Welcome!
Women continue to face unique challenges in our society.
The “mental load of motherhood,” a phrase coined by writer Jami Ingledue speaks to the difficulty we face as the default parent, and primary decision makers regarding our children’s wellbeing. This is made more complicated when as moms we may also have careers and care for aging parents. These gender inequities were recently made so much more apparent during the Covid crisis. Women left the work force in droves due to care taking responsibilities at home while children were out of school and daycare. The gender pay gap is also largely responsible. Currently, women on average make 82 cents for every dollar men make. This discrepancy in income is even more stark for BIPOC populations. Due to the pandemic’s impact on women in the workforce, the World Economic Forum estimates it will take 136 years to close the gap between men and women at the current rate of change.
In 2017 and 2018 the “Time’s Up” and “Me, too” movements gained momentum and shined a spotlight on what so many of us have known all along; that sexual harassment, violence and abuse are pervasive issues that disproportionately affect women, all around the world.The impact of these stressors cannot be understated. Depression, anxiety, feelings of shame, trauma and post-traumatic stress are often the collective result of these experiences.
Women also often cope with unique medical issues including postpartum mood disorders, infertility, complications with pregnancy and birth, PMDD, fibromyalgia and other health issues. According to a new report released by The Commonwealth Fund, the U.S. ranks last for women’s health care among all wealthy nations. The U.S. healthcare system fails women, and yet again, especially Women of Color. Now we’re realizing through this report that women overall in the U.S are sicker, more stressed and die at a younger age than women in other countries.
We carry so much of the burden and emotional responsibility, often neglecting our own needs. It takes time to learn how to set healthy boundaries and insist on taking the time for self-care. The Clinicians at Women’s Counseling of Nashua understand because we’ve been there, too. Make a commitment now to get the support you deserve. Visit Women’s Counseling of Nashua and find a practice as unique as you.
