Women’s mental health is a critical issue that affects individuals, workplaces, and communities. More than one in five women in the U.S. experience a mental health condition each year, according to the U.S. Office on Women’s Health. Yet, many face unique challenges that make accessing care and support more difficult.
In a recent webinar led by Tava's mental health expert Natalia Andreev, we explored the key stressors impacting women’s mental well-being, how to recognize signs of struggle, and ways to create supportive environments at work and in personal relationships.
Here are some of the most important takeaways from the session.
Natalia highlighted that many women juggle professional responsibilities while managing the majority of household and caregiving duties. This “second shift” leads to chronic stress, burnout, and difficulty prioritizing self-care.
Women still face barriers to advancement, unequal pay, and workplace bias. The webinar covered:
These challenges are even more pronounced for women of color, LGBTQ+ women, and women in low-wage jobs.
Natalia discussed the unrealistic expectation that women must excel in every area of life—career, family, personal health, and relationships. Social media only amplifies this pressure, leading to self-doubt, anxiety, and comparison-driven stress.
Many women struggle to receive proper mental health diagnoses and care due to healthcare biases. Conditions like postpartum depression, anxiety disorders, and hormonal-related mood changes are often misunderstood or dismissed.
Natalia emphasized that mental health challenges can manifest in different ways. Understanding the emotional, cognitive, physical, and behavioral signs can help identify when someone may need support.
If a woman in your life is exhibiting these signs, offering non-judgmental support is key.
Supporting women’s mental health doesn’t mean having all the answers—it means listening, validating, and being present. Here are five simple but impactful ways to help:
Instead of giving immediate advice, ask open-ended questions like:
🗣️ “How have you been feeling lately?”
🗣️ “What’s been on your mind?”
Avoid minimizing statements like “You’re just stressed” or “You’ll get over it.” Instead, validate their experience:
💡 “I see you’re going through a lot. I’m here for you.”
Some women may not want to talk immediately. Support can come in different forms—checking in regularly, offering to help with tasks, or just being present.
Encourage therapy, mental health apps, or support groups. Say things like:
💡 “Talking to a professional helped me when I was struggling too.”
Mental health challenges don’t disappear overnight. Avoid saying:
❌ “Just think positive”
❌ “You should feel better by now”
Instead, offer ongoing encouragement and patience.
The webinar also addressed how workplaces can play a crucial role in supporting women’s mental well-being.
Leaders should create safe spaces for employees to discuss mental health concerns without fear of stigma.
Companies can support women by offering:
Supervisors should be trained to identify signs of burnout and mental health struggles and connect employees to helpful resources.
Natalia stressed the importance of proactively combating workplace discrimination, gender bias, and inequities to create a more inclusive environment.
Instead of striving for an unrealistic “perfect balance,” organizations should help women create flexible, fulfilling work environments.
Women can also take proactive steps to prioritize their mental well-being. Some of Natalia’s top recommendations included:
Supporting women’s mental health is a collective effort. Whether you’re a friend, family member, colleague, or leader, small actions can create lasting change.
Explore more resources on women’s mental health.
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