Navigating the Labyrinth: Unraveling the Stressors of Being a Woman in Today's World

In the dynamic landscape of the 21st century, women continue to face a myriad of challenges that can significantly impact their mental health. From societal expectations to workplace pressures, the stressors women encounter are complex and interconnected.

This blog aims to delve into the multifaceted aspects of being a woman in today's world, examining the unique stressors that contribute to the mental health struggles many women face.

Societal Expectations:

The expectations placed on women can be overwhelming. Society often imposes rigid standards regarding appearance, behavior, and life choices. The pressure to conform to these ideals can lead to a constant sense of inadequacy and self-doubt. The struggle to meet societal expectations can take a toll on mental well-being, contributing to anxiety and depression.

Balancing Act: Work, Family, and Personal Life:

The modern woman is often expected to juggle various roles, including that of a professional, a caregiver, and an individual with personal aspirations. Balancing these roles can be incredibly challenging, leading to feelings of exhaustion and burnout. The constant need to meet conflicting demands may result in a compromised sense of self and increased stress levels.

Gender Inequality:

Despite progress, gender inequality persists in various spheres of life. The wage gap, limited opportunities for career advancement, and societal biases can create a hostile environment for women. The constant battle against gender-based discrimination can cause chronic stress, negatively impacting mental health.

Body Image Pressures:

The media's portrayal of an unrealistic standard of beauty places undue stress on women. From airbrushed magazine covers to social media influencers, women are bombarded with images that can erode self-esteem and trigger body image issues. This societal pressure to meet an idealized version of beauty can contribute to anxiety, depression, and eating disorders.

Reproductive Health Challenges:

Women's reproductive health, including menstrual health, fertility issues, and pregnancy-related challenges, can have a significant impact on mental well-being. The stigma surrounding these topics and the lack of open conversations may contribute to feelings of isolation and distress.

Sexual Harassment and Assault:

The pervasive issue of sexual harassment and assault adds an additional layer of stress for women. Fear, shame, and trauma associated with these experiences can lead to long-term mental health consequences. The #MeToo movement has shed light on the prevalence of such incidents, but the aftermath continues to affect the mental health of survivors.

Being a woman in today's world comes with a unique set of stressors that can have profound implications for mental health. It is crucial to acknowledge and address these challenges to foster a more supportive and inclusive society. Open conversations, destigmatization of mental health issues, and advocacy for gender equality are essential steps toward creating a world where women can navigate their lives with resilience and well-being.

How to Choose the Best Therapist for You?

Starting the therapeutic process can be intimidating, especially when researching different therapists. There are so many kinds of therapists, counselors, and coaches that can help individuals in many different areas of their lives. Often times it can be difficult to decide which therapist to choose to work with because of the different options available.

Our therapists have created a guide to help make that decision making process easier for you!

1. Create a list of non-negotiables

Are you looking for a therapist with a specific specialization, niche, or focus? Do you want to work with a professional with a particular certification? Are you willing to self-pay, or do you need to utilize your health insurance? Do you like to work with someone in office, or is Telehealth or virtual sessions more appealing to you? Perhaps working with a therapist who shares your race, culture, gender, or religion is important to you. These are some important factors you may want to think about when looking for a therapist that will be a good fit for you. It will be much easier to narrow down your choices on therapy providers when you can jot down a list of characteristics that you would like your therapist to have.

2. Research therapeutic modalities and therapy styles

Prior to starting therapy, many people do not know that there are different styles of therapy that they are able to choose from. In the USA, some popular types of therapy include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), but there is a plethora of different styles that can serve a patient or client depending on their personal views, lifestyle, and presenting concerns. Do some research on the different styles available in your area to see which aligns with you best. Many therapists practice several kinds of therapy

Styles and can curate your treatment plan based on your preferences and interests. Some styles we recommend researching are:

-Adlerian psychology

-Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

-Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)

-Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART)

-Person Centered Therapy

-Internal Family Systems

-Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)

-Mindfulness-based Therapy (MBCT)

-Narrative Therapy

There are also different specialized therapy modalities that can enhance the talk therapy experience, such as:

-Animal Assisted Therapy

-Art Therapy

-Reiki Therapy

-Neurofeedback therapy

-Ayurveda

-Yoga Therapy

-Movement Therapy

-Music Therapy

-Play Therapy

Incorporating a different therapy modality into your therapy journey can deeply enrich your experience and healing journey. There are so many different kinds of healing work that can appeal and align with anybody-the options are endless!

3. Book an Intake session and Interview Providers

Once you narrow down the type of therapist and therapy style or modality you would like to try, book an intake session with a few of the therapists you think may good a good fit for you. This is a time where you will learn about the provider’s scheduling, payment methods, and practices/policies. You will be able to ask them specific questions pertaining to why you are considering therapy and what you are looking for in a therapist.

You will be able to decide if you like the office environment or feel comfortable in the virtual therapy space. Ask yourself: Is the location convenient now that I am here? Am I comfortable in the office/space I am doing this work?

This is also a time where you will be able to gauge if you and the potential therapist align in what you want your goals to be on your healing journey and if you click.

Rapport is paramount in the therapy relationship- if you feel comfortable with your therapist, your therapy journal will feel resonate and authentic.

Are you beginning to embark on your healing journey? Are you looking to find a therapist that fits your needs?

At Serene Mind, we have several different therapists that practice many different styles and modalities. We pride ourselves in the diverse range of practices we offer, as well as the diverse population we serve. Explore our website to see who our therapists are and what they offer. You can also email us at hello@serenemindpsych.com or give us a call at 813.321.8280 to set up an intake appointment to see if one of our therapists is a good fit for you! Our administrators are skilled in matching the therapist to client based on your needs.

Our Therapists Share How to Motivate Yourself

While there is a certain objectivity to the goal setting process, our goals are a reflection of who we are and what we value. The art of goal setting is important to facilitating forward movement in both the coaching and counseling environments.

So how can you ensure you set goals that allow you to cultivate a momentum and will carry you forward into living life on your own terms? The key is to set SMART goals! SMART goals are:

• Specific: Specific goals are those that get down to business. What behavior or thought are you seeking to change in order to improve your satisfaction with your life or holistic wellness?

• Measurable: Measurable goals allow you to answer the question, “what will it look like when this goal is met?” If you either can’t measure your goal progress or don’t know what to look for, how will you know when you’re ready to set your sights on a new target?

• Attainable: Attainable goals are those that stretch you just outside of your comfort zone-- but not so far out of it that your goals are no longer within reach. This makes the difference between a goal that is a confidence boost and one that is a confidence bust!

• Relevant: Relevant goals help us answer the question “why”—why does this goal matter? What purpose will it serve to accomplish this goal? When you know your ‘why’, you can accomplish any ‘what’!

• Time-bound: Time-bound goals have a timestamp on them: By when will you have this goal completed? It is important to be realistic as you are setting your timeframe; again, this be a make-it or break-it for your confidence!

I learn through examples, so here is an example of one of my goals for this year:

In order to become the best coach I can be, I will read one piece of material per month that expands my knowledge and skill set as a coach. After reading each resource, I will create a 1-page summary of major takeaways and strategies I can use to integrate the resource into my practice as a coach.

Can you identify each element of the SMART framework in my goal?