Women’s mental health: Breaking the stigma and creating spaces for hope

Women's mental health is a complex issue shaped by various factors, including biological, social, political and cultural elements. Registered counsellor Josephine Conde explains that societal expectations, particularly those placed on women across cultures, can create immense pressure to manage multiple roles such as wife, mother, daughter, and caregiver.

The constant demand to be the "ideal" woman often leads to women prioritising others' needs over their own wellbeing, eventually resulting in stress, exhaustion, and burnout. Women may also face internalised expectations about how they "should" behave as women, wives, or mothers, which can further exacerbate mental health challenges.

In South Africa, women encounter additional mental health issues due to high rates of gender-based violence, which can lead to trauma that may have lasting emotional and psychological consequences. Common mental health challenges affecting women include depression, anxiety disorders, trauma-related difficulties like PTSD, and struggles with self-esteem.

Inspired by her own mental health journey, Durban resident and mother Kim Kinsey-Houston launched Tea of Hope in October 2021. The annual event aims to provide a safe space for women to share experiences and learn about mental health and wellness, encouraging conversations that challenge the stigma surrounding mental health. Kinsey-Houston's initiative stems from her personal journey and her desire to foster hope and change in the community, particularly within the "brown community" where mental health and illness are often stigmatised, shamed, or ridiculed.

Women For Change founder Sabrina Walter highlights the fear many women face when seeking help, emphasizing the importance of providing a safe and supportive environment that allows women to openly share their struggles, think clearly, and plan their next steps without fear. As South Africa observes Women's Month, Walter stresses that celebrating women should also involve creating communities where they feel respected, supported, and safe, suggesting that sometimes all it takes is a simple conversation, a listening ear, or a reminder that no one needs to bear life's burdens alone.