inside her mind: understanding women's mental health:Talk by Dr.Kimneihat, NIMHANS, Bangalore
Author Name:younmecounsellingcenter
Youtube Channel Url:https://www.youtube.com/@drveerender
Youtube Video URL:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ceTKg-cBr_g
Title: inside her mind: understanding women's mental health:Talk by Dr.Kimneihat, NIMHANS, Bangalore
Author Name: younmecounsellingcenter
Description: Women play many important roles in life—as daughters, partners, mothers, professionals, and caregivers. While managing multiple responsibilities, many women experience emotional stress, anxiety, loneliness, relationship difficulties, and mental exhaustion. Yet, their struggles often remain unspoken or misunderstood. Talk by Dr.Kimneihat, NIMHANS, Bangalore
Transcript:
(00:00) Look into that. Um >> You can share it to PPT, madam. >> Yes, yes. I'm trying to share it. Can you see it, sir? >> Yeah? No, madam. Not yet. >> Okay. Just 1 second. I'm using my brother's thing. >> Okay. >> Uh-huh. So, Yeah. I think it would be visible now.
(00:49) >> Yeah, yeah, yes, madam. Yes. >> Okay. Thank you so much. Okay. So, the topic is we discuss so inside her mind understanding uh women's mental health. As I uh said earlier, we will be looking at mental health issues in women across uh lifespan. When we talk about mental health, you know, often uh people synonymously use as uh mental illness.
(01:27) But, when we talk about mental health uh just for a brief introduction, it's a positive of our well-being, our capacity to enjoy our life, our emotions, and and how we deal with the day-to-day challenges. And mental health impact each and every one of us. And according to the WHO, it says that illness. It is strongly associated with our physical health, our behavior, and the lifestyle choice choices that we have.
(02:05) So, >> [clears throat] >> when we talk about mental health, you know, the ability to have a fulfilling relationship with others and with our self, able to as a woman able to manage the multi roles that we take on our day-to-day um life, and adapting to life changes, the challenges, the stressful life events, and our emotional well-being, as well as our cognitive fitness.
(02:41) So, this compromise of our mental health. And why we have to separately talk about women's mental health, you know, men do have mental health issues. Why we need to talk about women's mental health? Why specifically that? Okay. So, when we look at the structure, our physical, physiological, or our psychological made up, you know, there is a gender disparity.
(03:11) There's a book where where it's the title as Men Are From Mars and Women Are From Venus. I think many of would us would have read that. Though there is not much changes in the majority of the structure or the function of the brain. What they the scientists find is that there is a subtle differences in women and men, the brain, you know, and how it is structured, how it the connectivity patterns, how it is wired, the way we process information, and how we react to events or stimuli, you know, And there is also differences in the way that how
(03:57) we communicate. So, even if we see men and women, you know, women tend to talk more than men do and deal in relationship, how we deal with relationship. Women are more, you know, um I mean, better in handling interpersonal relationship. Express even the way we express our feelings or the way we react to stress, you know? And women is more internalizing is what it's found that we cry or we keep it to ourselves.
(04:34) But men, when they are stressed, then they are more externalizing. Even if you see a young boy, you know, and a young girl having a same similar kind of situations. The young girl might be crying, you know, keeping herself aloof. When men, the boy might just try to break something or get irritable. So, that's how the differences are is what science says.
(04:57) And why gender differences? Actually, even in the biological aspect, women tend to have a lower serotonin level and because of that depression and anxiety are more common in women as compared to men. And the genetic makeup, you know, the brain structure and then how the hormonal changes, all those things also contributed to women's mental health and the socio-cultural influences.
(05:27) The status in the society, the position that we hold, you know, women mostly in Indian culture then we have seen a patriarchy, you know, men takes decision. Women holds a lower position at work and even for those who work in a daily wage, what we see that the payment, you know, men gets higher paid than uh women, social economic uh power differences.
(05:53) And many of the women are still dependent then on the male figure in the family. And also like sexual abuse, raped, uh violence are more common in uh female as compared to male. And body image, you know, women have to look certain way, they have to look good. So, these are something which our society keeps telling us about.
(06:18) And even the behavioral looking at the behavioral influences, what they say is that women tend to uh report about their mental health issues, their distress as compared to men. You know, they are able to talk about their problems more and likely to go to general practitioner. And sometimes uh they are over diagnosed is what uh it's found in the research.
(06:43) And why women mental health matters. So, women women is shaped by different factors, you know, interaction of the biological, the hormonal changes, the lower serotonin or the psychological made up and social factors, you know, across their lifespan. So, it's not only one factor but many factors that contributed to women's mental health.
(07:11) So, for example, the biological changes, the hormonal changes that takes place, you know, menstruation, during pregnancy, during postpartum, during menopause. So, these changes and then the gender and social factors like discrimination of being a woman or violence more uh as we see in the national data that violence happen even with men.
(07:35) But then the number is much higher uh in women. You know, and unequal opportunities, limited uh support, all these kind of uh factors. And women uh in our uh culture or society often takes the role of caregiving, you know? So, being a woman, being a female, you have to take care of your family, your elder people, the children at home, you know, caregiving, work, household responsibilities, all this uh kind of thing can also have an impact on the mental health, okay? And life experiences, trauma.
(08:15) When we look at child sexual abuse, you know, it's more common in women as compared to uh men, you know, adverse childhood experiences or any other uh kind of stresses. So, all these factors uh can have an impact on our well-being or our uh mental health. So, these are the four things that I uh talk about, the biological, psychological, our self-esteem, how we cope, the trauma, the adverse childhood experiences, or the hormonal changes, the gender roles which is being prescribed in the uh society, you know, violence or poverty, dependency, all
(08:57) these kind of thing can have an influence on the mental health of women. So, if you look at this uh diagram, I think the blue line which goes up, it it uh talks about the level of uh hormone secretion. And if you see around 10 um now the um menstruation also starts early for many children.
(09:23) So, around 10, 12, you know, and then it goes peak and then it comes down during uh the late uh 40s. So, down if you look, the low lower down is about the physical uh health that can uh happen uh uniquely happen to women. For example, in the um down if you see the premenstrual syndrome, you know, which is unique to women, dysmenorrhea, okay? And then uh during uh pregnancy or some women uh who um can't have a child or due to for infertility, you know, or bleed bleeding, all those thing, and cervical cervical cancer, breast cancer, ovarian
(10:04) cancer, which are unique to women, okay? Then if you look at the middle part, you'll see the responsibilities that women goes through. So, when during the menarche, it's a school, you know, their schooling happens. Then after that, around 20s, then employment. Even if you're uh not employed also, like those who got married are full-time housework, you know, or those who are working have to balance between the household responsibilities as well as taking care of the whole family, you know? So, then the childbearing, child rearing uh
(10:42) um thing. So, during this early um stage of uh women, during the puberty place, there are also social uh issues that uh keeps coming up. Like women have to be thin, they need to look good, you know? And lots of uh critical comments goes into the girls. You know, because of that, many of them uh tend to be quite concerned about how they look, how their uh body weight is, you know? And then even during that point of time when puberty, teenage, or early adulthood, women are at their uh during their prime life, you know?
(11:23) Lots of harassment, violence, sexual um violence do take place. So, on the top if you uh look into it, then you'll see that menstruation related depression. So during the 20s and all depression, postpartum depression, which we will talk a little later. And during the 40s, then burnout related depression, you know, too many things, handling too many things at home or at work.
