Family, Work, Society: Mental Health Experts Examine Women's Silent Struggles

Due to economic, political, geographical and atmospheric conditions, mental wellness, particularly in women, is being severely affected. The multitasking women manage all chores, yet they mostly suffer from mental health struggles. This World Mental Health Day, I interviewed female psychiatrists and psychologists across India to explore different mental health issues affecting women and how they can be dealt with.

Family support and women's mental health

"Support is all you need when struggling. For women, it can be life-saving," says Dr Deeksha Rohilla, a consultant psychiatrist at Lilavati Hospital, Bandra, Mumbai. "Imagine yourself struggling in silence, shedding tears in your bathroom as you have no one to share the pain with. Despite this, you have to wake up, get dressed, cook three meals a day, go to the office and then finish the remaining household chores before you can get back to bed. All this while you bottle up your feelings and emotions, being blamed for the mistakes your half-attentive mind makes. It isn’t easy."

Dr Rohilla added, "That’s what the struggle of most Indian women is, silent battles fought endlessly. They simply deny themselves that help. A state of learned helplessness." She emphasised the need for support systems within Indian families in combating mental health struggles. "Now imagine, the same lady, who has the support of her in-laws, spouse, parents, friends, siblings and colleagues, would be able to express herself more freely. She could take some time out, depend on someone to help her with chores, so she could get some rest. It would maybe make her feel slightly better right away, just knowing you aren’t alone." 

Dr Jamuna Rajeswaran, Professor and Head of the Clinical Psychology department of Clinical Psychology department at NIMHANS, Bengaluru, concurs. "Family support is a cornerstone of women’s mental health. Emotional, instrumental, and social support from family members helps buffer stress, reduce the risk of depression and anxiety, and promote resilience. Women often face multiple stressors—work, caregiving, societal expectations—and family backing can play a decisive role in maintaining well-being."

A study by Kawachi and Berkman (2001) found that women with strong family networks exhibited reduced depressive symptoms and greater life satisfaction compared to those with limited support. 

Dr Preeti S, a senior psychiatrist at Spandana Psychiatry Centre, Bengaluru, says that women should learn self-prioritising, learn to say no, take care of personal boundaries, and take breaks. 

Are working women prone to more mental health issues?

Dr  Sharita K. Shah, a consultant psychiatrist at Reliance Hospital, Mumbai, says that working women have to balance home and work, and not all women have a support system. The concept of a stay-at-home husband is almost non-existent in India. She added that even if a woman has a high-paying job, she is expected to look after her husband and children, home and kitchen. Moreover, money control often doesn't lie with a woman; she has to surrender her salary to the family.

Dr Shah also shared that while working women suffer from stress, anxiety, lack of sleep, pressure, and substance use, stay-at-home women suffer from anxiety, depression, suicidal ideas, low self-esteem, low confidence, inferiority complex.

Dr Shantala Hegde, Consultant Neuropsychologist at NIMHANS, gives more clarity on this subject and says that it is the 'working women guilt' and the desire to ace at all roles that adds more to women's mental health.

Menopause and Ageing

Onset of menopause also causes a lot of mental stress in women because of hormonal changes, hot flashes and the worry of getting old without support. Dr Shah says that it is the time of emptiness, retirement, health issues, and sudden loss of purpose.

Dr Rajeswaran explains, "Research suggests that mental health issues may become more common during and after menopause due to the combined effects of biological, psychological, and social factors. Hormonal fluctuations are closely linked to mood disturbances, making midlife women particularly vulnerable to depression and In addition to depression, anxiety disorders are common during post-menopause. This intersection of biology and culture underscores why mental health problems may become more salient during this life stage."

Elderly women in India also suffer mental health struggles, from issues like familial negligence or inaccessible support. Dr Rajeswaran affirms that older women are particularly vulnerable to mental health challenges when isolated or undervalued within their families. Social isolation, loss of purpose, and diminished family attention can lead to depression, anxiety, and cognitive decline. Maintaining their mental well-being requires attention to both emotional and social needs.

Dr Rajeswaran added that one effective approach is social engagement. Encouraging older women to participate in family decisions, community activities, and peer groups helps reduce feelings of loneliness and enhances self-worth. Studies show that social interaction and meaningful roles are strongly associated with better cognitive functioning and lower depression rates among elderly women. 

Social media and women's mental health

Mental health is also impacted by dependence on technology and social media. Several studies link heavy social media use to increased anxiety, depression, and body image concerns among women, largely through social comparison and perceived inadequacy. These effects are largely a product of constant exposure to curated, idealised online portrayals, which were less prevalent before the digital age.

