More than half of Australian women say increased cost-of-living pressures are negatively impacting their mental health, with one third unable to afford the support and help they need.
The findings from the Liptember Foundation, an Australian non-for-profit organisation specialising in women’s mental health, serve as a timely reminder today, World Mental Health Day, of the gender gap in mental health.
The foundation’s 2023 Women’s Mental Health Research found 35 per cent of respondents listed financial stress and cost of living as a trigger for depression, while 36 per cent said it triggered anxiety.
CEO and founder of the Liptember Foundation Luke Morris said there are no signs of slowing for the cost-of-living crisis in Australia, and women’s mental health is bearing the brunt of it.
“Australian women are suffering from a mental health paradox due to the cost-of-living crisis,” he said.
“Financial pressures are worsening women’s mental health yet at the same time, a growing number of those who suffer from mental health issues say they can’t afford to seek the help they so desperately need.
“With no ease to the cost of living pressures in sight, sadly, we are likely to see women’s mental health suffering as a result in the coming years.”
On October 10, World Mental Health Day, Morris said now is the time to take stock of our progress towards closing the gender gap in mental health.
“We’re committed to ensuring that the topic of mental illness stays front of mind year-round,” he said.
“Calendar dates like World Mental Health Day serve as a timely reminder and prompt for us all to check in on our progress in this space.
“It is clear that we have a considerable way to go in removing some of the barriers to seeking help that still prevail. Many of these barriers are caused by the ever-present mental health stigma that exists in our society, as well as a lack of sufficient and timely access to mental health resources.”
The Liptember Foundation specialises in the unique challenges women face that impact their mental health. Madhavi Nawana-Parker, the foundation’s mental health advisory panel member and clinical psychologist, is particularly passionate about this.
“There is no doubt that mental health is important for all genders, but Liptember Foundation is doing important work spotlighting the mental health gender gap,” she said.
“In my clinic I often observe that the unique biological challenges and experiences women face in their lifetime can be a trigger for mental ill-health.”
For example, more than half (55 per cent) of women suffering from endometriosis also suffer from depression. One in five women with premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) also struggle with suicide and self-harm. Almost 25 per cent of women with vaginal issues will have social phobias.
Nawana-Parker said the foundation’s research and continuous work in women’s mental health – not just on days like World Mental Health Day, but all year round – will help close the gender gap in mental health.
‘This valuable information will help steer Australia towards looking at mental health through a gendered lens and ultimately close the mental health gender gap,” she said.