Reality of Women’s Mental Health in Australia

Statistics reflect what many women already know from lived experience:

• 1 in 6 women will experience depression in their lifetime

• 1 in 3 women will experience anxiety

• 1 in 6 new mothers will experience postpartum depression

• Women experience PTSD and eating disorders at significantly higher rates than men

And during COVID-19, women were more likely to experience high or very high psychological distress compared with men, highlighting how times of crisis can intensify existing inequalities.

While women may be more likely to report mental health difficulties, this does not mean their struggles are less severe. Instead, it highlights women's courage in naming what is happening and seeking help—something our systems should support, not overlook. Go to Beyond Blue for more information on the impact on women's mental health. Click here.

As a psychotherapist supporting women, I don’t begin by searching for what’s “wrong.” Instead, we start by gently exploring what feels heavy, confusing, or overwhelming in their lives. Together, we identify the core experiences shaping their distress — not as symptoms to be pathologised, but as meaningful signals pointing toward what they need.

Once we understand what is happening beneath the surface, we collaborate on a goal that feels supportive and realistic for where they are. For some women, this means recognising patterns of anxiety; for others, it may be nurturing emotional regulation, rebuilding connection, strengthening resilience, or simply validating the weight they have been carrying for far too long.

From there, we co-create practical tools, small exercises, reflections, grounding practices, or compassionate rituals that honour their pace and their lived experience. The process is never about “fixing” them, but about helping them feel seen, supported, and empowered as they move toward healing in a way that feels authentic to them.

Social expectations place heavy, often unseen burdens on women, influencing their mental health and wellbeing. Naming this helps us offer the understanding and care women truly deserve. More on social impact for women, click here.