Breaking the Silence: Mental Health & Women's Wellness
- Bee Vargas
- Mar 3
- 3 min read
Happy Women's History Month to all my beautiful ladies out there! I know it’s been a while since you’ve heard from me, but ya girl has been going through it. Life has been life-ing, and I had to decide to step back, regroup, and come back better and stronger. But I'm not gonna lie, my mental health has not been in tip-top shape, and everything happening in the world has only made it harder. So, to kick off this Women's History Month, let’s have a real talk about mental health and how it disproportionately affects women.
The Weight We Carry
Growing up, I often felt like I was spinning out of control, overwhelmed by feelings I couldn’t quite name. The response I got? Pray about it. I was told it was an outside force trying to trip me up. So, I prayed. And prayed. And prayed some more. Until, eventually, I learned just to hide my struggles and ignore those feelings altogether. It wasn’t until my mid-twenties, when I finally started therapy, that I learned to name what I had been experiencing all along: depression and anxiety.
For so long, we’ve been conditioned to suffer in silence, to be strong and put on a brave face even when we’re barely holding it together. But how many of us are really okay? How many of us are fighting battles we’re too afraid to name?
The Facts Don't Lie
Did you know that in 2022, 26% of women were diagnosed with a mental illness? Women are twice as likely to be diagnosed with anxiety and are leading in cases of depression and eating disorders. Let’s be real; this isn’t surprising when you consider everything we have to deal with, like:
Societal pressure to look perfect and fit impossible beauty standards
Working twice as hard and still not getting equal pay or recognition
Being the backbone of our families, often taking on the role of caregiver, mother, daughter, and professional all at once
Navigating a world that often gaslights and dismisses our struggles
Breaking the Cycle
We have to talk about this. We have to get rid of the shame that comes with struggling with mental health. The more we stay silent, the more other women suffer alone. And sis, you are not alone.
Therapy is not a weakness. Seeking help is one of the strongest things you can do.
Medication is not a failure. If you need it, you need it. Period.
Boundaries are necessary. Protect your peace, even if it means saying no.
Self-care is survival. It’s not selfish to take care of yourself first.
A Call to Action
This Women's History Month, let’s honor ourselves by prioritizing our mental health. Let’s hold space for one another, check in on our strong friends, and remind ourselves that it’s okay to not be okay. Healing is not linear, and we don’t have to do it alone. If you’re struggling, reach out. If you’re in therapy, keep going. If you need rest, take it. And if you need a reminder: You are worthy, you are loved, and you deserve peace.
Let’s keep this conversation going. Drop a comment, share your story, or simply send this to a sister who needs to hear it. We are in this together. ❤️
Such an important topic! It’s so incredibly hard to go against how we were taught to believe. Proud of you for seeking help to dismantle and tackle those feelings! Thank you for being so vulnerable in sharing your message too!
When I first started going to therapy I was almost ashamed of it and wanted to keep it hush-hush, but as I got older I’m so proud of the therapy I’ve had and really encourage everyone to go, even if things aren’t necessarily “wrong”. I also plan to put my kids in therapy as soon as they are able to express their emotions.