight bias and stigma</a> through education, training, and the use of people-first language that emphasizes a patient's health and well-being without making assumptions or negative judgments about their weight or size.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
While new policies and guidelines are much needed, they are slow to trickle down to patients. So, what can individuals do to advocate for themselves and find providers who will treat them with fairness, dignity, and respect?&nbsp;&nbsp;
Speak up: If you experience weight-based microaggressions or discrimination, don't be afraid to speak up and share your concerns with the healthcare provider or their staff. They may be unaware of the impact of their language or behaviors. Speaking up is difficult, but you can calmly and respectfully let them know how they made you feel and ask for more respectful and compassionate treatment.&nbsp;&nbsp;
Seek support: Seek support from others who have experienced weight-based microaggressions, stigma, or discrimination. This can include support groups such as the Obesity Action Coalition's Regional Community Network, online forums, or advocacy organizations that provide resources and support for individuals who have experienced weight-based discrimination.
Take care of yourself: Take care of yourself by prioritizing your physical and mental health. This can include seeking out healthcare providers who provide non-stigmatizing care, engaging in activities that you enjoy, prioritizing sleep, and seeking support for mental health concerns, if needed.&nbsp;&nbsp;
Advocate for change: Advocate for change by speaking out about weight bias and stigma and pushing for policy change and education that can help to address these issues. You can write to your local legislators, share your story with the media, or join advocacy organizations working to reduce weight bias and stigma.&nbsp;

<h2>How to find size-friendly healthcare&nbsp;&nbsp;</h2>
It is possible to find non-stigmatizing care. For example, Gordon started a <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B5QPkTglZnB/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link">thread</a> on Instagram where "fat people" could share their resources and experiences with healthcare providers. It is meant to help people find size-friendly healthcare or avoid stigmatizing care. 
A similar "<a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/PlusSize/comments/nsu7nr/sizefriendly_care_providers/">megathread</a>" on Reddit offers additional recommendations.&nbsp;
<h2><img src="https://wmnhealthpublicfiles.blob.core.windows.net/publicfiles/MediaLibrary/93963a32_8cdd_4e0c_80f9_14ed530df3ad_f5d978d59d.png" alt="Instagram post related to finding fat-friendly healthcare providers" width="1864" height="1186" /></h2>
In addition to these crowd-sourced resources, organizations like the Association for Size Diversity and Health (ASDH) and Obesity Canada are educating healthcare providers on obesity and inclusive healthcare. For example, ASDH developed the Health at Every Size&reg; Principles to guide healthcare providers and improve the quality of care. In addition, it offers a directory of healthcare professionals who follow the principles.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
<a href="https://fatfriendlyhealthcareproviders.com/">Fat-friendly Healthcare Providers</a> by U.S. states, including doctors, nurse practitioners, mental health professionals, and other healthcare providers.&nbsp;Similar directories are maintained by other groups. For example:&nbsp;
<ul>
<li>The Obesity Action Coalition has a <a href="https://obesitycareproviders.com/?utm_source=about-support">directory of healthcare providers who have pledged to provide non-stigmatizing care</a> to individuals with obesity. The list includes primary care physicians, specialists, surgeons, dietitians, midwives, massage therapists, fitness professionals, and health and wellness providers.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li>
<li>Plus Size Birth offers a <a href="https://sizefriendly.com/">Size-Friendly Directory</a> of doulas, midwives, and OBGYNs&nbsp;</li>
<li><a href="https://www.weightinclusivenutrition.com/">Weight Inclusive Nutrition and Dietetics</a>&nbsp;</li>
<li>Inclusive Therapists lists <a href="https://www.inclusivetherapists.com/body-positive">body-positive therapists</a></li>
</ul>

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Snapshot: Trends in online mental health screening

