Throughout their lives, from adolescence to menopause, women are influenced by various biological, hormonal and societal factors that affect their mental health differently compared to men. Each stage brings unique challenges that require specific mental health interventions.

  • Adolescence — Young women face hormonal changes that can lead to mood disorders and heightened emotional sensitivity.
  • Reproductive years — Women face additional pressures as they balance work, family and societal expectations, making conditions like anxiety and depression worse.
  • Menopause — Hormonal changes affect mental well-being, leading to symptoms that require tailored interventions.

Women's Mental Health Conditions

Conditions such as depression, anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and eating disorders are more prevalent among women than men.

  • Depression is often influenced by a combination of biological, hormonal and social factors.
  • Women are twice as likely to be affected by anxiety disorders compared to men.
  • PTSD is commonly linked to experiences of sexual violence.
  • Bipolar disorder — with patterns differing from men — has a connection with reproductive cycles.

No woman is alone, as one in five women in the U.S. experiences a mental health disorder each year. Depression and anxiety are the most common mental health conditions among women. Perinatal depression and anxiety affects 15 to 20% of women and underlines the importance of mental health care during and after pregnancy.

Women's Mental Illness Symptoms

Recognizing symptoms early can lead to better outcomes. Common symptoms in women include:

  • Persistent sadness
  • Mood swings
  • Irritability
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Feeling overwhelmed or exhausted
  • Unexplained physical symptoms like fatigue, upset stomach and headaches
  • Changes in sleep or appetite patterns

It's normal to have symptoms once in a while. You should seek help if you have several symptoms at once or symptoms that do not go away after several weeks. If your symptoms turn into behavior that consistently interferes with your daily life or creates a need to escape, you need to talk to your OB/GYN or your primary care doctor or clinician. If your thoughts turn to self-harm — feeling you would be better off dead or suicidal thoughts — call 911 or go to your nearest emergency department.

Asking for Help — Mental Health Treatment

Taking care of your mental health is as important as taking care of your physical health. It's important to seek treatment before the situation escalates.

Start with your primary care or OB/GYN doctor or clinician. If you need additional help, talk with another doctor. It may also help to have a family member or support individual go with you to your appointment.

As with physical health, every mental health patient is different. We work with you to create a treatment plan that fits your lifestyle, family situation and symptoms. Treatment options include:

  • Psychotherapy
  • Medication management
  • Support groups and educational programs

Support Groups

Froedtert Hospital offers several support groups for women at all stages from trying to conceive all the way through to a year after you give birth. For more information on any of these groups, please call 414-805-4781. 

  • Mindfulness is an accepting and non-judgmental awareness of thoughts, emotions and present circumstances. MBCT blends cognitive therapy and mindfulness practices. Participants familiarize themselves with modes of thinking that contribute to negative mood states and develop new relationships to thoughts to promote healthier ways of living. Research has shown this approach to be quite effective, including: 

    • Reducing depressive symptoms, especially in preventing recurrence of depression
    • Relieving anxious symptoms
    • Lowering stress
    • Promoting sleep
    • Supporting healthy interpersonal relationships 

    This group is designed for women attempting conception, those who are pregnant and those who are up to 12 months postpartum. Each session lasts eight weeks and includes at-home daily skill practice. 

    This eight-week group is offered several times per year on Tuesdays, 4 – 5:30 p.m, at Froedtert Hospital (room varies). We will bill the cost to your insurance. For additional information or to schedule an intake appointment, please call 414-805-4781.

  • The group is for women in the third trimester of pregnancy through six months after the birth of baby. Session topics include: 

    • Understanding what are normal vs. concerning mood symptoms
    • Developing realistic expectations for postpartum adjustment
    • Practicing caring for yourself and developing a support system
    • Increasing awareness of thoughts, feelings and behavior
    • Developing healthy thinking styles
    • Strengthening identity and values as a mother

    This group is educational and skill-based. It is not intended to assess or diagnose individual mental health conditions. 

    This is a closed, recurring group. This group begins the first week of each month and runs for four weeks from 12 – 1 p.m. If you do not start at the beginning of the month, you are asked to wait to begin attending the following month. It is offered various days of the week. We will bill the cost to your insurance. Please call 414-805-4781 for specific details.

    The group is offered virtually via MyChart. Participants are requested to have a secure connection and private space to attend. 

    Call 414-805-4781 or stop by the Froedtert Hospital OB/GYN Clinic front desk to register.

  • Take charge of your health journey.

    This is a six-week, cognitive and behavioral therapy-based group for patients in the perimenopausal phase. This natural part of life can bring about a variety of cognitive, emotional, physical and social changes for women. It is not uncommon to experience sleep disruptions, mood fluctuations, brain fog, sexual changes, relationship shifts or other physical symptoms, such as hot flashes or joint pain. The variety of changes can affect coping and overall quality of life.

    This group aims to bring education and introduce ways to positively navigate this transition. The group will help patients:

    • Feel more informed by understanding symptoms
    • Develop strategies to improve behaviors, such as sleep and activity, that will promote short-and long-term health outcomes
    • Learn ways to cope with and reduce distress related to physical or emotional symptoms
    • Connect with others who share similar experiences
    • Generate a sense of empowerment in approaching this phase of life change in a rich and meaningful way

    This group is designed for women who are experiencing current symptoms of perimenopause and may have this diagnosis from their care team. Some sessions may include experts from other medical specialties such as OB/GYN or psychiatry. Each session lasts six weeks and includes at-home skill practices.

    This group is offered several times per year. Patients are expected to complete an initial individual intake prior to participation. For additional information or to schedule an intake appointment, please call 414-805-4781.

     

Women's Mental Health Expertise

Our team of psychologists and psychiatrists provide specialized care for women during reproductive periods.

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Rated as High Performing by U.S. News & World Report

U.S. News & World Report rated Froedtert Hospital as high performing in seven adult specialties and 21 procedures and conditions, including urology, maternity care (uncomplicated pregnancy) and gynecological cancer surgery.

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