I recently obtained certification in Mental Health First Aid training, and one revelation was the higher rates of depression among women compared to men. This leads to the question: why does this discrepancy exist?
When we examine the facts, it becomes clear that women have evolved into the most autonomous, free, independent and educated generation of women in recorded history.
And yet:
More than 20% of women rely on antidepressants.
Half of us struggle with an unhealthy relationship with food or our bodies.
Studies indicate that up to 50% of us live alone.
Six out of ten women experience overwhelming financial stress.
Despite increased entrepreneurship, 95% of us never surpass the six-figure income mark.
To understand this, we must consider hormonal fluctuations and the traumas that women are more susceptible to. Additionally, unique challenges and societal pressures come on top of these issues. And nowadays women want a more expansive life, one filled with creativity, purpose, love, vitality, values-aligned prosperity, self-care, wellbeing, leadership, influence, and impact.
In the context of Maslow’s hierarchy, it appears that women today have fulfilled their basic and safety needs. Having secured these, they shift their focus towards meeting higher needs, beginning with love and belonging, before progressing to self-esteem.
Once these needs are more or less satisfied, they advance to the next level, feeling the desire to pursue even higher aspirations. This is what Maslow termed 'self-actualization' is about —the need to become all that one is capable of becoming.
This stage is where coaching proves helpful for today’s women, acting as a tool for self-discovery and growth. Through coaching, women can let go feelings of shame and fear.
In my coaching practice I support women by:
Setting clear goals: I partner with women to identify their aspirations and establish achievable, realistic goals. This process gives a sense of purpose and direction.
Building resilience and coping skills: coaching equips women with effective coping mechanisms to navigate stress, anxiety, and negative thought patterns.
Encouraging self-compassion and positive self-image: I support women in challenging negative self-talk and cultivating self-compassion. By acknowledging their inherent worth and strengths, women can enhance their self-esteem and overall well-being.
Encouraging self-care practices: I believe in the importance of self-care, helping women prioritize activities that promote mental, emotional, and physical well-being.
Navigating transitions and life changes: Women meet significant life transitions, from career shifts to motherhood. In my practice I offer guidance and support during these pivotal moments, helping women in adapting and flourishing.
It's crucial to note that while coaching is immensely valuable, it is not a substitute for professional mental health treatment. In severe cases of depression or if suicidal thoughts arise, it is imperative to seek the expertise of a licensed therapist or psychiatrist.
Depression can be very challenging, but with the right support, women are able to overcome it. Coaching is a useful tool for helping women to navigate the trials of depression, emerging stronger, more resilient, and in command of their mental health. By being aware about their inherent worth and capabilities, women can reclaim their lives and advance toward self-actualization.
I'm with you,
Arina
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