Have you ever taken an online mental health screen? If so, you're far from alone.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
According to new data <a href="https://mhanational.org/news/mha-releases-analysis-of-online-mental-health-screens" target="_blank" rel="noopener">released</a> by Mental Health America, 6.3 million people worldwide completed a mental health screen in 2022. A staggering number (65 percent) were women.&nbsp;&nbsp;
When the nonprofit organization began releasing data in 2019, before the COVID-19 pandemic, about 1 million people used the screening tools to check their mental health concerns. In 2021, that number spiked to 5.4 million, climbing further in 2022.&nbsp;
<img src="https://wmnhealthpublicfiles.blob.core.windows.net/publicfiles/MediaLibrary/620caeb0_fda6_4170_b5b6_faf4a7899a86_29b226bd8f.png" alt="" width="2006" height="1222" />
In 2022, more than 6.3 million people took a mental health screen globally, a nearly 138% increase from 2020 and a 19% increase from 2021. (Source: Mental Health America)&nbsp;

"The data shows that people are still concerned about their mental health, even though we're through the thick of the pandemic," says Khendra Lucas, a research associate at Mental Health America who authored this year's <a href="https://mhanational.org/lessons-MHA-Screening">report</a>. "There's still a crisis."&nbsp;&nbsp;
In addition to the total number of screens, the 2022 data showed:&nbsp;&nbsp;
<ul>
<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="1" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}" aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1">78% of users in the U.S. scored positive or with moderate to severe symptoms of a mental health condition in 2022,&nbsp;&nbsp;</li>
<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="1" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}" aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-posinset="2" data-aria-level="1">Rates of depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts remained high,&nbsp;&nbsp;</li>
<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="1" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}" aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-posinset="3" data-aria-level="1">Depression, anxiety, and bipolar were the most common screens, followed by ADHD.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
What's behind the trends? And what do they tell us about the state of mental health today?&nbsp;&nbsp;

<h2>What are online mental health screening tests?&nbsp;&nbsp;</h2>
<a href="https://wmnhealth.org/blog/mental-health-check-how-to-use-digital-screening-tools-effectively/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Online mental health screening tests</a> are short, clinically validated questionnaires for mental and developmental conditions like depression, anxiety, PTSD, eating disorders, and ADHD. They are designed to help people identify what might be wrong &ndash; and orient them toward the appropriate solutions, but do not provide a diagnosis. They are also free, anonymous, and accessible 24/7 on the Internet.&nbsp;&nbsp;
Mental Health America launched its <a href="https://screening.mhanational.org/screening-tools/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">online screening program</a> in 2014 and currently offers 11 English and two Spanish screenings.&nbsp;
<blockquote>
Read our <a href="https://wmnhealth.org/blog/mental-health-check-how-to-use-digital-screening-tools-effectively/">guide to online mental health screeners</a>, including their benefits and limitations, how to use them effectively, and&nbsp;what to do with the results
</blockquote>

<h2>Why do women screen more than men?&nbsp;&nbsp;</h2>
The data is clear: Women are taking online mental health screening tests at a much higher rate than men. And while some may see this as a cause for concern, it's important to consider the reasons behind these numbers.&nbsp;&nbsp;
Despite mental health stigma, women are more likely to seek support.&nbsp;&nbsp;
"They've been socialized to be able to be emotional, and men just don't do that. So, it's no surprise that women screeners come to us in greater frequency," Lucas says.&nbsp;&nbsp;
There are other, less favorable explanations: Women tend to experience traumas that may lead them to seek mental health care. They may also use online mental health screening tools to self-diagnose if they encounter barriers elsewhere. For example, sex and gender differences may lead to underdiagnosis or misdiagnosis of mental conditions and developmental disorders in women.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<h2>What's contributing to the mental health crisis?&nbsp;&nbsp;</h2>
Mental Health America also surveyed people who completed the screeners about the major contributors to their mental health concerns. They were:&nbsp;&nbsp;
<ul>
<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="1" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}" aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1">Body image or self-image&nbsp;&nbsp;</li>
<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="1" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}" aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-posinset="2" data-aria-level="1">Relationship problems&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</li>
<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="1" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}" aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-posinset="3" data-aria-level="1">Loneliness or isolation&nbsp;&nbsp;</li>
<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="1" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}" aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-posinset="4" data-aria-level="1">Stigma&nbsp;&nbsp;</li>
<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="1" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}" aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-posinset="4" data-aria-level="1">Human rights issues affecting women and gender-diverse people&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
"It was no surprise that body image and self-image was a top concern," says Lucas, pointing to the pandemic-driven changes in body composition and isolation as a potential explanation, as well as with social media use.&nbsp;&nbsp;
She says reproductive rights and LGBTQIA2S rights were also a concern, which may be tied to the U.S. Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade and various anti-LGBTQ+ bills.&nbsp;&nbsp;
"A lot of people are afraid that their existing rights are being compromised," says Lucas.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