(11:54) Okay, then during menopausal, there can have a depression again. So this is um the life's teasers related to mental health issues and diseases which are unique um to women. So when we look at the common mental health issues in women, you know, anxiety happens with both men and women, but they said it's three times higher in female.
(12:22) Depression is two times higher in female. And premenstrual syndrome, perinatal mental health issues do happen with women. And deliberate self-harm are more common in women. And suicide attempt, though suicide um completed suicide is higher in men. The attempt is higher in women is what the data shows us.
(12:52) And then eating disorders are much higher in women. They said anorexia, bulimia are three times higher in women than in men. And somatoform disorders, like pain, physical pain, you know, which manifest in physical thing, but origin is of psychological. These are also more common in women. And dissociative disorders are more common in women.
(13:18) And post-traumatic stress disorders are also more common in women as compared to men. This is what the data says. So we'll try to understand the key life stages and the transition. So, puberty 10 to 14 around 15, 16 we'll look at that in different age groups so that we understand better. So, during puberty, I think this is the time when you know, the menstruation starts and even there is a changes in the physical growth of women.
(13:59) So, there here this is a time where young girls, you know, often tend to have lots of mood swings, anxieties, or mixed emotions. They tend to keep and premenstrual syndrome is something which is very, very common among girls. Okay, and among females. And this is a time when they um make friends, you know, um start getting peer pressure, exams, and all school activities.
(14:31) And this is a time when they also try to build their own self-identity and their confidence. Okay? So, here what happens? Some of the common mental health disorders that happen during puberty are premenstrual syndrome. That is a physical, emotional, and behavioral symptoms that occurs 1 to 2 weeks before menstruation.
(14:57) And tend to improve after the menstruation starts, you know? Some of the common symptoms which they report are the mood swings, irritability, crying spells, you know, feeling sad, being tearful, or very anxious, tense, okay? Tiredness, difficulty concentrating, okay? And they also talk about food cravings, you know, and bloating, breast tenderness, head uh headache, physical symptom, cramps, and changes in the sleep pattern.
(15:28) And the other one is premenstrual dysphoric disorder. It comes as a disorder because uh it is more severe in nature, and then it sometimes affect a person's daily life. You know, some of them because the pain is so intense that they stop going to school or they stop uh they are not unable to do their daily life activities.
(15:54) Okay? So, here also mood changes. The symptoms are quite similar, but uh in premenstrual dysphoric disorder, the symptoms are more intense. And some of the common uh mental health issues that happen during uh puberty or early uh during the teenage is uh depression. Um depression, when we talk about uh depression, then it's an ongoing sadness, low mood, you you are unable to feel happy, you know, you don't feel happy, you're irritable or sad or you feel low.
(16:34) You don't have an interest in the things which you used to like, you know, you feel tired, exhausted, and there is a changes in appetite. Either you don't feel like eating at all or some tend to eat more than usual. Then um sleep disturbances, you know, you don't sleep at all at night or you spend most of the time in the bed. You know, and they find it difficult to focus.
(17:00) And here they also have the sense of being worthless. I I you know, I'm useless and all those kind of things. Feeling of hopelessness also can come. My future is dim or in a very severe form that helplessness, hopelessness, you know, that I can't no one I'm trapped in this situation. No one will be able to help me or my future is dim.
(17:23) So this is something and they also start avoiding social interaction most mostly spending time alone. Okay, and in depression self-harm thoughts or suicidal thoughts are also quite common. And when we talk about anxiety disorder, there can be various anxiety disorder. So here mostly the symptoms are excessive worrying.
(17:53) They tend to worry a lot and also it reflects in the physical symptoms like being restless, you know, and muscle tensions, heartbeat faster, you know, and breathing difficulties. Okay, and they also find it difficult to concentrate. Sleep is a problem during this time and there is a constant thought in teenage or young age of feeling fear of being judged.
(18:24) What will my friend think about me, you know, the worries continues and avoiding social situations. So this is about anxiety disorder. The next is eating disorder. So they are quite concerned about how they look, how their body weight is or their appearance or their shape. Okay, for persistent fear of gaining weight even when they have reduced significantly, they still think that, you know, they are still fat and they need to lose more weight.
(19:02) Okay, or feeling that one's body looks different from how it appears actually appears. Okay, and avoiding foods, trying to puke trying to pour puke, you know, whatever they have eaten, engaging in excessive exercises so that they can maintain their body weight, or fatigue, dizziness, all this come and here also social withdrawals are quite common in this.
(19:35) Coming to the next phase is adulthood. I think this is about 20 to 40 years old. I think this is the time when women, you know, either choose the career and then they have have to maintain a work-life balance, or some of them choose to get married and pre-planning for pregnancy or childbirth, you know, and they tend to have a family responsibilities, parenting responsibilities.
(20:06) So, in this stage, there is something which I would want to talk about is perinatal mental health. So, perinatal mental health is nothing but a mental health issues that occur during pregnancy, from the initiation of pregnancy to the first year after giving the giving birth to a child, okay? So, many women during this stage experience mental health issues, okay? During pregnancy or right after childbirth.
(20:44) And the data says that one in five women will experience a mental health condition during pregnancy or in a year after birth. So, there is something called baby blues, where many of the women after childbirth would have a temporary mood swings, you know, being tearful or get irritable, Okay.
(21:12) So, but then that does not last long. It gets better by its own. But if it continues, then there are high chances of having perinatal depression or anxiety. You know, so which I will talk to you a little later. While why is perinatal mental health important? You know, antenatal anxiety and depression do and the women who have anxiety or depression during pregnancy, what is the impact is that low birth weight of the child.
(21:47) And there is a small for gestational age and preterm birth are common among women who have anxiety and depression during their pregnancy. And where if you have an antenatal mental health issues, then there is an increased likelihood that you might have a postpartum mental health issues. That means after you're pregnant after your delivery also, you might have or continue to have the mental health issues.
(22:15) And postpartum period is a risk for new onset mental health problems again. So, during postpartum many women tend to have mental health issues even if they have not had mental health issues during pregnancies. And it impairs the infant mother bonding. Mother infant bonding, which is very very essential for the development of the child, you know.
(22:47) So, the mother infant bonding gets impaired when the mother have mental health issues. And in long-term impact is that there tend to be a behavioral problems in children and risk of illness in the child after a later on in his or her life is what the research shows. So, when we look at depression during the perinatal period, you know, they said in first trimester, the first 3 months, 11% tend to have mental health issues.
(23:22) And during the second and third trimester, it comes down a bit to 8%, but within 3 months postpartum, it is the highest. So, about 15% of women have mental health issues. And 4 to 7 month, 10% and after 7 7 months, 6.5%. And what is seen in the research is that in developing countries or under-developed developed countries, it is much higher.
(23:53) You know, in India in Asian or in Indian context, it is much higher is what it is seen. And coming to anxiety, first and third second trimester, about 18% and during the third trimester, it's the highest. You know, 27% of women tend to have antenatal anxiety. Okay? And within 3 months of postpartum, about 18%. 4 to 7 month, 15% and after 7 month, it comes down a little bit up to 14%.
(24:33) Let's try to look at perinatal depression. So, when we talk about perinatal depression, the depression with that happens during pregnancy and after childbirth until the child is 1 year old. So, here the symptoms are similar as compared to the other depression that we just talked about.
