The Anxiety Gender Gap— Navigating Women's Unique Battle with Anxiety

Anxiety is one of the most common mental health conditions in the world. In fact, an estimated 265 million people across the globe have some form of anxiety disorder. This includes generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder (and panic attacks), social anxiety disorder, and separation anxiety, to name a few. 

Both men and women experience anxiety, but women experience anxiety at a higher rate. Around 23.4 percent of women experience anxiety compared to 14.3 percent of men. That means women are almost twice as likely to be diagnosed with an anxiety disorder.

Oh, the joys of being a woman!

The numbers are clear, anxiety is more prevalent in women. But do women experience anxiety any differently than their anxious male counterparts? 

Spoiler alert: yes!

Today's article will explore the unique experiences and challenges women face when it comes to anxiety. With a deeper understanding of how anxiety intersects with gender, we can better identify and cope with our own stressors.

Cultural Factors

Societal expectations, gender roles, and cultural norms often put additional stress on women. Tell me something I don't know, right? 

These pressures can increase your vulnerability to anxiety disorders. Let's take a look at a few of these factors: 

Gender Roles/ Expectations 

Traditional gender roles come with certain expectations. We're expected to look a certain way, act a certain way, and achieve certain milestones of success. Even though our society has made significant strides in this area, there's no denying that women and girls still feel that burden. 

Additionally, women are often forced to juggle multiple roles. We're expected to be a partner, a professional, a caregiver, and more (all at the same time). No wonder women experience higher rates of stress and anxiety.

Gendered Socialization

Like it or not, girls are socialized to be more accommodating, compliant, and nurturing from an early age. We're taught to prioritize others' needs over our own— often at the cost of our well-being. As a result, we frequently push self-care to the bottom of our to-do lists. 

Hormonal Influences

When you really think about it, the hormonal fluctuations women go through in a lifetime are crazy— puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, postpartum, menopause, etc. (We deal with a lot of $h*%.)

These hormonal shifts can impact neurotransmitter levels and trigger anxiety symptoms. 

Trauma and Abuse

Women are much more likely to experience gender-based violence, including sexual assault, domestic violence, and harassment. The World Health Organization estimates that about 1 in 3 women worldwide experience physical and/or sexual violence in their lifetime. Studies have shown that traumatic experiences can significantly contribute to the development of anxiety disorders.

Manifestation of Anxiety in Women

Every single person experiences anxiety differently. However, there are several ways anxiety tends to manifest uniquely in women.

More Women Have Anxiety

As I mentioned above, women are almost twice as likely to be diagnosed with an anxiety order than men are. We don't know exactly why, but experts think it's a combination of genetic, hormonal, and sociocultural factors.

Internalization of Anxiety

Women often internalize or bottle up their anxiety. This internalized anxiety can manifest as perfectionism, a constant fear of failure, or being overly self-critical. When women are experiencing symptoms such as excessive worry, self-doubt, and rumination, they try to push those feelings away or keep them inside.

Physical Symptoms

People living with anxiety may experience physical symptoms in addition to emotional or mental symptoms— headaches, stomach issues, problems sleeping, muscle tension, and more. 

Studies have shown that these "somatic" symptoms are more pronounced in women. 

Furthermore, the severity of these physical symptoms in women may contribute to the misdiagnosis of anxiety disorders. 

"Don't worry about it; it's just a stomach ache." 

"Take an Asprin, and get more sleep. You'll be fine."

Sound familiar?

Comorbidity with Other Mental Health Conditions

Comorbidity. That's a fun new word, right?

It isn't quite as bad as it sounds. 

This term just means that women who experience anxiety often experience other mental health conditions as well. For example, depression, eating disorders, and body dysmorphia (which are also more common among women). Two or more conditions interacting can complicate how you treat and manage your anxiety.

Challenges and Barriers to Seeking Help

If you've ever struggled with mental illness, you know how hard it can be to get the help you need. 

First of all, it's not easy to ask for help. Even when you do, finding a consistent solution that works for you can be difficult. Women face unique challenges when seeking help for anxiety. These include:

Stigma and Shame

The stigma surrounding mental health can be particularly pronounced for women. Fear of judgment, societal expectations of strength, and the pressure to maintain a certain image can stop women from seeking help for their anxiety. It's important to remind yourself that having anxiety doesn't mean something is wrong with you! The strongest thing you CAN do is seek help.

Societal Roles and Responsibilities

A major reason women put off seeking treatment for mental health is that they feel like they don't have enough time. Balancing a pile of responsibilities and societal roles can make it challenging for women to prioritize their mental health. Additionally, you don't want to be perceived as weak or selfish. 

You're balancing work, family life, etc. I get it; it's a lot. But if you have time to take care of those around you, you have time to take care of yourself. 

Making your health a priority is not selfish. You can only be the best mom, partner, friend, boss, or sister if you take care of your mental health first.

Gender Bias in Healthcare

Gender bias within healthcare systems is something we don't talk about enough! It can impact the diagnosis and treatment of anxiety in women. Symptoms may be dismissed or attributed to hormonal changes, leading to delayed or inadequate care. It's 2023, not 1923. It's time to put the hysterical woman trope to bed.

Great. So women experience higher rates of anxiety and may suffer from more intense symptoms but also have a harder time getting help? 

Not on my watch.

Coping Strategies and Support

Despite the challenges, effective coping strategies and support systems can empower women to take control of their anxiety.

At Karrie Out Loud, we are passionate about providing strong, amazing women in business with the tools they need to embrace and thrive while living with anxiety. No matter where you are on that journey, we have all the resources you need to make anxiety your b&@%*.