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Mental Health Check: How to use online screening tools effectively 

Imagine living for a decade with asthma, arthritis, or a thyroid disorder before receiving treatment. It's almost unthinkable. Yet, that is the reality for many people with serious mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and psychosis. &nbsp;
Online mental health screening tools have proliferated, partly to help people get people much-needed help sooner. &nbsp;&nbsp;
These tools are usually short questionnaires about an individual's symptoms and experiences. They may be tailored to a specific mental health condition, such as depression, or a set of conditions, such as eating disorders.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
An Internet search will quickly lead a person to an online mental health screening test.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
For example, Mental Health America (MHA), a U.S.-based mental health nonprofit organization, offers about <a href="https://screening.mhanational.org/screening-tools/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">a dozen screening tests in English or Spanish</a>, including screens for anxiety, PTSD, post-partum depression, addiction, and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The tests are free, anonymous, and clinically validated, meaning scientific research has shown they effectively identify individuals at risk for specific mental health conditions.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Other organizations, including <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca/tests" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Psychology Today</a> and mental health charities like the <a href="https://adaa.org/find-help/treatment-help/self-screening" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Anxiety and Depression Association of America</a>, offer self-screening tools, too.&nbsp;&nbsp;
"The Internet is one of the most accessible and sought out platforms for mental health research," says Khendra Lucas, a research associate at MHA. "We launched this program in 2014 because we want to meet people wherever they are in their mental health journey and give them an idea of what's going on with their brain without having to worry about barriers to access."&nbsp;&nbsp;
In 2022, <a href="https://wmnhealth.org/blog/snapshot-trends-in-online-mental-health-screening/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">more than 6 million people</a> worldwide completed a screen on MHA's website. About two-thirds of them are women, especially women under 25.&nbsp;
If you are considering taking an online mental health screening test, use this guide to learn how it can help you. We also dig into the tests' benefits and limitations, how they should be used, and what to do with the results.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

<h2>How can online mental health screening tools help?&nbsp;</h2>
Your mental health is suffering, but are you sad or depressed? Are your distracted thoughts and restlessness signs of anxiety, or could you have ADHD? Are your symptoms mild enough to manage alone, or should you seek professional help? Sometimes it is hard to tell &mdash; and even Dr. Google can't come to the rescue.&nbsp;&nbsp;
Enter online mental health screening tools. They do an excellent job of identifying the problem. For example, they can distinguish people who might have a mental health condition such as depression or <a href="https://wmnhealth.org/blog/anxiety-disorders-in-women/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">anxiety</a> and those who probably do not.&nbsp;&nbsp;
Online tools can also help you track your mental health over time and spot changes.&nbsp;&nbsp;
However, keep in mind that online screens do not provide a diagnosis. Compared to psychological assessments, online screening tools are brief; they may not capture the full range of symptoms a person is experiencing.&nbsp;The screening tests are not intended to substitute for a professional evaluation by a family doctor, therapist, or psychiatrist.&nbsp;

