Mental Health Awareness Month

May 7, 2024
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Clinically Reviewed by Stephanie Behrens

May 2024 is Mental Health Awareness Month, a vital period dedicated to illuminating the mental health issues that affect millions worldwide. This month is especially significant when considering the unique psychological challenges faced by women, who often experience mental health conditions differently due to various biological, social, and cultural factors. At Anchored Tides Recovery, we recognize the importance of addressing these distinct needs and are committed to empowering women through specialized mental health services. Our goal is to foster resilience and promote well-being among women, providing them with the support and resources necessary to thrive.

In this blog post, we will explore the importance of gender-specific mental health treatment and share how our structured programs are making a positive impact.

Understanding Mental Health in Women

Mental health issues can affect anyone, but certain conditions tend to be more prevalent or present differently in women due to biological, social, and psychological factors. Here, we delve into some of the most common mental health challenges faced by women: depression, anxiety, and eating disorders.

Depression in Women

Women are nearly twice as likely as men to be diagnosed with depression.¹ This condition can manifest as persistent sadness, loss of interest in enjoyable activities, and extreme fatigue. Several factors contribute to higher depression rates in women, including hormonal fluctuations related to menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause, as well as the stress that can come from balancing multiple roles and expectations in society.

Anxiety in Women

Anxiety disorders are also more common among women and can include generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and various phobias. Women may experience intense and excessive worry, nervousness, and fear, which can be debilitating. Contributing factors may include hormonal changes, experiences of trauma, and societal pressures, which often emphasize perfectionism and high achievement in multiple domains of life.

Eating Disorders in Women

Eating disorders, such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder, disproportionately affect women. These disorders are characterized by an unhealthy focus on eating, body weight, and shape. Eating disorders can be influenced by a variety of factors, including cultural ideals around body image, personal experiences with body shaming, and psychological issues such as anxiety and depression.

Understanding these issues is crucial in developing effective treatment strategies that address the specific needs of women. At Anchored Tides Recovery, we structure our levels of care and therapeutic approaches to help women navigate these challenges in a supportive and understanding environment. By focusing on the unique aspects of women’s mental health, we strive to create a path to recovery that respects the complexities of each individual’s experience.

What are the common 8 types of mental disorders?

Clinical depression
Anxiety
Bipolar disorder
Dementia
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
Schizophrenia
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

The Role of Gender-Specific Treatment

Gender-specific treatment plays a critical role in effectively addressing mental health issues, particularly for women who face unique challenges and circumstances. At Anchored Tides Recovery, we prioritize a methodical approach specifically to the needs of women. This section explores the benefits of gender-specific treatment and how it contributes to more effective recovery outcomes.

Tailored Therapeutic Approaches

Gender-specific treatment programs are designed with an understanding of the psychological, physical, and social issues that predominantly affect women. For instance, therapies may focus on issues like trauma related to domestic violence, sexual abuse, and the stress associated with societal roles and expectations. By tailoring therapy to address these specific issues, treatment becomes more relevant and impactful for women.

Safe and Supportive Environment

A gender-specific environment can provide a safe space that encourages open communication and mutual support among women. In such settings, women may find it easier to express themselves and discuss sensitive issues without fear of judgment or misunderstanding. To enhance the therapeutic process, a supportive atmosphere is crucial for fostering a sense of community and belonging.

Empowerment Through Treatment

Emphasizing empowerment through gender-specific programs can help women regain control over their lives in a way that acknowledges their unique experiences and strengths. Treatment strategies may include building self-esteem, teaching assertiveness, and promoting independence. By focusing on empowerment, women are better equipped to handle challenges post-treatment and maintain their mental health.

Addressing Hormonal Influences

Women’s mental health can be significantly influenced by hormonal changes due to menstrual cycles, pregnancy, and menopause. Gender-specific treatments consider these factors in their therapeutic approaches, often integrating medical and psychological support to help manage the mental health fluctuations that can arise from hormonal changes.

At Anchored Tides Recovery, our commitment to gender-specific treatment ensures that each woman receives personalized care that addresses her needs. By focusing on the distinct challenges women face, we can improve the effectiveness of treatment and empower our clients to lead healthier, more fulfilling lives.

Comprehensive Services Offered by Anchored Tides Recovery

Anchored Tides Recovery offers a broad spectrum of services designed to meet the diverse needs of women at various stages of their recovery journey. Our comprehensive care model includes Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP), Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP), and Outpatient Programs (OP), each tailored to provide the appropriate level of support and treatment. Here’s a closer look at these services and how they cater to the specific needs of our clients.

Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)

Our PHP serves as a bridge between inpatient care and outpatient treatment. It is ideal for women who require structured therapy but also benefit from the independence of living at home or in a sober living environment. The program typically includes several hours of therapy per day, five to seven days a week, providing a high level of care without full-time hospitalization. Therapies offered include individual counseling, group sessions, and workshops that focus on skill-building, relapse prevention, and managing mental health symptoms.

Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)

The IOP at Anchored Tides Recovery is designed for women who are transitioning from PHP or those who need more support than traditional outpatient services. This program usually involves attending therapy for a few hours per day, several days a week. IOP allows clients to continue their recovery while managing daily responsibilities like work or family. The focus is on continuing therapy, education, and peer support, fostering long-term recovery, and helping women integrate coping strategies into everyday life.

