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Women's Mental Health Treatment in Agoura Hills

Mental illness is one of the most significant challenges facing the United States. Mental illnesses such as schizophrenia, depression, and anxiety can be challenging to diagnose. To make matters worse, many people who suffer from mental illness are hesitant to seek treatment because of societal stigma. The barriers to mental health treatment are especially pronounced in women. This article will delve deeper into women’s mental health treament, how substance abuse ties into mental health issues, and the importance of finding professional help at women’s mental health treatment centers.

Mental health issues significantly affect both sexes; however, women are more susceptible to developing mental illnesses. According to statistics provided by the National Institute of Mental Health, 20% of the nation’s population (about 46.6 million people) were treated for mental illness. Of that number, women being treated for mental illness was 50 percent higher than the percentage of men (22.3% vs. 15.1%).

Also, women are twice as likely to develop depression when compared to men. According to a report by the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, women are also twice as likely to develop panic disorders. Additionally, data provided by the Office of Women’s Health at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services reports that women wait for an average of four years after the onset of PTSD symptoms before seeking professional help. As a comparison, men wait an average of just one year to ask for help.

Women also experience other disorders that make them more vulnerable to developing mental health issues. For example, women are twice as likely to develop an eating disorder when compared to men. Women also experience body dysmorphic disorder more frequently than men, and young women are more affected by Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) than any other demographic.

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Women's Mental Health Treatment in California

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Many of our clients suffer from co-occurring mental illness, that if left untreated, could become a barrier to success in recovery. That’s where our dual-diagnosis program comes in.

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Factors That Lead to Women's Mental Health Issues

There are several factors that can contribute to the development of mental illness in women. One factor is biological/genetic in nature. For example, women have lower serotonin levels in the brain because they absorb the neurotransmitter faster, leading to more pronounced mood swings. Also, women are more prone to hormonal changes, which can make women more susceptible to mental health issues down the road.

Prevailing sociocultural values also play a significant role in the development of mental health issues in women. Traditionally, women have carried the nurturer or caregiver role and are expected to “hold down the household.” While gender roles have significantly shifted with women entering the workforce, those traditional roles are still in place. The added stress of employment along with household responsibilities can lead to the development of panic attacks and depression in women.

Unfortunately, women have been sexualized in our culture. Whether it is through movies, television shows, peer relationships, or social media, women have been held to an idealized “standard.” As a result, women can struggle with low self-esteem, low self-worth, and have body image issues. This can lead to the development of mental illnesses such as depression and anxiety. Additionally, women are more likely to be the victims of sexual abuse. According to the CDC, nearly 1 in 5 women have experienced rape or attempted rape. Additionally, 1 in 3 women reported being raped for the first time between the ages of 11 and 17. Shockingly, 1 in 8 women reported they were raped before the age of 10.

How are Mental Health and Substance Abuse Are Tied Together

While there have been great advances in the treatment of mental illness, many people—and especially women—are reluctant to seek professional help because of the stigma attached to mental illness. As a result, many people turn to drugs and alcohol in order to cope with the intensity of their feelings. While they may feel short-term relief, people who are dealing with mental issues are not dealing with the underlying roots of their issues. As a result, their mental health gradually deteriorates—and they can become addicted to substances.

Because of their body composition, women metabolize substances much faster than men. As a result, they may develop an addiction to substances soon than men—even though they use smaller amounts of substances. Also, women may experience ailments and diseases of the heart, liver, and lungs at a much faster rate due to substance use. According to information from the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIH), 19.5 million women over the age of 18 in the United States have used illicit drugs in the past year.

Additionally, the NIH has listed the following issues that women experience when they use substances:

Women may be more likely to go to the emergency room or die from overdose or other effects of certain substances.
Sex hormones can make women more sensitive than men to the effects of some drugs.
Women who are victims of domestic violence are at increased risk of substance use.
Women who use certain substances may be more likely to have panic attacks, anxiety, or depression.

If women become addicted to substances and have not addressed the underlying causes of their mental issues, they will have what is commonly known as a dual diagnosis. Dual diagnosis is difficult to treat because it can be hard to pinpoint whether substance abuse or mental illness came first. No matter the root cause, women dealing with the debilitating effects of mental illness must seek the specialized professional help found at women’s mental health treatment centers.

What to Expect at a Women's Mental Health Treatment Center

Not all treatment programs are created equal. For women who are seeking mental health treatment, they must find a reputable women’s mental health treatment facility to seek help. These programs and services offered at these facilities are specifically created to meet the unique and specific needs of women. Women’s mental health treatment centers have benefits that will give women the tools and support they need to find lasting recovery.

Women’s mental health treatment programs focus on providing a nurturing environment where women can feel safe and secure. In general, women are receptive to a more communal approach and find strength in support of others. The majority of staff employed at these facilities are women, and they better understand the needs of each client.

These facilities provide individualized programs that focus on the unique issues women face. These issues include low self-esteem, self-worth, past trauma and abuse, and parenting issues. Specific therapies that are often used in women’s mental health treatment include:

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT)
Experiential therapy
Holistic approaches (yoga, acupuncture)

These therapies are extremely beneficial for women who suffer from mental illnesses such as depression, PTSD, and anxiety. Additionally, women’s mental health treatment facilities in California are designed to address gender-specific issues such as eating disorders associated with drug abuse, past sexual assault and other forms of abuse and violence, and body image issues, among other issues.

If women enter treatment having a substance abuse issue along with mental illness, our women’s mental health treatment and rehab offers comprehensive drug addiction programs. These programs include around-the-clock medical care, medical detox services, therapy for the individual, group, and family, life skills training, and aftercare programs.

Our Agoura Hills Women's Mental Health Treatment Center

If you are looking for mental health and addiction treatment programs that are specifically created for women, Ohana Recovery Center can help. We are a luxury rehab center that offers comprehensive treatment programs that are personalized to fit your specific needs. Our Agoura Hills mental health clinic features an all-female staff who understands the unique needs of women dealing with substance abuse and co-occurring disorders.

We offer evidence-based and proven programs such as detox, residential inpatient, and dual diagnosis. No matter the severity of your addiction or mental health issues, we believe that you are worthy of a happy and healthy life. Located in breathtaking Agoura Hills, Ohana Recovery Center allows you to focus on your recovery and will give you the tools you need to step confidently on the road to recovery.

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