<h2>What are the other benefits of online mental health screening tools?&nbsp;&nbsp;</h2>
In a nutshell, online mental health screening tools offer convenience and accessibility. They are free, anonymous, and available day and night, weekdays and weekends &mdash; no matter where you live.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
In fact, an independent study showed that the online screening tools offered by Mental Health America are <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0022395622006483" target="_blank" rel="noopener">widely used in underserved rural communities</a> in the United States. This suggests they are important tools to bridge care gaps in rural areas where mental health resources may be limited.&nbsp;&nbsp;
Screening tools can also help identify potential mental health concerns early on, leading to earlier intervention and treatment. Early detection is beneficial because it can prevent mental health conditions from worsening and improve treatment outcomes.&nbsp;&nbsp;
Lastly, online screening tools can reduce the stigma associated with seeking mental health care. Research shows that once people have completed a screen, <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0022395620310694" target="_blank" rel="noopener">they usually search for more information about themselves and their own mental health</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
&ldquo;Searching for information is generally a positive behavior where people are likely to find information that further propels them to seek treatment, which is a fairly big barrier," says Nicholas Jacobsen, a psychologist and researcher at Dartmouth College. He was involved in a study on the use of digital screening tools in rural areas and another on their real-world effectiveness.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<h2>What are the limitations?&nbsp;&nbsp;</h2>
Despite the many benefits of online mental health screening tools, some drawbacks exist.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Research by Jacobson and others suggests that online mental health screening tools can effectively identify mental health problems, but their effectiveness can vary depending on various factors, such as how the results are communicated, the population being assessed, and whether follow-up care is provided.&nbsp;&nbsp;
"Mental Health America is doing a wonderful service to the community, but they're one of many, many people trying to provide access to these tools. The variation of things folks are doing has some downstream implications to how helpful the tools are," Jacobson says.&nbsp;
One issue is personalization. Online screening tools are typically standardized; therefore, they may not take into account an individual's unique circumstances or cultural background.&nbsp;&nbsp;
Another is communication. Screening websites vary in how they present results and guide the user. For example, the instruments on Mental Health America's website return a positive or negative result &mdash; a "yes" or "no" answer &mdash; and may also display a score that indicates whether the condition is mild, moderate, or severe. The results are presented along with links to other articles and resources to help you understand the results and decide what to do next.&nbsp;
However, some websites will tell you whether you screened positive or negative for a mental health condition and nothing more. Others may provide:&nbsp;
<ul>
<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="1" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}" aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1">A suggestive diagnosis,&nbsp;</li>
<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="1" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}" aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-posinset="2" data-aria-level="1">A message about how to interpret your results,&nbsp;</li>
<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="1" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}" aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-posinset="3" data-aria-level="1">Referrals to digital treatments or in-person treatments,&nbsp;</li>
<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="1" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}" aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-posinset="4" data-aria-level="1">Information about crisis services.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
If the sites recommend further evaluation or treatment, they may not provide access to follow-up care.&nbsp;&nbsp;
Jacobson's research underscores that latter point. His team analyzed the impact of online mental health screening tools on suicidal ideation and suicidal intent, in addition to help-seeking behaviors and care receipt. They found that referrals to in-person treatments were associated with a strong increase in the risk of suicidal intent. &nbsp;
&ldquo;That was the most striking finding and one of the largest effects we saw,&rdquo; says Jacobson. &nbsp;
The results don&rsquo;t explain why, but Jacobson speculates that a lack of timely access to mental health care may be the problem.&nbsp;
&ldquo;We think what is happening is that folks are probably trying to obtain care and they&rsquo;re not able to. And so this can really potentially increase the acuity of the idea that they can&rsquo;t get out or they can&rsquo;t access something that will help ameliorate their symptoms,&rdquo; he says.&nbsp;&nbsp;
&ldquo;Within the United States, it&rsquo;s very difficult to access care. Waitlists are long and specialized clinics tend to be in metropolitan areas. Most folks with a mental disorder don&rsquo;t receive care from any mental health provider,&rdquo; he continues. &ldquo;This treatment gap could be disheartening to a lot of people and lead them to think about other &mdash; incredibly negative &mdash; ways to try to cope with their symptoms.&rdquo; &nbsp;