(25:01) Our feeling sad, feeling low, losing lost interest. And here lost interest in even taking care of the child. You know, they don't feel like spending time with the child. So, there are lots of guilt along with that. You know, because being a mother, how can I not feel for the child is something which the new mothers tend with depression tend to have it.
(25:28) Okay? So, changes in their sleeping patterns, eating patterns, feeling tired. As I said, strong sense of guilt. Worthless or hopeless, you know, this condition I might not do better. You know, I'm a burden to my family is something which they often think about. And then they find it very difficult to have that emotional connect with the child, with the baby.
(25:53) Okay? And here in perinatal depression, thought of harming oneself or suicide can also be common. Okay? Then the next one is perinatal anxiety. So, as we said during the third trimester, it is the peak, you know? So, the worry is mostly related to the pregnancy, the childbirth, what will happen to my baby, will my baby be all right, you know, how will my delivery be? So, the constant thoughts will be on that.
(26:27) You know, many of the mothers, I mean, they have some amount of anxiety, you know, like what will happen during my childbirth and all those. But in perinatal anxiety is like constant worry, you know? And it hampers the day-to-day activities. The thoughts are so persistent. Okay? Then um inability to stop worrying.
(26:50) You know, they worry and then it goes on and on and they find it very difficult to stop that. Okay, sleep disturbances even when the baby is asleep. You know, many of the new mothers they their sleeps are always compromised because if the child does not sleep um the mothers find it difficult to sleep, you know.
(27:11) But here even when the baby is asleep, they find it very very difficult to uh sleep. So and then physical symptoms like palpitations, sweating, trembling you know, difficulty breathing. So all those uh can happen and there is also a fear component of something bad might happen to my baby, something you know, or something might happen to me, something might happen during my delivery, you know.
(27:40) So those kind of constant worries happen during. So this is quite common even in Indian data that this perinatal anxiety and depression. Then postpartum psychosis. This is after childbirth a woman having psychotic big breakdown. It is not very very common, but one to two in thousand women or mothers have this is what uh it is shown in the data.
(28:14) Okay, confusion or difficulty uh during these times hearing or hearing things which others can't hear. Okay, sudden and extreme mood changes, restlessness, severe difficulty. Okay, we call it as hallucinations, you know, hearing of voices when others are not hearing delusions like my baby will be taken away or this is not my baby, my baby was switched during the delivery period.
(28:45) So those kind of uh false belief you know, so are are there in this postpartum psychosis? So, anxiety and depression, how does it impact, you know, someone who already had a pre-existing postpartum depression or antenatal stress, you know, most likely like difficult pregnancy, you know, or high-risk pregnancy. So, in that it is common is what it is see.
(29:23) Or an adverse experiences during childbirth, you know, long duration in the delivery room or children in the NICU. So, these are some of the factors which contributes to the mental health of the mothers. And when mental health is compromised, you know, then what the research says is that there tend to be a poor mother-infant bonding and there also tend to be a problem with breastfeeding of the child.
(29:55) And in the long run, what the study shows is that there can be a poor infant development and health among mothers who had perinatal mental health issues. Coming to perimeno- menopause around late 40s or in 50s, so irregular periods, you know, mood mood changes, irritability, or anxiety, or feeling low, these are quite common among women.
(30:30) And some physical symptoms which women find it very difficult to deal with are hot flashes and night sweats are something which defined it difficult. And sleep problem is something which women often uh talk about during this stage and urinary changes. You know, you needing to urinate more and frequently or urgently.
(30:54) So, this is something which women talk about. And what is recommended mostly during this period is about our self-care. Uh that can help make us feel better. You know, so like trying to stay active, eating well, or managing our stress by doing yoga or meditation or breathing exercises or journaling, and trying to talk and you know, connect with others.
(31:21) And they it's also recommended to go for a regular check-ups uh during this uh period. Then menopause uh happens after uh 50. Here also, the symptoms are uh similar. Hot flashes continues to happen for some. And mood changes happens, irritability, mood swings, or feeling very low, feeling very anxious, you know.
(31:48) So, these are uh common among uh uh women at this uh stage. And sleep problem is something which they often talk about. And physical changes, you know, so uh joint pains, back pain, muscle pains, these are something which uh they also uh talk about in this uh stage. Yeah. Just try to understand this is for uh mental health, not specific to uh women's mental health, but in general, what are the risks and protective factors, you know.
(32:21) So, when uh we look at the risk factor, someone who has a very low self-esteem, you know, someone who thinks very low about oneself, you know, or someone who uh uh have a poor coping strategies, like brooding, not talking about it, or using um substances to cope with the problems that they are going through. Or if there is a very insecure attachment in childhood, or there are physical and intellectual disabilities, then there are risk factors for mental health concerns.
(32:56) And in social, then someone who had had an adverse childhood experiences, abuse or violence, separations, or loss of loved ones, loss of you know, favorite pets or something. Then peer rejection, which is quite prominent among the teenage or you know, the young adults, and social isolation because of many reasons, you know, or social humiliations.
(33:31) So, these are some of the risk factors. And protective factors are like someone who has a good sense of self, a good coping skills, and who has a very strong attachment to the family, and who also have a very good social skills and good physical health are the protective factors. And in social, then positive experiences of early attachment, you know, with significant person.
(34:01) It can be either parents or with the grandparents or with someone who is caring for them, supportive caring parents or family, good communication skills, supportive social relationship, and sense of social belonging. They said being in the community, being among certain groups, you know, so those are also community participations are also a protective factors for mental health.
(34:26) When we look at the environmental, I think the risk factors are bereavement, relationship breakdown, you know, removal from social and family support, um being uh being in a carrier role which many women are, and unemployment, and other major life uh events, you know, like financial crisis or any other um life events, okay? Then uh the other thing are substance use is also not uh a good predictor for mental health, okay? And then violence in terms of domestic violence or intimate partner violence, emotional, psychological, any
(35:10) type of violence are not um are a risk factors for mental health problem. So, then in social and environmental, someone who has a good interpersonal uh relationship with significant uh others, uh family cohesion, social connectedness, you know? So, these are some of uh the uh good uh factors uh protective factors for mental health.
(35:37) And coming to the structural level, you know, the risk factors are where neighborhood where there are lots of violence, crime, poverty, you know, unemployment, economic instability, homelessness, school failure, social or cultural discriminations, lack of uh support services. So, all those things are a risk factors for uh mental health.
(36:04) And why there is a barrier to mental health care, especially among women? I think many of the women keep aside their problem. Um they say that because I I don't go because of lack of time, you know, or there is no one to take care of my child or my uh work when in my absence. So, this is the reason why I don't go and seek help for myself.
(36:31) Okay? And second thing is economic barriers. As we said, many women are dependent. >> There's one more submission. Uh can you close it and take some questions, ma'am? >> Yeah, yeah, sure, sure, sure. Okay. I can close it now? >> Yeah, you can No, no. You can finish it whatever >> Yes, it's almost done. It's almost >> within 2-3 minutes, then we can take it.
(36:50) Because time is up to 8:30 now. >> Yes, sorry, sorry. >> Yeah, thank you. Thank you. >> Yeah, yeah. >> Any questions? >> So, many a times it's because of stigma and lack of awareness that people don't seek mental health care. Okay? And how do we go about? I think these are some of the healthy coping strategies and unhealthy.
