The World Health Day is celebrated every year on 7 April. This year’s theme is “Together for health. Stand with science,” announced by the World Health Organisation (WHO). It is to highlight critical role of scientific evidence, collaboration, and data-driven approaches in addressing global health challenges and combating misinformation.
Women’s mental health is unnecessarily ignored. Ignoring women’s health means neglecting the health of half of the world’s population and causing an increase in maternal and child mortality. In accord with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and other policies, the states must fulfill women’s mental and physical health requirements. It will help every woman and girl of the globe to get equal opportunity of health care services for their mental and physical health.
Women’s mental health in Bangladesh is a significant public health concern. They face a higher burden of mental health issues (21.5%) prevalence compared to men (15.7%). Anxiety and depression are the most common disorders, fueled by factors like domestic violence, child marriage, gender inequality, and high household and professional workloads. Risk factors include gender-based violence, low socioeconomic status, limited decision-making power, and high pressure from managing both household and professional work, particularly highlighted during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Over 90% of women with mental health symptoms do not receive formal medical care, proper treatment. Due to stigma and lack of resources, women often rely on informal support systems like family and friends rather than professional care. There is limited access to formal mental health services, especially in rural areas. Deep-seated social stigmas make it difficult for women to discuss mental health or seek help. Low levels of education and economic independence for women hinder their ability to seek care. Addressing these challenges requires strengthening local mental health support, improving access to healthcare, and increasing awareness of mental health issues among women and their families.
Research paints a concerning picture of women’s mental health in Bangladesh. Women are 2 to 3 times more likely to experience depression than men. Approximately 60-70% of mental health patients in Bangladesh are women. Only 8% with mental disorders receive treatment. These numbers reveal not just a health crisis, but a treatment gap that leaves millions of women suffering in silence.
Poverty and food insecurity disproportionately affect women. Women in the garment industry face particular stress with long hours and low wages. Economic abuse, controlling a woman’s access to money, is a form of domestic violence. Society places unique burdens on women. Criticism for clothing choices, negative attitude towards social and cultural activities, limited freedom of movement, constant surveillance by family or society should be removed. Women should have full rights and freedom like men in every sector, family, society, country, locally and globally.
Many women cannot leave abusive situations due to economic dependence or social stigma. Trauma from violence can lead to Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) – a severe, often long-term mental health condition triggered by witnessing or experiencing terrifying events like violence, accidents, or disasters. Symptoms include mood swing, intrusive flashbacks, avoidance of reminders, negative mood changes, and high alertness. It disrupts daily life, work, and relationships, requiring professional treatment. Menstrual cycle changes can affect mood. Pregnancy and postpartum periods bring hormonal fluctuations.
While mental health awareness is growing, women’s well-being remains a critical blind spot, shadowed by immense gender-based stress and societal pressure. Women are often denied equal opportunities and are subject to stereotypes and biases, which can lead to low self-esteem and confidence. Mental health issues are often stigmatised in Bangladesh, and seeking help can be challenging, especially for women. However, it is essential to recognise that mental health is as important as physical health and should be treated with equal importance. Seeking help for mental health issues can improve the quality of life, enhance relationships, and increase productivity.
Women face unique workplace mental health challenges, including higher rates of burnout, anxiety, and depression, often driven by disproportionate caregiving roles, pay inequity, and gender-based discrimination. Key stressors include inadequate work-life balance and lack of female representation in leadership. Effective support includes flexible, hybrid work models, tailored health benefits such as menopause/maternity support, and fostering inclusive cultures. Underrepresentation in senior roles can lead to feelings of isolation and lack of mentorship. Navigating menopause, infertility, or postpartum in the workplace often happens without proper support, causing increased absences. Providing flexible working hours and location options is linked to better mental health and lower exhaustion. Implementing targeted support for caregivers, such as child care support or return-to-work programs after leave.
Women in minority groups and those with disabilities face higher rates of micro aggressions, contributing to lower mental health scores. Women often shoulder a larger share of household and caregiving duties, which impacts their professional focus and increases exhaustion.
Every woman deserves mental health support. No woman should suffer in silence. Advancing women’s health is fundamental to achieving universal health coverage, health equity and gender equality. Health underpins women’s quality of life and enables the realisation of other human rights, supporting women’s full participation in social, economic and political life.
As we know that prevention is better than cure. From today, we must work first to prevent women’s mental disorders so that they get a healthy wealthy and peaceful life. Moreover, it is women’s right, not a privilege.
The writer is a health, climate change, environment journalist, columnist, and researcher. Email: [email protected]