<h2>How to use online mental health screening tools effectively&nbsp;&nbsp;</h2>
Before you get started, make sure the online screening tool you intend to use is evidence-based and from a reputable source. Look for screening tools offered by trusted mental health organizations or healthcare providers.&nbsp;&nbsp;
Jacobson recommends researching where the information comes from, just as you should for any advice you read online. &ldquo;The quality of these sites can vary dramatically,&rdquo; he cautions. &nbsp;
When completing the screening tool, answer the questions honestly and to the best of your ability. Providing accurate information will help the screening tool give a more accurate assessment of your mental health.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Consider your unique circumstances or cultural background. For example, if you feel that the screening tool is not capturing the full range of your mental health concerns, seek help from a healthcare provider who can provide a more personalized assessment.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<h2>What to do with the results&nbsp;&nbsp;</h2>
Completing an online mental health screening can be a helpful first step in identifying potential mental health concerns.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Mental Health America <a href="https://screening.mhanational.org/content/i-just-took-a-mental-health-test-what-next/?layout=actions_g&amp;pathway=84993">recommends</a> sharing your results with a supportive friend, family member, or mental health professional. Other next steps could be:&nbsp;
<ul>
<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="1" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}" aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-posinset="5" data-aria-level="1">Learn all you can&nbsp;</li>
<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="1" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}" aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-posinset="6" data-aria-level="1">Learn from people with lived experience&nbsp;</li>
<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="1" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}" aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-posinset="7" data-aria-level="1">Get a second opinion&nbsp;</li>
<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="1" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}" aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-posinset="8" data-aria-level="1">Get a formal diagnosis and/or treatment&nbsp;</li>
<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="1" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}" aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-posinset="9" data-aria-level="1">Test again in a few weeks&nbsp;&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
"Remember, if you're struggling or frustrated, you are not alone. It takes a lot of determination and education to even go out and seek help," says Lucas. "Or, if you're not ready to seek help, that's fine, too. You have the power to continue to learn more about what you might be experiencing."&nbsp;

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When weight bias hinders your success at work

In a world obsessed with controlling women's bodies, messages about losing weight and eating less are ubiquitous. There's no escaping them, even in the workplace.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Weight stigma, the stereotyping and discrimination of people based on their size, is a serious problem in professional spaces, with women reporting higher rates of discriminatory experiences than men. &nbsp;
Experts are just beginning to uncover how it impacts women's mental and physical health. The data reveal the stark toll this form of discrimination takes on one's quality of life, linking women's experiences with binge eating, anxiety, depression, and chronic stress, among other problems, in the aftermath of being stigmatized for their weight.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
So, what does weight stigma in the workplace look like, and how can we create healthier work environments for women?&nbsp;&nbsp;

<h2>Shouldering the burden&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</h2>
In 2015, a research group led by the <a href="https://uconnruddcenter.org/research/weight-bias-stigma/weightbias-employers/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Rudd Center for Food Policy and Health</a> at the University of Connecticut <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/ijo201532" target="_blank" rel="noopener">studied</a> the prevalence of weight bias across Canada, the U.S., Iceland, and Australia. Participants in the study were asked if obesity can be attributed to a lack of willpower and personal responsibility. Many responded yes. In countries where a higher proportion of participants endorsed blame for obesity, weight bias levels were also higher.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
This culture of blaming and shaming breeds negative stereotypes towards employees with high weight, who are commonly seen as <a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/1059601108321518" target="_blank" rel="noopener">lazy, incompetent, and unintelligent</a>, according to <a href="https://chp.phhp.ufl.edu/profile/pearl-rebecca/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Rebecca Pearl</a>, a psychologist at the University of Florida who was not involved in the study.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
"These beliefs can manifest in different ways in the workplace," she adds. "They can affect decisions related to hiring, firing, promotions as well as wages." In fact, this form of discrimination is so common that <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41366-021-00860-z" target="_blank" rel="noopener">58 percent of respondents</a> across six countries who participated in a weight management program said they've experienced workplace weight discrimination.&nbsp;

<blockquote>
58 percent of people across six countries who participated in a weight management program said they've experienced workplace weight discrimination.&nbsp;
</blockquote>