(37:12) I think you know, talking to someone, not keeping to oneself, using some relaxation techniques like breathing exercises, using positive self-talk or humor. These are some of the good practices. Not overreacting, social withdrawal, drug use, and all those are not help- helpful. So, when and how to refer? I think these are the some of the helpline numbers or Tele-Manas is for psychological distress.
(37:42) If someone has it, we can call them. And so I think we need to talk about mental health and address it a lot in the society because stigma is still prevalent and many people are not aware of mental health issues. And we can connect them with the professionals. And it's also important to check on our own mental health, you know, our own well-being.
(38:08) And if someone comes and talk to you about their mental health problem, I think it's good to hear them out, listen to them non-judgmental way because if you judge them and all, nobody would come to you again. And showing them that you care and you you know want to help them out. I think these are some important things that we can I end my talk here. Thank you all so much.
(38:34) >> Thank you very much, ma'am, for sharing your insights. We will now open the floor for your short question and answer session. Let us use this opportunity to learn from one another. >> May I request the audience please raise some questions. Madam is waiting for your questions. >> Uh I Uh I don't know how to say your name, actually. It's a little bit tricky one.
(39:10) Uh Kim Nahed, right? Amen. Okay, right. I Um yeah, that was a very wonderful session, actually. Um yeah, um you have covered almost all the problems faced by women across the timeline of life journey of a woman, actually. Girl come and the major things is one is what is missing as you have mentioned is self-care is missing in Indian communities, especially for women and all like.
(39:43) So, quickly if I say for a 40 to uh Yeah, 40 to 60-year old um women, what are the top five things which can be done easily to make their life better, actually? >> Thank you, Neelima, for that wonderful question. I think um yes, as you rightly pointed out, when we talk about uh self-care um among women, you know, some take it as a luxury.
(40:15) You know, I don't have time. And some feels guilty about it. You know, I have so much to do to take care. How can I take care of myself? You know, it's quite selfish as some uh women think about it. But then I think with the uh lot of responsibilities that we handle in our day-to-day basis, I think self-care is very very important for each and every one of us.
(40:42) I think self-care um what we can think of it. Some each person prefers it differently. You know, some prefers spirituality. They said if I spend time in spirituality, and that gives me pleasure. You know, that gives me that makes me feel happy. So, it can be in terms of um getting involved in spirituality. Or some of them says that, you know, yoga helps me, walking helps me, or you know, breathing exercise, meditation helps me.
(41:15) So, these are also very good components of self-care. And some women what they says that they enjoy their spending time in inculcating their hobbies. You know, some said, I love gardening. You know, when I'm with my flowers, I feel peace in it. You know, so so inculcating in those hobbies that you love, where you feel good about yourself, I think those are also an important thing that we can um take time and do it, you know.
(41:49) So, and it's okay to spend time, um take at least half an hour for ourselves so that we can carry on the very many things that we have to do in life. Okay. So, and the other thing is that some women talk about some skills that they have mastery over. You know, they have a mastery. So, for example, some loves cooking.
(42:12) You know, when I cook, or some said if I some are very good uh singers, so when they speak sing, they feel uh good about it or some uh says that they're an artist. You know, they love drawing, sketching, and all. So, something which you are good at, I think that is also somewhere you which will help you which um you know, for I mean, that can help you feel good about it.
(42:38) >> Yeah, beautiful. Thank you. Um yeah, let others uh speak out if they didn't cover, I have one more question. Let others speak off. >> Okay. >> May I request the participants you have any queries, please. >> Yes, sir. >> Yeah, please. >> Sir, this is Vijayarani. Uh first, let me thank you uh Kim, ma'am, for for the insights of the women of the various stages that you have been showing to us.
(43:08) And um I think that woman already knows what is happening with her apart. I mean, she already knows. But, how she has to take this to her man? >> Mhm. Okay. How how it has to women knows what she's going through, but how uh can we um I mean, make the men aware is what your question >> Exactly, exactly. Yes. >> I think um >> Means husband.
(43:36) >> Talking to them about it. >> Yes. >> I think talking to about it uh more than you know, and the way we tell them also matters a lot. If I just uh talk to them is like because of you I'm going through all this thing, then they might not want to listen to it. You know, but sometimes when you have uh a time with uh your spouse or with a male member in the family, I think letting them know about this is one thing uh that we can do.
(44:05) And also, a lot of awareness program has to go on. Even this uh for example, I was talking to you about perinatal mental health. You know, so lots of criticism goes to women when they are going through depression, anxiety, they are unable to take care of a mother of the baby. So what do people talk to them is like how can a mother, you know, being a mother you don't have affection towards your child. You are a cruel mother.
(44:31) You know, that's how people think about it. Okay. So making them aware, letting them know about it is something which we all need to start doing because mental health awareness is still very very poor in our country. Okay. So I think talking to them about it in a nice way so that they understand what we're going through and a lot of awareness session among men is also something which we need to target. Yeah.
(45:01) Okay. Is there anything else you want to add on that? Mhm. >> [clears throat] >> No. It's all It's all fine. Mhm. I can see basically in our society when you talk about the mental health, the whole house will be under denial mode and dismissal. So I think we need to educate the people and the whole society first of all how to understand the mental health, how sensibly and we need to be in addressing the mental health issues.
(45:36) So whenever either female or children when they come forward to tell about them that they are suffering with the anxiety and depression, immediately either people deny it or dismiss it or they make fun of it or they make mockery of it. That is the reason many of the people they really cannot come forward to share what really going through to their family members itself.
(46:00) So I think the as a society collectively we need to work on to break this stigma which is really going through uh going in the houses. I think I think you can add more uh if I'm wrong on this context. Anybody Anybody have any questions? >> Uh Good evening, sir. Like I would like to ask one question like related to uh you know adolescence age girls mostly they will be having uh some kind of uh like you know biological issues menstruation age.
(46:39) So, at that time how can we protect them like from psychological thoughts? Like they they will be gone through with so many kind of things in social way and also biological way. So, what can we tell them to protect them from all these things like biological or social way? So, any kind of uh you know support from adults? >> I think we can do a lot a lot uh by supporting them understanding what they are going through because they themselves find it very difficult and uh as we all know that um our brain development also
(47:23) uh ends at the age of 20 and all, you know, at this point of time children cannot express like how an adult express. So, sometimes they will they might uh shout they might scream or they might just not talk stop talking to you. So, even for a parents or an adult uh staying with them it's not very very easy but one understanding them uh is something which we can do supporting them um you know, during these phases of life and helping them for you know, any medical support or any emotional support being there with them in a
(48:00) non-threatening way, in a non-judgmental way? I think those are something which will which will help them is what I believe. Okay. Anyone else? Otherwise, we'll close this session. Okay. Priyanka, are we there? >> Yes, sir. As we come towards the end of the today's program, it is my privilege to propose a vote of thanks.
(48:36) First and foremost, we express our sincere gratitude to Dr. Kinyanjui from NIMHANS, Bengaluru, for joining us and sharing her valuable insights on mental women's mental health. Ma'am, thank you for helping us understand the importance of recognizing women's emotional needs and promoting psychological well-being. We extend our heartfelt thanks to all our participants for joining this session and contributing this important conversation.
(49:02) We are also grateful to the entire UNMHC Counseling and PD Center team, our organizers, volunteers, and technical team for their effort in making this program possible. Let of this today's program, we look forward to welcoming you tomorrow for the final session of our 3-day World Mental Health Day Awareness Talks focusing on mental health issues in elderly people.
