Womens History Month
Each March, Women’s History Month offers an opportunity to recognize the achievements, resilience, and contributions of women throughout history. It is also a meaningful time to reflect on women’s mental health—how it has been understood, misunderstood, and increasingly supported over time. While society has made significant progress in recognizing the emotional and psychological needs of women, many women still navigate unique stressors related to caregiving, workplace expectations, social roles, discrimination, and trauma.
This month invites us not only to celebrate progress but also to continue supporting women’s emotional well-being in meaningful ways.
A Brief Look at Women in Mental Health History
Women have played an essential role in shaping the field of psychology, social work, and mental health advocacy. Some notable contributors include:
Mary Whiton Calkins. One of the first women psychologists in the United States who conducted groundbreaking work in memory research and self-psychology, despite being denied a Harvard degree because of her gender.
Karen Horney. A pioneering psychoanalyst who challenged traditional Freudian theories and emphasized the impact of culture, relationships, and social pressures on women’s psychological development.
Mamie Phipps Clark. A psychologist whose research on racial identity and self-perception among Black children helped shape the landmark Brown v. Board of Education decision.
Marsha Linehan. Creator of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), an evidence-based treatment that has helped millions of people regulate emotions and cope with intense distress.
These women, as well as many others, expanded the understanding of mental health and helped create more compassionate and effective therapeutic approaches.
Understanding Womens Mental Health Today
Mental health concerns affect people of all genders, but women often face distinct risk factors and pressures that can impact emotional well-being. Research shows:
Women are nearly twice as likely as men to experience anxiety disorders and depression.
Women are more likely to experience caregiver stress, balancing responsibilities related to family, work, and community roles.
Exposure to gender-based violence and trauma remains a significant mental health concern worldwide.
Hormonal changes related to pregnancy, postpartum periods, menstrual cycles, and menopause can also influence mood and emotional regulation.
At the same time, women demonstrate tremendous resilience and strength in navigating these challenges.
The Power of Community & Support
Historically, women have relied on community networks—friends, family, mentors, and advocacy groups—to support emotional well-being. Social connection remains one of the strongest protective factors for mental health. Ways women can strengthen support systems include:
Building trusted friendships and support networks
Seeking therapy or counseling when needed
Participating in peer support groups
Mentoring or uplifting other women
Engaging in community and advocacy efforts
Connection can reduce isolation and increase resilience.
Prioritizing Mental Health & Self Care
Women are often encouraged to care for others first, sometimes at the expense of their own well-being. Prioritizing mental health is not selfish; it is essential. Supportive practices include:
Setting healthy boundaries around time and emotional energy
Recognizing early signs of stress or burnout
Making space for rest and personal interests
Practicing self-compassion during difficult periods
Seeking professional support when challenges feel overwhelming
Taking care of mental health strengthens the ability to care for others as well.
How the Women of PGNE Prioritize Self-Care
At Psychology Group of New England, the women on our team recognize that supporting others begins with caring for our own well-being. Because mental health work can be emotionally demanding, intentional self-care helps us stay grounded, present, and compassionate. Some of the ways the women of PGNE prioritize their own well-being include:
Spending time in nature, whether through walking, gardening, or outdoor activities
Practicing mindfulness or quiet reflection, such as meditation, journaling, or deep breathing
Engaging in creative outlets like reading, art, music, or cooking
Prioritizing movement and rest, recognizing that both physical activity and restorative downtime support emotional health
Self-care doesn’t have to be complicated. Sometimes it simply means pausing, resting, or making space for the activities and relationships that help restore balance. As mental health providers, we believe self-care is not a luxury; it is an essential practice that helps us remain present, compassionate, and effective in the work we do.
A Final Reminder
Women’s History Month reminds us how far we have come and how important it is to continue supporting women’s voices, health, and wellbeing. By acknowledging both the historical barriers and the progress made, we create space for more inclusive, compassionate mental health care moving forward.