So, how are women who do not tick the "healthy weight" box faring, both mentally and physically? &nbsp;&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3184343/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Research</a> has shown that people who internalize weight bias are more likely to binge eat and even develop metabolic conditions that put them at increased risk for diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and high blood pressure.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Numerous <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41366-021-00982-4" target="_blank" rel="noopener">scientific studies</a> suggest that inappropriate weight-based remarks from coworkers and supervisors can lead to depression, anxiety, and chronic stress that feed into a vicious cycle of feeling incompetent and struggling to stay productive at work.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
"Shaming is just about the worst thing you can do to a person," says <a href="https://public.med.fsu.edu/com/directory/Details/Full/16779" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Angelina Sutin</a>, a Florida State University psychologist who studies the health impacts of weight discrimination. "And it doesn't [motivate people to lose weight] anyways."&nbsp;&nbsp;

<h2>Breaking free&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</h2>
Researchers like Pearl and Sutin, who have studied the toxic health impacts of weight discrimination, say <a href="https://thehill.com/homenews/state-watch/3917919-nyc-bill-would-ban-discrimination-based-on-weight/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">legislation</a> that makes it unlawful for employers to consider weight when hiring will have a widespread impact, shifting the culture for the better. Michigan is currently the only U.S. state to ban weight discrimination. Other states, like New York, Massachusetts, and California, are considering passing bills on the issue.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
But systemic change takes time, so what can workplaces do to protect women &mdash; and their health &mdash; from weight discrimination now?&nbsp;&nbsp;
People can push for changes like adopting policies to reduce bias in hiring practices, not requiring photographs of applicants, and even just as simple as withholding your own comments, positive or negative, about other people's bodies," says Pearl. &nbsp;&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.shrm.org/resourcesandtools/hr-topics/employee-relations/pages/how-employers-are-tackling-weight-discrimination.aspx" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Recounting her personal experiences with fat-shaming</a>, Anna Burns, the founder of <a href="https://www.seenatwork.com/training" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Seen@Work</a>, a consultancy firm dedicated to improving diversity, equity, and inclusion, recommends promoting a culture of accountability. This, she says, ensures that if remarks are made about people's bodies, they are not tolerated.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
But workplace policies alone won't fix the problem. It is equally important for every employee to make an effort to check their own biases toward people with high weight and <a href="https://discrimination.wmnhealth.org/blog/stepping-up-being-an-ally-in-the-workplace/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">step up to be allies</a> for those who are experiencing weight-based discrimination.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Some organizations across North America are leading by example and providing helpful resources for fighting weight stigma:&nbsp;
<div>
<ul>
<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="1" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}" aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1"><a href="https://everymindatwork.com/body-image-promoting-womens-body-positivity-in-the-workplace/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Everymind at work</a> offers resources for promoting body positivity at work. &nbsp;</li>
<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="1" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}" aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-posinset="2" data-aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/inclusion-journey/learn" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Microsoft&rsquo;s unconscious bias training</a> educates employees on identifying and tackling their assumptions based on a coworker's appearance.&nbsp;</li>
<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="1" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}" aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-posinset="3" data-aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.obesityaction.org/action-center/weight-bias-issues/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Obesity Action Coalition</a>'s action center allows you to support legislature on weight bias and report issues of weight discrimination at work. &nbsp;</li>
<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="1" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}" aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-posinset="4" data-aria-level="1"><a href="https://uconnruddcenter.org/research/weight-bias-stigma/weightbias-employers/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">UConn Rudd Center for Food Policy and Health</a> provides employers with actionable steps to promote weight inclusion at work. </li>
</ul>
</div>

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Anxiety disorders in women

Women are disproportionately affected by anxiety disorders. Much more research is needed to understand why &mdash; and what can be done to help.&nbsp;
In this article, we'll cover:
<ul>
<li>What is anxiety?</li>
<li>What are anxiety disorders?</li>
<li>Common anxiety disorders in women</li>
<li>Signs and symptoms of anxiety disorders</li>
<li>Causes and risk factors of anxiety disorders in women</li>
</ul>
This is a living article. The wmnHealth team will update it as new information becomes available.