(49:28) Have a wonderful evening and and please continue to take care of your mental health. Thank you.
Author Name:younmecounsellingcenter
Youtube Channel Url:https://www.youtube.com/@drveerender
Youtube Video URL:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ceTKg-cBr_g
Title: inside her mind: understanding women's mental health:Talk by Dr.Kimneihat, NIMHANS, Bangalore
Author Name: younmecounsellingcenter
Description: Women play many important roles in life—as daughters, partners, mothers, professionals, and caregivers. While managing multiple responsibilities, many women experience emotional stress, anxiety, loneliness, relationship difficulties, and mental exhaustion. Yet, their struggles often remain unspoken or misunderstood. Talk by Dr.Kimneihat, NIMHANS, Bangalore
Transcript:
(00:00) Look into that. Um >> You can share it to PPT, madam. >> Yes, yes. I'm trying to share it. Can you see it, sir? >> Yeah? No, madam. Not yet. >> Okay. Just 1 second. I'm using my brother's thing. >> Okay. >> Uh-huh. So, Yeah. I think it would be visible now.
(00:49) >> Yeah, yeah, yes, madam. Yes. >> Okay. Thank you so much. Okay. So, the topic is we discuss so inside her mind understanding uh women's mental health. As I uh said earlier, we will be looking at mental health issues in women across uh lifespan. When we talk about mental health, you know, often uh people synonymously use as uh mental illness.
(01:27) But, when we talk about mental health uh just for a brief introduction, it's a positive of our well-being, our capacity to enjoy our life, our emotions, and and how we deal with the day-to-day challenges. And mental health impact each and every one of us. And according to the WHO, it says that illness. It is strongly associated with our physical health, our behavior, and the lifestyle choice choices that we have.
(02:05) So, >> [clears throat] >> when we talk about mental health, you know, the ability to have a fulfilling relationship with others and with our self, able to as a woman able to manage the multi roles that we take on our day-to-day um life, and adapting to life changes, the challenges, the stressful life events, and our emotional well-being, as well as our cognitive fitness.
(02:41) So, this compromise of our mental health. And why we have to separately talk about women's mental health, you know, men do have mental health issues. Why we need to talk about women's mental health? Why specifically that? Okay. So, when we look at the structure, our physical, physiological, or our psychological made up, you know, there is a gender disparity.
(03:11) There's a book where where it's the title as Men Are From Mars and Women Are From Venus. I think many of would us would have read that. Though there is not much changes in the majority of the structure or the function of the brain. What they the scientists find is that there is a subtle differences in women and men, the brain, you know, and how it is structured, how it the connectivity patterns, how it is wired, the way we process information, and how we react to events or stimuli, you know, And there is also differences in the way that how
(03:57) we communicate. So, even if we see men and women, you know, women tend to talk more than men do and deal in relationship, how we deal with relationship. Women are more, you know, um I mean, better in handling interpersonal relationship. Express even the way we express our feelings or the way we react to stress, you know? And women is more internalizing is what it's found that we cry or we keep it to ourselves.
(04:34) But men, when they are stressed, then they are more externalizing. Even if you see a young boy, you know, and a young girl having a same similar kind of situations. The young girl might be crying, you know, keeping herself aloof. When men, the boy might just try to break something or get irritable. So, that's how the differences are is what science says.
(04:57) And why gender differences? Actually, even in the biological aspect, women tend to have a lower serotonin level and because of that depression and anxiety are more common in women as compared to men. And the genetic makeup, you know, the brain structure and then how the hormonal changes, all those things also contributed to women's mental health and the socio-cultural influences.
(05:27) The status in the society, the position that we hold, you know, women mostly in Indian culture then we have seen a patriarchy, you know, men takes decision. Women holds a lower position at work and even for those who work in a daily wage, what we see that the payment, you know, men gets higher paid than uh women, social economic uh power differences.
(05:53) And many of the women are still dependent then on the male figure in the family. And also like sexual abuse, raped, uh violence are more common in uh female as compared to male. And body image, you know, women have to look certain way, they have to look good. So, these are something which our society keeps telling us about.
(06:18) And even the behavioral looking at the behavioral influences, what they say is that women tend to uh report about their mental health issues, their distress as compared to men. You know, they are able to talk about their problems more and likely to go to general practitioner. And sometimes uh they are over diagnosed is what uh it's found in the research.
(06:43) And why women mental health matters. So, women women is shaped by different factors, you know, interaction of the biological, the hormonal changes, the lower serotonin or the psychological made up and social factors, you know, across their lifespan. So, it's not only one factor but many factors that contributed to women's mental health.
(07:11) So, for example, the biological changes, the hormonal changes that takes place, you know, menstruation, during pregnancy, during postpartum, during menopause. So, these changes and then the gender and social factors like discrimination of being a woman or violence more uh as we see in the national data that violence happen even with men.
(07:35) But then the number is much higher uh in women. You know, and unequal opportunities, limited uh support, all these kind of uh factors. And women uh in our uh culture or society often takes the role of caregiving, you know? So, being a woman, being a female, you have to take care of your family, your elder people, the children at home, you know, caregiving, work, household responsibilities, all this uh kind of thing can also have an impact on the mental health, okay? And life experiences, trauma.
(08:15) When we look at child sexual abuse, you know, it's more common in women as compared to uh men, you know, adverse childhood experiences or any other uh kind of stresses. So, all these factors uh can have an impact on our well-being or our uh mental health. So, these are the four things that I uh talk about, the biological, psychological, our self-esteem, how we cope, the trauma, the adverse childhood experiences, or the hormonal changes, the gender roles which is being prescribed in the uh society, you know, violence or poverty, dependency, all
(08:57) these kind of thing can have an influence on the mental health of women. So, if you look at this uh diagram, I think the blue line which goes up, it it uh talks about the level of uh hormone secretion. And if you see around 10 um now the um menstruation also starts early for many children.
(09:23) So, around 10, 12, you know, and then it goes peak and then it comes down during uh the late uh 40s. So, down if you look, the low lower down is about the physical uh health that can uh happen uh uniquely happen to women. For example, in the um down if you see the premenstrual syndrome, you know, which is unique to women, dysmenorrhea, okay? And then uh during uh pregnancy or some women uh who um can't have a child or due to for infertility, you know, or bleed bleeding, all those thing, and cervical cervical cancer, breast cancer, ovarian
(10:04) cancer, which are unique to women, okay? Then if you look at the middle part, you'll see the responsibilities that women goes through. So, when during the menarche, it's a school, you know, their schooling happens. Then after that, around 20s, then employment. Even if you're uh not employed also, like those who got married are full-time housework, you know, or those who are working have to balance between the household responsibilities as well as taking care of the whole family, you know? So, then the childbearing, child rearing uh
(10:42) um thing. So, during this early um stage of uh women, during the puberty place, there are also social uh issues that uh keeps coming up. Like women have to be thin, they need to look good, you know? And lots of uh critical comments goes into the girls. You know, because of that, many of them uh tend to be quite concerned about how they look, how their uh body weight is, you know? And then even during that point of time when puberty, teenage, or early adulthood, women are at their uh during their prime life, you know?
(11:23) Lots of harassment, violence, sexual um violence do take place. So, on the top if you uh look into it, then you'll see that menstruation related depression. So during the 20s and all depression, postpartum depression, which we will talk a little later. And during the 40s, then burnout related depression, you know, too many things, handling too many things at home or at work.
