Anxiety and depression don’t discriminate, but if you look at the numbers, women experience them at nearly twice the rate of men. It’s not because women are “too emotional” or “overthink everything” (as the world loves to say). The reality is far more layered—rooted in biology, social conditioning, and everyday lived experiences that weigh women down in ways that often go unnoticed.

 

The Hormonal Rollercoaster No One Talks About

Let’s get the obvious one out of the way: hormones. Yes, hormonal fluctuations play a role in mood regulation, but it’s not as simple as “PMS makes women moody.” Estrogen and progesterone, which rise and fall throughout the menstrual cycle, influence serotonin (the brain’s happy chemical). When these levels drop, mood can take a hit.

 

Then there’s pregnancy, postpartum, and menopause—each bringing drastic shifts that impact mental health. Postpartum depression is a well-known example, but even perimenopause (the years leading up to menopause) can cause anxiety spikes due to declining estrogen levels. Meanwhile, men’s hormonal levels remain relatively stable, giving them a more consistent emotional baseline.

 

The “Good Girl” Burden

From childhood, women are taught to be accommodating, nurturing, and “pleasant.” This conditioning creates a constant internal conflict: prioritize yourself and risk being called selfish, or put everyone else first and risk burnout.

 

This pressure to be the perfect daughter, wife, mother, or employee leads to emotional suppression. Over time, suppressed emotions don’t just disappear—they turn into chronic stress, anxiety, and depression.

 

The Mental Load: The Invisible Weight Women Carry

Ever wonder why women seem to remember everything—birthdays, doctor’s appointments, groceries, the last time the AC filter was changed? That’s the mental load—the endless stream of responsibilities that women (especially mothers) manage, often on top of their careers.

 

Men may contribute to household chores, but the burden of planning and organizing often falls on women. This mental juggling act creates a state of chronic stress, a well-documented trigger for anxiety and depression.

 

Medical Gaslighting: When Pain and Distress Are Dismissed

If a man and a woman walk into a doctor’s office with the same symptoms, research shows the woman is more likely to be dismissed. Whether it’s pain, fatigue, or mood issues, women are often told it’s “just stress” or “all in their head.” This delays proper diagnosis and treatment, leaving women to struggle longer.

 

The impact? Women often internalize this dismissal, doubting their own experiences and worsening their mental health. The stigma around women’s emotions means they are more likely to be labeled “dramatic” rather than given the medical care they need.

 

The Trauma Factor

Women are far more likely than men to experience sexual harassment, domestic violence, and childhood abuse—major risk factors for anxiety and depression. These experiences don’t just cause immediate distress; they rewire the brain’s stress response, making women more vulnerable to long-term mental health struggles.

 

And yet, many women downplay their own trauma. Society teaches them to “move on” or “stop playing the victim,” leaving them to carry emotional wounds that manifest as anxiety and depression later in life.

 

So, What’s the Solution?

Understanding why women are more prone to anxiety and depression is just the first step. Here’s what needs to change:

 

• Rethink Work-Life Balance – Workplaces must stop treating work-life balance as a luxury. Flexible work policies, parental leave, and mental health resources should be the norm, not the exception.
• Recognizing Mental Load as Labor – Household responsibilities need to be split not just in execution but in planning and organizing as well. Schools should educate both boys and girls about the importance of equal domestic contribution.
• Mandatory Trauma-Informed Therapy in Schools and Workplaces – Therapy should be normalized and integrated into institutions. Trauma-informed counseling in schools can help young girls process experiences early instead of carrying unaddressed emotional burdens into adulthood.
• Medical Training That Eliminates Gender Bias – Healthcare professionals need structured training to recognize gender biases in diagnosing and treating mental health issues. Women shouldn’t have to fight to be taken seriously by their own doctors.
• Legal and Structural Protections Against Gendered Violence – Stronger policies, stricter workplace harassment laws, and immediate legal consequences for offenders can create a safer environment for women, reducing long-term trauma-related mental health issues.
• Changing the Narrative Around Women’s Emotional Health – Instead of labeling women as “too emotional” or “overreacting,” there needs to be a cultural shift in how emotional expression is perceived. Emotional intelligence should be valued, not dismissed.

 

Women aren’t inherently more anxious or depressed than men. They’re just navigating a world that, in many ways, is stacked against them. The good news? Awareness is growing, and conversations like these are a step toward change.

If you or someone you know is struggling with something mental health issues and needs to get in touch with an expert, consider reaching out to our Support and Engage verticals for affordable and inclusive help.

Like our content? Please show us some support by sharing and up-voting!

Image Credits: Unsplash