Mental Health Archives – Women's eNews

Glorifying a Disorder or Just Sharing? Teens Find Both Online

By Abagail Lim ● Teen Voices ● August 23, 2016

For teens battling eating disorders or self-harming, online support groups can actually be digital danger zones. “Make sure that what you’re looking at is actually healthy,” says one teen. “And if you can’t decide, the best thing you can do is stay away.

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Lack of Parental Support Compounds Depression in Some Girls of Color

By Melanie Myers ● Teen Voices ● August 11, 2016

Many teens of color internalize racism as trauma, which can turn into depression. And with parents who expect them to “get over it,” they are less likely to receive care.

Suicides Put California Women’s Prison Under Mental Health Scrutiny

By Halima Kazem ● Politics ● August 1, 2016

In January, suicide-prevention practices at the California Institution for Women were found to be lacking. Now, two suicides and 10 attempts later, an advocacy group is petitioning state lawmakers to do something.

Black British Girls Most Likely to Self Harm, Least Likely to Receive Help

By Sharon Igbokwe ● Teen Voices ● May 19, 2016

Olivia got better after her parents helped her find therapy. But that solution may not be available for many black girls. A growing body of research finds the U.K. mental health system falling short for people from marginalized communities.

Social Anxiety Isn’t Helping Women Close the Pay Gap

By Mallory Locklear & Por Alison Bowen ● Health & Science ● March 24, 2016

The disorder is more common in women and can take a toll on career prospects since, as one researcher here says, “everybody has to interact socially.” But celebrities are starting to raise awareness and the disorder is rather treatable for those who seek help.

After Surviving Breast Cancer, the Lights Go Way Down

By Dr. Kelly Michelson & Por Alison Bowen ● Commentary ● March 22, 2016

There are more than 2.8 million breast cancer survivors in the U.S. and 58 percent of us suffer PTSD as a result of our illness. But who knows this? It’s strange that with millions of women involved, survivors’ complications are often underground.

I Diagnose Postpartum Depression, But Not on TV

By Dr. Crystal T. Clark & Por Alison Bowen ● Health & Science ● November 18, 2015

On tonight’s episode of the TV show “Nashville” I’ll be rooting for the fictional character Juliette Barnes’ recovery from postpartum depression. But I’m also hoping we can expand awareness of this serious disorder in real life.

Parents Can Help Make Eating Disorders Go Away

By Annetta Ramsay & Por Alison Bowen ● Health & Science ● February 22, 2015

Families seem to be spotting eating disorders sooner than years ago. A danger point is puberty, when young women start being very concerned about their bodies. If they develop body dysmorphic disorder it can be a precursor. Be ready to face some anger.

Teen Describes Path to Eating Disorder, Getting Better

By Nicole Wootton-Cane & Por Alison Bowen ● Health & Science ● February 19, 2015

I now understand that my friendship with anorexia was the most poisonous of all. She was the worst bully, and my sense of self-esteem was merely a deception, an empty promise of happiness that was to never come.

Thigh Gaps Weigh on Those With Eating Disorders

By Annetta Ramsay & Por Alison Bowen ● Health & Science ● February 15, 2015

My patients usually cite their thighs as a source of their body-image struggles, even when they are dangerously underweight. Listening to their extreme hatred for their thighs can be painful.