(11:54) Okay, then during menopausal, there can have a depression again. So this is um the life's teasers related to mental health issues and diseases which are unique um to women. So when we look at the common mental health issues in women, you know, anxiety happens with both men and women, but they said it's three times higher in female.
(12:22) Depression is two times higher in female. And premenstrual syndrome, perinatal mental health issues do happen with women. And deliberate self-harm are more common in women. And suicide attempt, though suicide um completed suicide is higher in men. The attempt is higher in women is what the data shows us.
(12:52) And then eating disorders are much higher in women. They said anorexia, bulimia are three times higher in women than in men. And somatoform disorders, like pain, physical pain, you know, which manifest in physical thing, but origin is of psychological. These are also more common in women. And dissociative disorders are more common in women.
(13:18) And post-traumatic stress disorders are also more common in women as compared to men. This is what the data says. So we'll try to understand the key life stages and the transition. So, puberty 10 to 14 around 15, 16 we'll look at that in different age groups so that we understand better. So, during puberty, I think this is the time when you know, the menstruation starts and even there is a changes in the physical growth of women.
(13:59) So, there here this is a time where young girls, you know, often tend to have lots of mood swings, anxieties, or mixed emotions. They tend to keep and premenstrual syndrome is something which is very, very common among girls. Okay, and among females. And this is a time when they um make friends, you know, um start getting peer pressure, exams, and all school activities.
(14:31) And this is a time when they also try to build their own self-identity and their confidence. Okay? So, here what happens? Some of the common mental health disorders that happen during puberty are premenstrual syndrome. That is a physical, emotional, and behavioral symptoms that occurs 1 to 2 weeks before menstruation.
(14:57) And tend to improve after the menstruation starts, you know? Some of the common symptoms which they report are the mood swings, irritability, crying spells, you know, feeling sad, being tearful, or very anxious, tense, okay? Tiredness, difficulty concentrating, okay? And they also talk about food cravings, you know, and bloating, breast tenderness, head uh headache, physical symptom, cramps, and changes in the sleep pattern.
(15:28) And the other one is premenstrual dysphoric disorder. It comes as a disorder because uh it is more severe in nature, and then it sometimes affect a person's daily life. You know, some of them because the pain is so intense that they stop going to school or they stop uh they are not unable to do their daily life activities.
(15:54) Okay? So, here also mood changes. The symptoms are quite similar, but uh in premenstrual dysphoric disorder, the symptoms are more intense. And some of the common uh mental health issues that happen during uh puberty or early uh during the teenage is uh depression. Um depression, when we talk about uh depression, then it's an ongoing sadness, low mood, you you are unable to feel happy, you know, you don't feel happy, you're irritable or sad or you feel low.
(16:34) You don't have an interest in the things which you used to like, you know, you feel tired, exhausted, and there is a changes in appetite. Either you don't feel like eating at all or some tend to eat more than usual. Then um sleep disturbances, you know, you don't sleep at all at night or you spend most of the time in the bed. You know, and they find it difficult to focus.
(17:00) And here they also have the sense of being worthless. I I you know, I'm useless and all those kind of things. Feeling of hopelessness also can come. My future is dim or in a very severe form that helplessness, hopelessness, you know, that I can't no one I'm trapped in this situation. No one will be able to help me or my future is dim.
(17:23) So this is something and they also start avoiding social interaction most mostly spending time alone. Okay, and in depression self-harm thoughts or suicidal thoughts are also quite common. And when we talk about anxiety disorder, there can be various anxiety disorder. So here mostly the symptoms are excessive worrying.
(17:53) They tend to worry a lot and also it reflects in the physical symptoms like being restless, you know, and muscle tensions, heartbeat faster, you know, and breathing difficulties. Okay, and they also find it difficult to concentrate. Sleep is a problem during this time and there is a constant thought in teenage or young age of feeling fear of being judged.
(18:24) What will my friend think about me, you know, the worries continues and avoiding social situations. So this is about anxiety disorder. The next is eating disorder. So they are quite concerned about how they look, how their body weight is or their appearance or their shape. Okay, for persistent fear of gaining weight even when they have reduced significantly, they still think that, you know, they are still fat and they need to lose more weight.
(19:02) Okay, or feeling that one's body looks different from how it appears actually appears. Okay, and avoiding foods, trying to puke trying to pour puke, you know, whatever they have eaten, engaging in excessive exercises so that they can maintain their body weight, or fatigue, dizziness, all this come and here also social withdrawals are quite common in this.
(19:35) Coming to the next phase is adulthood. I think this is about 20 to 40 years old. I think this is the time when women, you know, either choose the career and then they have have to maintain a work-life balance, or some of them choose to get married and pre-planning for pregnancy or childbirth, you know, and they tend to have a family responsibilities, parenting responsibilities.
(20:06) So, in this stage, there is something which I would want to talk about is perinatal mental health. So, perinatal mental health is nothing but a mental health issues that occur during pregnancy, from the initiation of pregnancy to the first year after giving the giving birth to a child, okay? So, many women during this stage experience mental health issues, okay? During pregnancy or right after childbirth.
(20:44) And the data says that one in five women will experience a mental health condition during pregnancy or in a year after birth. So, there is something called baby blues, where many of the women after childbirth would have a temporary mood swings, you know, being tearful or get irritable, Okay.
(21:12) So, but then that does not last long. It gets better by its own. But if it continues, then there are high chances of having perinatal depression or anxiety. You know, so which I will talk to you a little later. While why is perinatal mental health important? You know, antenatal anxiety and depression do and the women who have anxiety or depression during pregnancy, what is the impact is that low birth weight of the child.
(21:47) And there is a small for gestational age and preterm birth are common among women who have anxiety and depression during their pregnancy. And where if you have an antenatal mental health issues, then there is an increased likelihood that you might have a postpartum mental health issues. That means after you're pregnant after your delivery also, you might have or continue to have the mental health issues.
(22:15) And postpartum period is a risk for new onset mental health problems again. So, during postpartum many women tend to have mental health issues even if they have not had mental health issues during pregnancies. And it impairs the infant mother bonding. Mother infant bonding, which is very very essential for the development of the child, you know.
(22:47) So, the mother infant bonding gets impaired when the mother have mental health issues. And in long-term impact is that there tend to be a behavioral problems in children and risk of illness in the child after a later on in his or her life is what the research shows. So, when we look at depression during the perinatal period, you know, they said in first trimester, the first 3 months, 11% tend to have mental health issues.
(23:22) And during the second and third trimester, it comes down a bit to 8%, but within 3 months postpartum, it is the highest. So, about 15% of women have mental health issues. And 4 to 7 month, 10% and after 7 7 months, 6.5%. And what is seen in the research is that in developing countries or under-developed developed countries, it is much higher.
(23:53) You know, in India in Asian or in Indian context, it is much higher is what it is seen. And coming to anxiety, first and third second trimester, about 18% and during the third trimester, it's the highest. You know, 27% of women tend to have antenatal anxiety. Okay? And within 3 months of postpartum, about 18%. 4 to 7 month, 15% and after 7 month, it comes down a little bit up to 14%.
(24:33) Let's try to look at perinatal depression. So, when we talk about perinatal depression, the depression with that happens during pregnancy and after childbirth until the child is 1 year old. So, here the symptoms are similar as compared to the other depression that we just talked about.
