Mental health, an integral component of overall well-being, often takes a backseat for women amidst the hustle of career aspirations, family responsibilities, and societal expectations. But in the quiet moments between the demands of daily life, many women find themselves grappling with unseen battles. The societal pressure to excel in every role can lead to chronic stress and anxiety that is only made worse by limited support systems and economic constraints. 

One in Five

This reality for women shows up in the statistics. Approximately one in five women in the United States and the United Kingdom experience common mental health challenges such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, and eating disorders. These numbers are not just figures; they represent the stories of mothers, professionals, students, and leaders.

A Deeply Rooted Problem

The roots of these mental health challenges are multifaceted. Beyond the societal norms and unrealistic standards that contribute to anxiety and depression,  economic factors, including higher rates of poverty and the expectation to be primary caregivers also play a role. Women are more likely to experience physical and sexual abuse, which can have long-lasting effects such as PTSD and depression. 

And then natural life stages such as pregnancy, postpartum periods, and menopause, each a time of profound hormonal and emotional shifts, can surface or lead to even more challenges. 

Glimmers of Hope

Despite these challenges, women often possess inherent strengths that act as protective factors against mental health struggles. Strong social networks, the ability to communicate emotions effectively, and a propensity to seek help are pillars that support mental resilience.  

Actionable Steps

Empowering women to take charge of their mental health involves a combination of self-care practices and professional support. Here are a few ways to act today for yourself or the women in your life:

Reduce Stigma

Encouraging open conversations about feelings and emotions can dismantle the stigma surrounding mental health. 

Prioritize Movement

Physical activity and a balanced diet are not just beneficial for the body but also play a crucial role in maintaining a healthy mind. 

Create and Embrace Community 

Support groups, whether in-person or online, offer a sense of belonging and understanding that can be immensely therapeutic. 

Advocate

Policy and advocacy also play a critical role in shaping the landscape of women’s mental health. Integrating mental health considerations into broader health policies can address systemic issues such as economic inequality and access to healthcare. 

Ultimately, nurturing mental health is a continuous journey that requires collective effort and understanding. By fostering open dialogues, providing accessible resources, and advocating for supportive policies, society can create an environment where women are empowered to prioritize their mental wellness. In doing so, we not only enhance individual lives but also build a healthier, more compassionate world for future generations.

Take care of your mental health today with our Diagnostic Evaluation to see if ADHD has been getting in your way.

Spooky myths are fun, especially during spooky season, unless they’re about our mental health. Those of us in the ADHD community are best prepared to dispel myths and remove the stigma attached to ADHD. Here are the top five we come across, plus all the facts you need to debunk them.  

 #1

MYTH: GIRLS CAN’T HAVE ADHD.

FACT: 5.6% OF WOMEN AND GIRLS ADHD

In fact, the percentage of newly diagnosed women with ADHD nearly doubled from 2020 to 2022.   However, ADHD is often overlooked in both girls and women, with nearly 50-75% of cases missed. 

Why? It turns out that males and females present with ADHD differently. While males might externally show impulsive and hyperactive behaviors, females tend to display inattentive symptoms. Females are also more likely to internalize their behaviors and mask their symptoms, making them harder to pick up during an evaluation.

#2

MYTH : ADHD ISN’T REAL. IT’S JUST LAZINESS OR TOO MUCH ENERGY.

FACT: ADHD IS RECOGNIZED AS A DIFFERENCE IN BRAIN DEVELOPMENT

Three of our country’s primary medical organizations, The National Institutes of Health, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the American Psychiatric Association, recognize ADHD as a difference in brain development. Research has also shown it is hereditary.  

Those who are diagnosed with ADHD have lower levels of dopamine, a hormone in the brain that helps control reward and pleasure centers, while also regulating response and movement. With lower levels of dopamine, the brain is limited in its ability to stay motivated. 

#3

MYTH: ADHD IS ONLY FOR KIDS AND WILL BE OUTGROWN. 

FACT: MORE THAN 8.7 MILLION ADULTS HAVE BEEN DIAGNOSED WITH ADHD

Unlike pants or shoes, you can’t outgrow ADHD. If you were diagnosed with ADHD as a child, it’s likely that you’ll still have it in adulthood.

ADHD affects the brain and dopamine levels While treatment will help, it won’t make ADHD disappear forever.

That’s why it is important to get an evaluation for a diagnosis as soon as you can, so that you can factor your unique challenges and strengths into decisions about career, relationships, and more. 

#4

MYTH: ADHD IS A STAND-ALONE DIAGNOSIS.

FACT: AT LEAST HALF OF THOSE WITH ADHD ALSO HAVE ANOTHER CONDITION

When multiple conditions are present, these are often referred to as comorbid conditions. Comorbid conditions exist in parallel and typically each requires its own specific treatment plan.

The most common comorbid conditions with ADHD are anxiety, depression, and obsessive-compulsive disorder.

At ADHD online, our online assessment not only evaluates a patient for ADHD, but also for anxiety and depression while our Mental Health Snapshot screens for a number of . We work with doctorate-level psychologists to determine not only the best treatment plan, but also any other factors impacting mental health. 

#5

MYTH : ADHD CAN’T BE TREATED.  

FACT: ADHD TREATMENT CAN INCLUDE MEDICATION, THERAPY, AND/OR COACHING

While there is no cure for ADHD, there are a number of different treatment options. Often these treatment options are used in combination to help manage symptoms.

Our mission at ADHD Online is to help diagnose and find the best treatment plan to conquer life’s daily challenges with ADHD. We offer a variety of treatment options, including virtual counseling and medication management. 

These are just some of the myths surrounding ADHD. If you or someone you know hears additional myths or has questions about the information you are hearing, visit our resource library to get the facts.

Don’t be spooked this season by myths surrounding ADHD during ADHD Awareness Month, or any month. 

¹ https://psychcentral.com/adhd/adhd-and-gender#prevalence

² https://www.epicresearch.org/articles/number-of-adhd-patients-rising-especially-among-women

³ https://healthcare.utah.edu/healthfeed/2024/06/why-adult-adhd-rise#:~:text=Adult%20ADHD%20ranks%20in%20the,struggling%20with%20focus%20and%20concentration.%E2%80%9D

⁴ https://www.additudemag.com/when-its-not-just-adhd/#:~:text=We%20now%20know%20that%20at,Anxiety