<h2>What is anxiety?&nbsp;</h2>
All of us occasionally experience anxiety &mdash; feelings of worry, nervousness, or unease &mdash; especially in potentially dangerous or stressful situations like getting stuck in an elevator, taking an exam, or performing at work. Anxiety is usually accompanied by telltale physical changes like sweating, a rapid heartbeat, and accelerated breathing.&nbsp;
Anxiety is an adaptive response that evolved to keep us out of harm&rsquo;s way. It provides that boost of energy to &ldquo;fight or flee&rdquo; from a perceived threat or help us focus when our lives depend on it.&nbsp;
However, in people with anxiety disorders, those feelings of worry or fear persist and can become overwhelming.&nbsp;

<h2>What are anxiety disorders?&nbsp;</h2>
Unlike occasional anxiety, anxiety disorders are mental health conditions in which anxiety is constant, excessive, or worsens over time. Anxiety disorders interfere with daily life, including a person&rsquo;s relationships with others and their activities at home, work, or school.&nbsp; 
<h2>Common Anxiety Disorders in Women</h2>
Anxiety disorders are very common in both women and men. However, women face unique experiences that may put them at risk for certain types of anxiety or tend to worsen anxiety. Furthermore, hormonal changes in women during puberty, pregnancy, and menopause can trigger anxiety during those major life stages.&nbsp;
Here are some of the most common anxiety disorders affecting women:&nbsp;&nbsp;
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)&nbsp;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Panic disorder&nbsp;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Phobias&nbsp;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Social anxiety disorder (SAD)&nbsp;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Perinatal anxiety</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Postpartum anxiety</li>
</ul>
Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is characterized by uncontrollable worry or fear about ordinary issues like health, money, work, and family that persists for months or even years. People with GAD have feelings of dread or distress over potential negative outcomes. These feelings may be triggered by a specific event or activity or may occur for no clear reason. They also tend to be out of proportion to the situation.&nbsp;&nbsp;
Panic disorder is a condition in which people experience sudden panic symptoms, along with persistent worry or fear of those symptoms, even when there is no danger. Panic symptoms include a pounding heart, shortness of breath, chest pain or discomfort, nausea or upset stomach, chills or heat sensations. These unpleasant symptoms of panic attacks can last anywhere from a few minutes to an hour.&nbsp;&nbsp;
Phobias are characterized by excessive fear of a specific object or situation that poses little to no danger. They are triggered by the presence or anticipation of a given object or situation. Common specific phobias are flying, heights, spiders, and blood.&nbsp;&nbsp;
Social anxiety disorder (SAD), also known as social phobia, is an excessive fear of social or performance situations in which a person may experience embarrassment or humiliation. Unlike the occasional anxiety people feel during everyday social interactions, SAD is characterized by intense distress, self-consciousness, and fear of judgment.&nbsp;
Prenatal Anxiety: Some women experience anxiety during pregnancy due to the stress of preparing for motherhood and childbirth.
Postpartum Anxiety: Some postpartum women experience anxiety after giving birth, either with or without depression.

<h2>What are the most common signs and symptoms of anxiety disorders?&nbsp;</h2>
The signs and symptoms of anxiety vary from person to person and range from physical symptoms to thought patterns to behaviors.&nbsp;
Some of the most common symptoms, according to the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.google.com/search?client=safari&amp;rls=en&amp;q=Anxiety+and+Depression+Association+of+America&amp;ie=UTF-8&amp;oe=UTF-8" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Anxiety and Depression Association of America</a>, are:&nbsp;
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Feelings of nervousness, irritability, or being &ldquo;on edge&rdquo;&nbsp;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Feelings of panic or sensing impending danger or doom&nbsp;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Increased heart rate, hyperventilation, sweating, or shaking&nbsp;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Feelings of weakness or exhaustion&nbsp;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Difficulty concentrating or sleeping&nbsp;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Gastrointestinal disturbances&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