Dr Rajeswaran says, "The question of whether women’s mental health was better before widespread smartphone and internet use is complex. Evidence suggests that while modern technology introduces unique stressors, such as social media comparison, digital overload, and cyberbullying, mental health challenges have always existed, influenced by societal, economic, and gender-related factors." However, she asserts that social media has become an integral part of daily life, shaping how individuals perceive themselves and others. 

Dr Shah says touchscreen has some benefits and some drawbacks. In the touchscreen generation, people spend time online and do not meet people, which can isolate them. Post-pandemic mental health has worsened for everyone; however, awareness is higher, and women are also finding an outlet for support." There is a lot of strength in social media. So many reels to see, you can reach out for support in online groups, and the feeling of isolation becomes less. It helps to reach out for mental health."

Substance use

On asking why women who suffer from substance abuse and drink alcohol and cigarettes are looked down on by society, Dr Shah remarks that culturally, women have used these substances for generations, but still it is not ok today. It is still a taboo. "Cultural differences have been created by society. We need to know that this doesn't define their character."  

Dr Rohilla of Lilavati Hospital says, "A woman who smokes or drinks is branded as uncultured. Women are scrutinised more strictly on the moral compass of society than a man."

She also spoke about the misconceptions of addiction in society. "Substance abuse is often viewed as a problem of will and discipline, something that a person does entirely on purpose. People fail to understand that addictions are also a form of mental illness, and the person suffering from it is also as ill as someone with depression or psychosis."

Dr Neena Sawant, a consultant psychiatrist at Gleneagles Hospital, Mumbai, says, "We have become more westernised. At business meetings, having a bar menu is considered natural... It all depends on one’s need to be accepted by the peer group or colleagues in society, or the value systems one believes in. If having a glass of wine makes one feel good, then take it, but as a psychiatrist, my advice is that external agents like alcohol may give one temporary happiness, but one may not even realise when it rolls into an addiction."

Dr Sawant adds, "Over the years, with cultural shifts, society has accepted women who drink or smoke... Today’s millennial or Gen Z woman has to decide whether she wants to do it for herself or to please others. But in all of this, the woman needs to focus on her mental well-being, which should be her prerogative."

Peer Group and Mental Health

Peer group plays an important role in mental health. Support from friends gives you strength and solace during difficult times. Just one call from a friend during hard times can cheer you up.

Dr Deeksha Rohilla confesses that sometimes all it takes is a nice dinner with your friends to break away from the woes of life, even for a short while. Humans are social beings. Evolutionarily, we are designed to flourish in groups. Women with strong support often report a stronger sense of belonging and being understood.

Adding to this, Dr Sharita K. Shah tells something true that followers on social media are just a number. There can be one friend who understands you; you don't need 5,000 social media followers to know your worries and problems. One true friend is enough to share your innermost problems.

Dr Hegde from NIMHANS says that there should be a group of friends with whom you can discuss your successes and failures.

According to Dr Jamuna Rajeswaran, peer groups represent one of the most powerful social contexts influencing women’s psychological well-being. Across the lifespan, from adolescence to adulthood, women rely on friendships and social networks as vital sources of emotional support, belonging, and validation.

Strong peer connections can buffer stress, reduce the risk of depression and anxiety, and promote resilience in the face of challenges. Conversely, social isolation or negative peer dynamics may exacerbate psychological distress.

Dr Sawant says that every woman should have a couple of best friends with whom she can share whatever she wants without hesitation. 

Is therapy only for the elite?

It is often thought that therapy is a status symbol for the upper class or elite. Dr Rohilla admits that therapy is expensive and time-consuming; not everyone can sustain the long-term financial demands of therapy. Most people seeking help would be looking for a quick fix. 

This is changing now with increasing awareness and understanding of treatment; people are more willing to engage. However, accessibility is concentrated in urban areas than in rural areas. Dr Sharita Shah believes that awareness can reduce stigma and encourage more people to seek help. "If a celebrity is seeking treatment, then you think you can also go, and it makes it more acceptable."

Improving Mental Health

Experts reveal different things to be done for improving and taking care of mental health in women. Dr Rohilla says one should exercise, do yoga, and eat healthy, balanced meals. Cultivating hobbies, joining new activities, and meeting your friends and family regularly can also help.

Taking care of mental health is as important as drinking water, according to Dr Rohilla. Healthy body, Healthy mind. If you eat right, exercise or visit a doctor for your physical health, then doing the same is also needed for mental health. If you ignore your mental health, you won't be able to enjoy your happy moments or express your sadness during those sensitive moments. You won't be able to make plans to go and have a family dinner you've always wanted to. So, it is extremely important to take care of your mental health, she adds.

Authored by Komal Nadig, freelance journalist and author of a young adult novel named 'Shakespeare-My first love, My Soul.' | Views expressed by the author are their own.