Outpatient Program (OP)

Our Outpatient Program offers flexibility for women who need ongoing support and can manage a greater level of independence. OP typically includes therapy sessions once or twice a week, focusing on maintaining recovery and reinforcing skills learned in more intensive programs. This program is suited for those who have made significant progress in their recovery journey and are ready to test their resilience while still having access to professional support.

Each level of care at Anchored Tides Recovery is designed with the understanding that women’s paths to recovery are personal and evolving. Our comprehensive services ensure that every woman receives the support she needs at each step of her journey, empowering her towards lasting wellness and recovery.

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A FEW WORDS FROM OUR CLIENTS

STORIES OF RECOVERY

I would highly recommend anchored tides! I was a client at anchored tides for almost a year and it was such an amazing place to be and played a major part in my recovery. First the owners Becca and Amy are such amazing women who truly care about helping women and run an honest recovery center with great therapists, case managers & staff. This place helped me integrate back into life and always encouraged me throughout the time I was there. I now have almost 18 months sober and am truly blessed by the life I have today and a HUGE thank you goes out to achored tides and all that they did to help to get me where I am at today. I truly couldn’t not say enough good things about this place or the amount of love that I have for everyone here!

Caleigh P.

What an amazing place Anchored Tides is. As Amy explained when we first visited, girls and women are an afterthought in many treatment programs, which often are founded and structured for boys and men. Anchored Tides’ holistic approach to ALL of the co-existing issues that girls and women face is groundbreaking, and so appreciated. They are wonderful people who do inspiring work and make the world a better place every day. I highly recommend their sober living and IOP. The founders have crucial and relevant lived experiences and care deeply, and they are amazing role models for all the women help.

Ericia B.

What are 8 ways to improve mental health?

Tips for Supporting Women’s Mental Health

Supporting the mental health of women in your life—whether they are family members, friends, or colleagues—requires understanding, empathy, and proactive engagement. Here are some practical tips to help you effectively support women struggling with mental health issues:

1. Listen Actively and Without Judgment

One of the most powerful ways you can support someone is by listening to them. Offer a compassionate ear without trying to fix the problem immediately. Sometimes, just being heard can significantly alleviate emotional distress.

2. Encourage Professional Help

While it is important to offer support, it is also crucial to recognize when professional help is needed. Encourage seeking help from mental health professionals when symptoms appear overwhelming or persistent. Offer to help find therapists, schedule appointments, or even provide transportation if necessary.

3. Educate Yourself About Mental Health

Understanding mental health issues and the specific challenges that women face can make you a better ally. Educate yourself about symptoms, treatment options, and the realities of living with mental health conditions. This knowledge can help you provide informed support and dispel any myths or stigma that might be harmful.

4. Offer Practical Assistance

Sometimes, daily tasks can become overwhelming for those dealing with mental health issues. Offering practical help, such as running errands, preparing meals, or helping with childcare, can provide relief and show that you care.

5. Promote Self-Care

Encourage the women in your life to engage in self-care practices that boost mental health. This could include regular physical activity, pursuing hobbies, connecting with nature, or practicing relaxation techniques like meditation or deep breathing exercises.

6. Be Patient

Recovery from mental health issues can be a slow and non-linear process. Show patience and understanding, recognizing that setbacks can occur. Celebrate small victories and remain supportive through the ups and downs.

7. Maintain Open Communication

Keep the lines of communication open. Check in regularly and encourage open dialogue about how they are feeling and what they are experiencing. Make sure they know that you are there for them in whatever capacity they need.

8. Respect Privacy and Boundaries

While you may want to help, it’s important to respect privacy and boundaries. Always ask permission before sharing details about someone’s mental health with others, and respect their decisions regarding their treatment and recovery process.

By implementing these tips, you can provide meaningful support to women dealing with mental health challenges, helping them feel valued, understood, and less alone in their journey.

As we observe Mental Health Awareness Month, it’s crucial to remember the profound impact that mental health issues can have on individuals and communities, particularly among women. This month serves as a reminder of the importance of understanding, acknowledging, and addressing these challenges. Whether you are seeking support for yourself or looking to assist someone close to you, taking action can make a significant difference. At Anchored Tides Recovery, we are dedicated to providing comprehensive and compassionate care tailored to the unique needs of women. We encourage you to reach out, either for yourself or for a loved one, and take that courageous step towards healing and empowerment. Together, we can foster a community that supports mental wellness and cultivates resilience.

Resources

“Women and Depression.” Women and Depression | Anxiety and Depression Association of America, ADAA, adaa.org/find-help-for/women/depressioon.

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Clinically Reviewed by the Clinical Director & Clinical Outreach

Stephanie Behrens is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, who earned her Masters in Clinical Psychology at Pepperdine University. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of California, Santa Barbara. Stephanie has been working in the treatment industry since 2014 and joined the Anchored Tides Recovery team as Clinical Director and Clinical Supervisor in 2024. She also enjoys working as a therapist and specializes in substance abuse, complex trauma, co-dependency, and anxiety/depressive disorders. Stephanie also has an interest in animal-assisted psychotherapy where she and her dog are certified as an official therapy dog team. When she is not working, she enjoys spending time with family and friends and her Golden Retriever.