<h2>How common are anxiety disorders? &nbsp;</h2>
Along with depression, anxiety disorders are the most common mental condition in the world, affecting&nbsp;<a href="https://ourworldindata.org/mental-health" target="_blank" rel="noopener">3.8% of the global population</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;
Considering only adults in the United States, anxiety prevalence rises to 19.1% of the population over 18 or approximately 40 million people. 
Specific phobias are the most common anxiety disorder (9.1%), followed closely by social anxiety disorder (7.1%). GAD affects 3.1% of American adults and panic disorder affects 2.7%.&nbsp;&nbsp;
<h2>Are anxiety disorders more common in women than men?&nbsp;</h2>
The short answer is yes. Overall, women are about twice as likely as men to experience anxiety during their lifetime.&nbsp;&nbsp;
For example, globally,&nbsp;<a href="https://ourworldindata.org/mental-health" target="_blank" rel="noopener">4.7% of females and 2.8% of males</a> have anxiety. In the United States, one study led by clinical psychologist Carmen McLean found&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0022395611000458?via%3Dihub" target="_blank" rel="noopener">women are more likely to be diagnosed with nearly all anxiety disorders over their lifetime than men</a>.&nbsp;
Numerous other studies have found sex or gender differences in the way men and women experience or react to anxiety (see key differences below).&nbsp;However, health researchers don&rsquo;t completely understand why anxiety rates and responses are different.&nbsp; 
Here are some of the key gender differences:&nbsp;
General Anxiety Disorder (GAD):&nbsp;
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">The lifetime prevalence of GAD is&nbsp;<a href="https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapsychiatry/article-abstract/496456" target="_blank" rel="noopener">6% of women compared to 3% of men</a>.&nbsp;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">GAD has an estimated prevalence of 8.5% to 10.5% during pregnancy and 4.4% to 10.8% during the postpartum period.&nbsp;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Women are more likely to experience physical symptoms of anxiety such as fatigue, muscle stiffness, or gastrointestinal disturbances.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
Panic disorder: &nbsp;
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">At least&nbsp;<a href="https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapsychiatry/article-abstract/496456" target="_blank" rel="noopener">twice as many women compared to men have panic disorder</a>.&nbsp;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Compared to men, women are more likely to experience fear along with physical symptoms of panic.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
Specific phobias:&nbsp;
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">About twice as many women compared to men have specific phobias.&nbsp;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Women tend to fear animals and environmental factors like heights, water, and storms.</li>
</ul>
Social anxiety disorder (SAD):&nbsp;
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">The lifetime prevalence of SAD is similar for women and men.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Women&rsquo;s social anxieties tend to focus on performance situations in which they fear being scrutinized by others. </li>
</ul>

<h2>What are the causes and risk factors for anxiety in women?</h2>
Researchers think a combination of biological and environmental factors cause anxiety in women, though much more research is needed. Compared to depression, <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5613977/#B83" target="_blank" rel="noopener">anxiety disorders in women are understudied</a>.
The biological factors causing anxiety include genetics and&nbsp;hormones. Estrogen and progesterone levels fluctuate during puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, the postpartum period, and menopause, and <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5613977/#B83" target="_blank" rel="noopener">contribute to anxiety during these periods</a> of a woman's life. Genetics also plays a role: Women and men who have a family history of anxiety are more likely to develop it during their lifetime.
The environmental factors that cause anxiety include stress and trauma. People who have experienced <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/aces/about.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">traumatic events, including sexual, physical, and emotional abuse, are more likely to develop anxiety</a>. Social pressures, gender stereotypes, and sexism &mdash; all of which increase stress in women &mdash; may also play a role in anxiety disorders.&nbsp;
For women, the risk factors and protective factors&nbsp;influencing the likelihood that an individual will develop anxiety include:
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">family history&nbsp;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">poor support system&nbsp;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">history of trauma&nbsp;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26241866/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">polycystic ovarian syndrome</a></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22035243/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">negative coping or cognitive styles</a> like rumination and worry</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;In contrast, protective factors include:
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">an active coping style&nbsp;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">a good support system</li>
</ul>

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