One in five women who have had a mental health crisis have been asked if they are on their period, a survey suggests.
And more than a quarter are told their struggles could be due to their hormones, according to research by the charity Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM).
It quizzed more than 2,000 women as part of a campaign to highlight suicide rates among young women, which are at a record high.
CALM warned that ‘damaging preconceptions’ means women’s feelings and symptoms are being ‘frequently dismissed and ignored’ and are ‘often disregarded as over-emotional, hormonal or attention-seeking’.
England Lioness Fran Kirby is backing the campaign.
England Lioness Fran Kirby, who has previously spoken about the grief of her mother dying from a brain haemorrhage when she was just 14, is backing the campaign
Latest figures from the Office for National Statistics show that 1,454 women died by suicide in 2021. Rates were highest among those aged 45 to 49, with 7.8 fatalities per 100,000. However, suicides among women aged under 24 saw the largest spike since ONS records began in 1981
Ms Kirby, a CALM ambassador, said: ‘The statistics are hard to digest, as these tragic numbers can be prevented’
The CALM poll, carried out by YouGov, quizzed 2,063 women aged 18 to 34 who had experienced a mental health crisis — such as panic attacks or depression — in the last five years.
Respondents cited body image (44 per cent), loneliness (39 per cent), relationship issues (32 per cent), money worries (33 per cent) and comparing themselves to others on social media (26 per cent) as triggers for their mental health woes.
One in five women (20 per cent) reported being told that they were being dramatic, whilst a third (33 per cent) were asked if they were ‘overthinking things’.
Results showed that a fifth (19 per cent) felt ‘dismissed or invisible’.
Many also reported not discussing their mental state over fears of being seen as ‘attention seeking’ (22 per cent), too emotional (33 per cent) or that they wouldn’t be taken seriously (31 per cent).
Latest figures from the Office for National Statistics show that 1,454 women died by suicide in 2021.
Rates were highest among those aged 45 to 49, with 7.8 fatalities per 100,000.
However, suicides among women aged under 24 saw the largest spike since ONS records began in 1981.
Professor Louis Appleby, a Government adviser on suicide prevention, said: ‘Suicide in young women is a national priority. Although the rate is not high compared to other groups, there has been a marked rise over the last decade or so.
‘The causes are likely to be complex — including mental ill-health, abuse, online experience — and prevention too has to be wide-ranging. It’s a reminder that suicide is constantly changing, and we must be vigilant.’
The poll is part of a CALM women’s suicide prevention campaign.
To highlight the rising rates of female suicide in the UK, England Lioness Fran Kirby stars in a short film which shows how women can feel invisible when feeling suicidal.
The video sees Fran going down in agony after being fouled, hand raised. Despite needing help, the game continues
Ms Kirby, a CALM ambassador, said: ‘The statistics are hard to digest, as these tragic numbers can be prevented.
‘That’s why I’ve teamed up with CALM to shine a light on this issue, and to tackle the stigma that prevents young women from getting the support they need when they’re struggling.
‘Like any team, we all have our part to play in making sure young women feel seen when they reach out.’
CALM highlighted ONS data which shows that one woman under the age of 25 dies by suicide every two days.
Simon Gunning, CALM CEO, said: ‘Our research shows that even when they do speak up, young women’s feelings and symptoms are frequently dismissed and ignored — often disregarded as over-emotional, hormonal or attention-seeking.
‘These damaging preconceptions are leaving young women unheard and unsupported and lives are at risk like never before.
‘We must take immediate action and strive to overcome the stigma that hinders women from receiving the recognition they deserve during times of crisis. By providing them with the necessary support, we can ensure that no woman has to face her struggles alone.’
- For confidential support call Samaritans on 116 123 or visit samaritans.org
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