(25:01) Our feeling sad, feeling low, losing lost interest. And here lost interest in even taking care of the child. You know, they don't feel like spending time with the child. So, there are lots of guilt along with that. You know, because being a mother, how can I not feel for the child is something which the new mothers tend with depression tend to have it.
(25:28) Okay? So, changes in their sleeping patterns, eating patterns, feeling tired. As I said, strong sense of guilt. Worthless or hopeless, you know, this condition I might not do better. You know, I'm a burden to my family is something which they often think about. And then they find it very difficult to have that emotional connect with the child, with the baby.
(25:53) Okay? And here in perinatal depression, thought of harming oneself or suicide can also be common. Okay? Then the next one is perinatal anxiety. So, as we said during the third trimester, it is the peak, you know? So, the worry is mostly related to the pregnancy, the childbirth, what will happen to my baby, will my baby be all right, you know, how will my delivery be? So, the constant thoughts will be on that.
(26:27) You know, many of the mothers, I mean, they have some amount of anxiety, you know, like what will happen during my childbirth and all those. But in perinatal anxiety is like constant worry, you know? And it hampers the day-to-day activities. The thoughts are so persistent. Okay? Then um inability to stop worrying.
(26:50) You know, they worry and then it goes on and on and they find it very difficult to stop that. Okay, sleep disturbances even when the baby is asleep. You know, many of the new mothers they their sleeps are always compromised because if the child does not sleep um the mothers find it difficult to sleep, you know.
(27:11) But here even when the baby is asleep, they find it very very difficult to uh sleep. So and then physical symptoms like palpitations, sweating, trembling you know, difficulty breathing. So all those uh can happen and there is also a fear component of something bad might happen to my baby, something you know, or something might happen to me, something might happen during my delivery, you know.
(27:40) So those kind of constant worries happen during. So this is quite common even in Indian data that this perinatal anxiety and depression. Then postpartum psychosis. This is after childbirth a woman having psychotic big breakdown. It is not very very common, but one to two in thousand women or mothers have this is what uh it is shown in the data.
(28:14) Okay, confusion or difficulty uh during these times hearing or hearing things which others can't hear. Okay, sudden and extreme mood changes, restlessness, severe difficulty. Okay, we call it as hallucinations, you know, hearing of voices when others are not hearing delusions like my baby will be taken away or this is not my baby, my baby was switched during the delivery period.
(28:45) So those kind of uh false belief you know, so are are there in this postpartum psychosis? So, anxiety and depression, how does it impact, you know, someone who already had a pre-existing postpartum depression or antenatal stress, you know, most likely like difficult pregnancy, you know, or high-risk pregnancy. So, in that it is common is what it is see.
(29:23) Or an adverse experiences during childbirth, you know, long duration in the delivery room or children in the NICU. So, these are some of the factors which contributes to the mental health of the mothers. And when mental health is compromised, you know, then what the research says is that there tend to be a poor mother-infant bonding and there also tend to be a problem with breastfeeding of the child.
(29:55) And in the long run, what the study shows is that there can be a poor infant development and health among mothers who had perinatal mental health issues. Coming to perimeno- menopause around late 40s or in 50s, so irregular periods, you know, mood mood changes, irritability, or anxiety, or feeling low, these are quite common among women.
(30:30) And some physical symptoms which women find it very difficult to deal with are hot flashes and night sweats are something which defined it difficult. And sleep problem is something which women often uh talk about during this stage and urinary changes. You know, you needing to urinate more and frequently or urgently.
(30:54) So, this is something which women talk about. And what is recommended mostly during this period is about our self-care. Uh that can help make us feel better. You know, so like trying to stay active, eating well, or managing our stress by doing yoga or meditation or breathing exercises or journaling, and trying to talk and you know, connect with others.
(31:21) And they it's also recommended to go for a regular check-ups uh during this uh period. Then menopause uh happens after uh 50. Here also, the symptoms are uh similar. Hot flashes continues to happen for some. And mood changes happens, irritability, mood swings, or feeling very low, feeling very anxious, you know.
(31:48) So, these are uh common among uh uh women at this uh stage. And sleep problem is something which they often talk about. And physical changes, you know, so uh joint pains, back pain, muscle pains, these are something which uh they also uh talk about in this uh stage. Yeah. Just try to understand this is for uh mental health, not specific to uh women's mental health, but in general, what are the risks and protective factors, you know.
(32:21) So, when uh we look at the risk factor, someone who has a very low self-esteem, you know, someone who thinks very low about oneself, you know, or someone who uh uh have a poor coping strategies, like brooding, not talking about it, or using um substances to cope with the problems that they are going through. Or if there is a very insecure attachment in childhood, or there are physical and intellectual disabilities, then there are risk factors for mental health concerns.
(32:56) And in social, then someone who had had an adverse childhood experiences, abuse or violence, separations, or loss of loved ones, loss of you know, favorite pets or something. Then peer rejection, which is quite prominent among the teenage or you know, the young adults, and social isolation because of many reasons, you know, or social humiliations.
(33:31) So, these are some of the risk factors. And protective factors are like someone who has a good sense of self, a good coping skills, and who has a very strong attachment to the family, and who also have a very good social skills and good physical health are the protective factors. And in social, then positive experiences of early attachment, you know, with significant person.
(34:01) It can be either parents or with the grandparents or with someone who is caring for them, supportive caring parents or family, good communication skills, supportive social relationship, and sense of social belonging. They said being in the community, being among certain groups, you know, so those are also community participations are also a protective factors for mental health.
(34:26) When we look at the environmental, I think the risk factors are bereavement, relationship breakdown, you know, removal from social and family support, um being uh being in a carrier role which many women are, and unemployment, and other major life uh events, you know, like financial crisis or any other um life events, okay? Then uh the other thing are substance use is also not uh a good predictor for mental health, okay? And then violence in terms of domestic violence or intimate partner violence, emotional, psychological, any
(35:10) type of violence are not um are a risk factors for mental health problem. So, then in social and environmental, someone who has a good interpersonal uh relationship with significant uh others, uh family cohesion, social connectedness, you know? So, these are some of uh the uh good uh factors uh protective factors for mental health.
(35:37) And coming to the structural level, you know, the risk factors are where neighborhood where there are lots of violence, crime, poverty, you know, unemployment, economic instability, homelessness, school failure, social or cultural discriminations, lack of uh support services. So, all those things are a risk factors for uh mental health.
(36:04) And why there is a barrier to mental health care, especially among women? I think many of the women keep aside their problem. Um they say that because I I don't go because of lack of time, you know, or there is no one to take care of my child or my uh work when in my absence. So, this is the reason why I don't go and seek help for myself.
(36:31) Okay? And second thing is economic barriers. As we said, many women are dependent. >> There's one more submission. Uh can you close it and take some questions, ma'am? >> Yeah, yeah, sure, sure, sure. Okay. I can close it now? >> Yeah, you can No, no. You can finish it whatever >> Yes, it's almost done. It's almost >> within 2-3 minutes, then we can take it.
(36:50) Because time is up to 8:30 now. >> Yes, sorry, sorry. >> Yeah, thank you. Thank you. >> Yeah, yeah. >> Any questions? >> So, many a times it's because of stigma and lack of awareness that people don't seek mental health care. Okay? And how do we go about? I think these are some of the healthy coping strategies and unhealthy.
(37:12) I think you know, talking to someone, not keeping to oneself, using some relaxation techniques like breathing exercises, using positive self-talk or humor. These are some of the good practices. Not overreacting, social withdrawal, drug use, and all those are not help- helpful. So, when and how to refer? I think these are the some of the helpline numbers or Tele-Manas is for psychological distress.
