Understanding the Impact of Financial Stress on Women's Mental Health

The participation of women in the workforce has long been a contentious topic, marked by diverse societal opinions ranging from adherence to traditional gender roles to advocacy for voting rights and the pursuit of equality in professional environments. Despite progress, women's workforce participation presents unique challenges.

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To provide context, let us review the historical origins of women's involvement in the labor market:

1. Traditional Roles and the Vedic Period: Women were primarily engaged in household and agricultural work, often unrecognised for their contributions. 
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2. Colonial Era (19th Century): Advocates like Raja Ram Mohan Roy championed women’s education, paving the way for women to enter professions such as teaching and nursing.
    
3. Post-Independence: The establishment of a legal framework promoting equality encouraged women's participation in various sectors, supported by government initiatives.

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Impact on Women’s Mental Health

While these historical developments reflect progress, they also impact women's mental health significantly. Focusing on one gender's mental health is crucial because women often juggle multiple roles—homemaker, mother, and professional—leading to overwhelming pressures and stress.

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The impact of financial stress on women's mental health can manifest in several ways:

Anxiety and Depression: The constant worry of fulfilling dual roles—household and financial responsibilities—can lead to increased anxiety, feelings of hopelessness, and inadequacy. 
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Self-Esteem Issues: Financial difficulties may lower self-esteem and contribute to a sense of failure.
 

Relationship Strain: The shared struggle for financial stability can create friction in relationships and among family members.
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Physical Health Concerns: Chronic stress may lead to medical issues such as PCOS/PCOD and hormonal imbalances, which can further affect mental health. 
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Workplace Discrimination: Women often face challenges in achieving complete acceptance in the workplace, where inclusivity goals may overshadow their actual skills. Additionally, they may encounter sexism and, in some cases, sexual harassment, exacerbating their financial stress.

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Differences in Men and Women Experiencing Mental Health Impacts Due to Financial Stressors

Role Expectations

- Men: Often feel societal pressure to be the primary breadwinner, which can intensify during financial difficulties.

- Women: Experience pressure to balance multiple roles, resulting in compounded stress when they feel unfulfilled in either role.

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Access to Resources

- Men: Generally have better access to job opportunities, higher pay, and more favourable promotion prospects.

- Women: Often must prove their skills repeatedly, becoming statistics in efforts to achieve inclusivity, which can hinder their pursuit of better opportunities.

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Mental Health Outcomes

- Men: May exhibit aggressive behaviours under financial stress.

- Women: Tend to internalise stress, suppressing emotions, which can lead to anxiety and depression, especially concerning caregiving and societal expectations.

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Future Implications

- Men: May experience short-term stress but are more likely to rebound due to societal support.

- Women: Often face long-term stress that can have lasting effects on their mental health, particularly if they have children or dependents.

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How can Rocket Health India help?

Understanding the differences between the genders and also learning about the impact of financial stressors on women’s mental health can lead to identifying stressors early on and navigating the struggles in a healthy manner.

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One can reach out to Rocket Health India to connect with a therapist and seek help at the right time, in a safe space. 

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References

Kumar, R., & Singh, S. (2018). Gendered implications of financial stress on mental health. Indian Journal of Social Psychiatry, 34(3), 221-226. https://doi.org/10.4103/ijsp.ijsp_33_1

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Matud, M. P. (2004). Gender differences in stress and coping styles. Personality and Individual Differences, 37(7), 1407-1417. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.paid.2004.01.011

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Sinha, D., & Singh, A. (2015). Financial stress and its impact on women's mental health. International Journal of Social Psychiatry, 61(7), 640-648. https://doi.org/10.1177/0020764014531835