Mental Health and Its Impact on Your Overall Well-Being

Mental health has always played an integral role in determining overall well-being. However, it’s only in recent times that we have begun to acknowledge and address its profound impact. Whether it affects physical health, relationships, work-life balance, or quality of life, mental health is deeply intertwined with every aspect of who we are. The multitasking nature of women, compounded by societal and hormonal factors, can lead to stressors that significantly affect both mental and physical health.

The Connection Between Mental and Physical Health

Chronic stress and poor mental health are linked to several physical health conditions, increasing the risk of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as diabetes and hypertension. According to Apollo Hospitals’ Health of the Nation 2024 report, individuals experiencing chronic stress are up to 2-3 times more likely to develop diabetes and 1.5 times more likely to develop hypertension — women being particularly vulnerable. Among 11,000 people surveyed, almost 80% of young adults (18-30 years) and senior citizens (>65 years) reported significant stress levels.

The mind-body connection is clear: untreated mental health concerns worsen overall well-being and directly contribute to poor health outcomes. Stress naturally triggers the body’s fight-or-flight response, designed to protect in emergencies. However, when this response is constantly activated, it affects long-term health. Chronic stress can lead to insomnia, heartburn, weakened immunity, and even fertility issues. The body’s stress response, while useful in short bursts, takes a toll when prolonged.

Common Health Challenges in Women

Women face unique challenges when it comes to mental health. The female brain is exposed to long-term rhythmic and cyclic changes in the sex hormones estrogen and progesterone from puberty to menopause. These hormones have potent neuromodulatory effects and are shown to shape female emotionality. Studies indicate that these fluctuating sex hormones, especially during postpartum, menopause, and conditions like premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), increase the risk of depression and anxiety in women.

Social factors also contribute to the problem, with many women balancing caregiving roles alongside work and personal responsibilities. The societal expectation for women to “do it all” often results in increased stress, which is rarely addressed in traditional healthcare settings. Adolescent girls, in particular, face additional pressures due to peer pressure, body image concerns, and academic stress. These challenges can increase the risk of self-harm, eating disorders, and suicidal thoughts, making it critical to address mental health during these formative years.

However, one of the biggest challenges women in India face is the stigma around discussing mental health. Cultural norms and societal pressures often discourage open conversations about mental health, leading many women to suffer in silence. This perpetuates misconceptions about mental health and results in concerns being dismissed or left untreated, further worsening conditions over time.

Promoting Mental Health as Self-Care

Despite the importance of mental health, many women hesitate to prioritise their well-being. Promoting mental health as an essential part of self-care can change this mindset. Mental health should be viewed as equally important as physical health.

Here are some tips to improve your mental health:

• Ensure restful sleep
• Exercise regularly
• Cut back on social media
• Practice mindfulness or meditation
• Eat a nutrient-rich diet
• Get some sunshine
• Seek counselling from a therapist/psychologist

Normalising conversations around mental health is crucial to breaking the stigma. It’s important to create supportive environments — at home and at work — where women feel safe to discuss their mental health challenges. When you see others going through a tough phase, as hard as it is, find the right way to approach them and ensure they seek the help needed.

Preventive Mental Health Screening

Given the link between chronic stress and NCDs, mental health assessments should be part of preventive health screenings. Regular mental health checks are essential for early detection and intervention, allowing specialists to help individuals before conditions worsen. For high-risk patients, immediate referrals to psychologists or psychiatrists ensure timely care.

At Apollo ProHealth, we have integrated mental health screenings into routine care, including assessments for depression and anxiety. We use the PHQ9 questionnaire for depression screening and the GAD7 questionnaire for anxiety. Early detection through these screenings can significantly reduce the risk of more severe mental health conditions developing.

Let us encourage women to take control of their mental well-being, prioritise self-care, and seek regular screenings as part of their preventive healthcare routine. The sooner we take action, the healthier our future will be.