(37:42) If someone has it, we can call them. And so I think we need to talk about mental health and address it a lot in the society because stigma is still prevalent and many people are not aware of mental health issues. And we can connect them with the professionals. And it's also important to check on our own mental health, you know, our own well-being.
(38:08) And if someone comes and talk to you about their mental health problem, I think it's good to hear them out, listen to them non-judgmental way because if you judge them and all, nobody would come to you again. And showing them that you care and you you know want to help them out. I think these are some important things that we can I end my talk here. Thank you all so much.
(38:34) >> Thank you very much, ma'am, for sharing your insights. We will now open the floor for your short question and answer session. Let us use this opportunity to learn from one another. >> May I request the audience please raise some questions. Madam is waiting for your questions. >> Uh I Uh I don't know how to say your name, actually. It's a little bit tricky one.
(39:10) Uh Kim Nahed, right? Amen. Okay, right. I Um yeah, that was a very wonderful session, actually. Um yeah, um you have covered almost all the problems faced by women across the timeline of life journey of a woman, actually. Girl come and the major things is one is what is missing as you have mentioned is self-care is missing in Indian communities, especially for women and all like.
(39:43) So, quickly if I say for a 40 to uh Yeah, 40 to 60-year old um women, what are the top five things which can be done easily to make their life better, actually? >> Thank you, Neelima, for that wonderful question. I think um yes, as you rightly pointed out, when we talk about uh self-care um among women, you know, some take it as a luxury.
(40:15) You know, I don't have time. And some feels guilty about it. You know, I have so much to do to take care. How can I take care of myself? You know, it's quite selfish as some uh women think about it. But then I think with the uh lot of responsibilities that we handle in our day-to-day basis, I think self-care is very very important for each and every one of us.
(40:42) I think self-care um what we can think of it. Some each person prefers it differently. You know, some prefers spirituality. They said if I spend time in spirituality, and that gives me pleasure. You know, that gives me that makes me feel happy. So, it can be in terms of um getting involved in spirituality. Or some of them says that, you know, yoga helps me, walking helps me, or you know, breathing exercise, meditation helps me.
(41:15) So, these are also very good components of self-care. And some women what they says that they enjoy their spending time in inculcating their hobbies. You know, some said, I love gardening. You know, when I'm with my flowers, I feel peace in it. You know, so so inculcating in those hobbies that you love, where you feel good about yourself, I think those are also an important thing that we can um take time and do it, you know.
(41:49) So, and it's okay to spend time, um take at least half an hour for ourselves so that we can carry on the very many things that we have to do in life. Okay. So, and the other thing is that some women talk about some skills that they have mastery over. You know, they have a mastery. So, for example, some loves cooking.
(42:12) You know, when I cook, or some said if I some are very good uh singers, so when they speak sing, they feel uh good about it or some uh says that they're an artist. You know, they love drawing, sketching, and all. So, something which you are good at, I think that is also somewhere you which will help you which um you know, for I mean, that can help you feel good about it.
(42:38) >> Yeah, beautiful. Thank you. Um yeah, let others uh speak out if they didn't cover, I have one more question. Let others speak off. >> Okay. >> May I request the participants you have any queries, please. >> Yes, sir. >> Yeah, please. >> Sir, this is Vijayarani. Uh first, let me thank you uh Kim, ma'am, for for the insights of the women of the various stages that you have been showing to us.
(43:08) And um I think that woman already knows what is happening with her apart. I mean, she already knows. But, how she has to take this to her man? >> Mhm. Okay. How how it has to women knows what she's going through, but how uh can we um I mean, make the men aware is what your question >> Exactly, exactly. Yes. >> I think um >> Means husband.
(43:36) >> Talking to them about it. >> Yes. >> I think talking to about it uh more than you know, and the way we tell them also matters a lot. If I just uh talk to them is like because of you I'm going through all this thing, then they might not want to listen to it. You know, but sometimes when you have uh a time with uh your spouse or with a male member in the family, I think letting them know about this is one thing uh that we can do.
(44:05) And also, a lot of awareness program has to go on. Even this uh for example, I was talking to you about perinatal mental health. You know, so lots of criticism goes to women when they are going through depression, anxiety, they are unable to take care of a mother of the baby. So what do people talk to them is like how can a mother, you know, being a mother you don't have affection towards your child. You are a cruel mother.
(44:31) You know, that's how people think about it. Okay. So making them aware, letting them know about it is something which we all need to start doing because mental health awareness is still very very poor in our country. Okay. So I think talking to them about it in a nice way so that they understand what we're going through and a lot of awareness session among men is also something which we need to target. Yeah.
(45:01) Okay. Is there anything else you want to add on that? Mhm. >> [clears throat] >> No. It's all It's all fine. Mhm. I can see basically in our society when you talk about the mental health, the whole house will be under denial mode and dismissal. So I think we need to educate the people and the whole society first of all how to understand the mental health, how sensibly and we need to be in addressing the mental health issues.
(45:36) So whenever either female or children when they come forward to tell about them that they are suffering with the anxiety and depression, immediately either people deny it or dismiss it or they make fun of it or they make mockery of it. That is the reason many of the people they really cannot come forward to share what really going through to their family members itself.
(46:00) So I think the as a society collectively we need to work on to break this stigma which is really going through uh going in the houses. I think I think you can add more uh if I'm wrong on this context. Anybody Anybody have any questions? >> Uh Good evening, sir. Like I would like to ask one question like related to uh you know adolescence age girls mostly they will be having uh some kind of uh like you know biological issues menstruation age.
(46:39) So, at that time how can we protect them like from psychological thoughts? Like they they will be gone through with so many kind of things in social way and also biological way. So, what can we tell them to protect them from all these things like biological or social way? So, any kind of uh you know support from adults? >> I think we can do a lot a lot uh by supporting them understanding what they are going through because they themselves find it very difficult and uh as we all know that um our brain development also
(47:23) uh ends at the age of 20 and all, you know, at this point of time children cannot express like how an adult express. So, sometimes they will they might uh shout they might scream or they might just not talk stop talking to you. So, even for a parents or an adult uh staying with them it's not very very easy but one understanding them uh is something which we can do supporting them um you know, during these phases of life and helping them for you know, any medical support or any emotional support being there with them in a
(48:00) non-threatening way, in a non-judgmental way? I think those are something which will which will help them is what I believe. Okay. Anyone else? Otherwise, we'll close this session. Okay. Priyanka, are we there? >> Yes, sir. As we come towards the end of the today's program, it is my privilege to propose a vote of thanks.
(48:36) First and foremost, we express our sincere gratitude to Dr. Kinyanjui from NIMHANS, Bengaluru, for joining us and sharing her valuable insights on mental women's mental health. Ma'am, thank you for helping us understand the importance of recognizing women's emotional needs and promoting psychological well-being. We extend our heartfelt thanks to all our participants for joining this session and contributing this important conversation.
(49:02) We are also grateful to the entire UNMHC Counseling and PD Center team, our organizers, volunteers, and technical team for their effort in making this program possible. Let of this today's program, we look forward to welcoming you tomorrow for the final session of our 3-day World Mental Health Day Awareness Talks focusing on mental health issues in elderly people.
(49:28) Have a wonderful evening and and please continue to take care of your mental health. Thank you.
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