Women’s History Month is an opportunity for us to shine a light on the intersection of mental health and a women’s well-being.
The 2021 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) estimated that 23% of all U.S. adults had a mental health disorder that year with a higher prevalence among women at 27.2% compared to men at 18.1%. Additionally, disorders such as depression and bipolar disorder tend to affect women differently or more prevalently than men.
The Office on Women’s Health at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) offers valuable resources to enhance the integration of women’s physical and mental healthcare services. SAMHSA provides a substance abuse treatment tip sheet tailored to address women’s unique needs. Furthermore, the DC Department of Behavioral Health Access HelpLine (1(888)7WE-HELP or 1-888-793-4357) facilitates connections between individuals, families, and local providers specializing in mental health and substance use disorder support.