Improving Women's Mental Health

Summary and Comments:

This report is sorely needed. I encourage everyone to copy it to your computer and read it yourself. You can download it in pdf format HERE. Read it yourself, and share it with the people in your life who need to have a better understanding of depression and other mental health diseases and conditions.

I couldn't help noticing the phrase "mental illness" in the CNN article and on the OWH web site, yet the stigma of mental health issues is mentioned both places. The media, government agencies, and everyone else for that matter, need to recognize the power of words. "Mental illness" is a phrase that still raises the specter of stigma. "Mental health issues" or "mental health diseases and conditions" are more positive and less stigmatizing.

A second report from the OWH, Women's Mental Health: What it means to you is also well worth reading.

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Resources:

¹ Abedin, Shahreen. "New report underscores women's mental illness concerns." CNNhealth.com. May 8, 2009.

² Action Steps for Improving Women's Mental Health. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Office on Women's Health. March, 2008.

© Teri Robert, 2009. Last updated January 4, 2009.