Photo via Pixabay Addressing the Unique Mental Health Needs of Women Whether you’re a stressed entrepreneur or an overworked parent, if you’ve faced a mental health issue such as addiction recovery or know someone who is, you likely already know that there is both a physical and a psychological component to these issues. It goes without saying that there must also then be a physical and psychological component to wellness. What’s not widely discussed is how these components affect each of the sexes differently, with few specifics on addressing the unique needs of women in particular in much of the popular recovery literature. Once it’s understood that this biological difference does exist, finding the right resources to enhance your mental balance becomes easier. Read on to learn more from NEWYORKHER! Hormonal Effects on Recovery The female menstrual cycle is certainly a physical difference between the sexes, and while there are plenty of myths out there, the psychological effects caused by the hormones produced during this cycle shouldn’t be ignored. It’s believed that so-called female hormones such as estrogen and progesterone impact the dopamine system in the brain; this means that when it comes to substance abuse, women become addicted faster, and their cravings to be more intense, making long-term recovery more difficult. It’s also possible for some drugs – including some like methadone, which is used as part of the recovery process for certain addictions – to cause a further disruption to the menstrual cycle, impacting the effects of hormones on both the addiction and recovery processes. While opioids have become one of the major drug crises in recent decades, many who seek treatment fail to realize that methadone is also an opioid that can lead to a new addiction if used incorrectly, making women even more vulnerable to relapse or secondary addiction. For many years, reported rates of addiction in male populations were much higher than among their female counterparts, which contributed to the lack of research on this topic. However, with the gender gap narrowing, it’s becoming increasingly important to understand these differences and increase public awareness. Challenges to Mental Health Equilibrium Of course, there are other mental health issues that women face besides substance abuse. For example, many women deal with postpartum depression following the birth of one or more of their children. Mayo Clinic explains that identifying the symptoms of this disorder is very important to determine a course of treatment. Women also tend to suffer from somatic symptom disorders more frequently than men. In these cases, physical pain causes excessive emotional distress, including a focus on the physical illness or injury to an unhealthy degree. Fortunately, these and other mental health concerns can be successfully treated with talk therapy and/or medication. In addition to mental health disorders, other issues can negatively affect mental health equilibrium for women. For example, a struggle to maintain work-life balance can add to stress and anxiety and exacerbate any existing mental health issues. To establish work-life balance, women can delegate tasks, learn to say no to extra tasks and responsibilities (both at work and at home), and prioritize activities. Also, make your home as positive and free of self-criticism as possible, so that you can adequately rest and refresh. Ways to Get Moving Whatever the nature of a woman’s mental health, there are several techniques recommended by experts that may provide a degree of relief other than traditional medical protocols. For example, many physicians recommend women increase the amount of exercise they get, which has been shown to improve the mind as well as the body. Understanding the specific challenges faced by women is a vital part of conquering them. Overcoming social stigmas and economic barriers presents the largest challenge for women in terms of finding the help they need. Educating the public can help with both by increasing acceptance and funding for research and outreach programs that help women overcome these barriers. To join a ministry that exists to empower women to live intentionally, visit NEWYORKHER today!
0 Comments
As a woman of faith, you know the importance of hard work and dedication. You also understand the power of prayer and how it can help us reach our goals. But when it comes to advancing your career, there are some practical steps you can take to improve your prospects. To help, New York HER offers some great tips below on how to get ahead in your career through a promotion, career change, or entrepreneurship.
Set Realistic Goals Defining your goals is essential for career success, as it helps you stay on track in terms of obtaining certifications and attending networking events. Writing down short-term and long-term objectives can help you monitor your progress while providing much-needed encouragement along the way. Knowing what needs to be done will give you a better idea of where your efforts should be geared, enabling smoother growth through every step. Prioritize Networking Networking is key when it comes to advancing your career. Reach out to professionals in your industry who have achieved success and ask them for advice. Attend professional events such as conferences and seminars, join industry-specific organizations, and use social media platforms like LinkedIn to connect with other professionals in your field. You can even consider starting a networking group with some of your connections at church. Take Time To Develop Your Skills If you’re looking for a promotion or want to make a career change, consider going back to school for an online degree or taking courses related to the new field you’re interested in. This will give you an edge over other applicants when applying for jobs or promotions as employers will see that you have invested time in developing your skillset. It will also give you more confidence when negotiating salary and other benefits during job interviews. Learn How To Negotiate Negotiation is an important part of any job search process, so women must become comfortable with this skill if they want to advance their careers. Don’t be afraid to negotiate salary and other benefits during job interviews; research the market rate for similar positions so that you know what kind of offer is fair before entering into negotiations. Don’t be afraid to ask questions about company policies or discuss potential opportunities for growth within the organization if they arise during the interview process. Keep Your Resume Updated When applying for jobs or promotions, it’s important that your resume/CV stands out from the crowd by being well-written and tailored specifically toward each position or company culture that you are applying for. Luckily, there are many resources available online that can help you update your resume or create a new one from scratch. If you save your resume as a PDF, you can use a PDF editor to easily make changes to the document and ensure that it accurately showcases your achievements. This is a fast and simple way to remain organized and make sure potential employers remember you. Take Control Of Your Future With Your Own Business Starting a business can be a great way not only to change one's career trajectory but also potentially earn more money. Before taking this step, make sure that all necessary preparations have been taken, such as having a business plan ready, knowing your startup costs, creating marketing strategies, and registering as an LLC. Doing so ensures that everything runs smoothly once operations begin. Not only that but forming an LLC will provide tax benefits and will allow for more flexibility in running your business than other designations. Making a big career change can be intimidating, whether you want to start over with your own business or improve your earning potential with a better job. By carefully considering the steps required to meet your goals, you can take control of your professional life while still making time for your family and church. Think about where you'd like to be in the next 3-5 years and lay out a plan that will help you get there. With realistic goals that you can measure, you'll stay motivated and on track. |
AuthorWe began this blog last year and soon will be adding more stories. Archives
August 2023
Categories |