FEAP Celebrates Women's History Month

In recent years, more people have been talking about mental health, which FEAP celebrates every day. Still, many struggle with their mental health and have a hard time talking about it or reaching out for help. Now, almost one out of every five adults deals with mental health issues, and there are even more who might have problems but haven't yet to seek help.

For women, seeking help and prioritizing mental health can be even more challenging because of old-fashioned ideas, medical neglect, and social expectations. Sadly, the pandemic had exacerbated this, burdening many with increased responsibilities and minimal support, and despite strides forward, ingrained sexism persists, hindering women from speaking out about their mental health struggles.

Historically, women's mental health suffered under erroneous beliefs and oppressive gender norms. Misconceptions, like the notion of "hysteria," pathologized women's health issues, leading to harmful treatments and societal marginalization. Even as medical understanding evolved, sexist attitudes persisted, with women's voices often silenced or dismissed.

It wasn't until the late 20th century that significant shifts occurred, recognizing women's mental health issues beyond reproductive ties. The abandonment of the "hysteria" diagnosis marked a crucial turning point, paving the way for nuanced understandings of women's mental health conditions.

Today, while strides have been made, stigma lingers, often discouraging women from seeking help and discussing feelings of shame or inadequacy. But it's crucial to keep pushing for better understanding and support.

Addressing this stigma requires collective action, urging improved accessibility, empathy, and support systems. This is at the core of FEAP's work, so we ask that in honor of Women's History Month, that we begin to speak up for mental health awareness throughout the year. It's not just important—it's necessary for everyone's well-being.

If you need support, don't hesitate to get in touch with FEAP--we're here for you. Call: 434.243.2643

Learn More About Women's Mental Health

Dorothea Dix

Dorothea Dix, a 19th-century activist, revolutionized healthcare by advocating for the mentally ill and indigenous peoples. Despite personal struggles, including abuse and illness, she pioneered reforms, establishing asylums and pushing for better treatment worldwide. Her efforts during the Civil War transformed nursing, setting higher standards and advancing women's roles in healthcare.

Elizabeth Packard

Elizabeth Packard, a women's rights advocate, endured mistreatment in asylums due to being labeled insane. After her release, she fought for reforms, ultimately changing laws in four states to protect the rights of those in asylums and married women's property rights, founding the Anti-Insane Asylum Society.

 

Nellie Bly

Nellie Bly, born Elizabeth Jane Cochran, shook the world by going undercover in a mental asylum, revealing its horrors in 1887. Her brave reporting not only improved mental health treatment but also set the stage for investigative journalism. She continued to make waves, circling the globe in record time and championing workers' rights, leaving a lasting legacy in journalism and business.

 

Karen Horney

Karen Horney, born in Germany in 1885, overcame parental criticism to become a pioneering psychoanalyst. Focused on women's mental health, she challenged Freud's theories and emphasized societal influences. Moving to the US in 1932, she continued her work, founding clinics and influencing various psychological approaches until her death in 1952.

 

Jane Addams

Jane Addams, born in 1860, became famous for helping people with mental health issues. She opened Hull-House in Chicago, offering support and education. She fought for women's rights and peace, facing criticism but winning the Nobel Peace Prize in 1931. She died in 1935, leaving a legacy of compassion.

 

Mary Calkins

Mary Whiton Calkins, an influential early American psychologist, broke barriers as one of the first female members and later the first female president of the APA. Despite Harvard's refusal to grant her a doctoral degree, her impactful work on association and self psychology continues to shape mental health understanding.

Leta Stetter Hollingworth

Leta Stetter Hollingworth, born in 1886, defied odds by pursuing education despite early hardships. She became a pioneer in psychology, challenging stereotypes about women's abilities and advocating for gifted children. Though her legacy is complex due to some beliefs, her impact on mental health and education remains significant.

Margaret Morgan Lawrence

Dr. Margaret Morgan Lawrence, a pioneering pediatrician and psychiatrist, focused on children's mental health throughout her career. Despite facing racism and sexism, she persevered, becoming the first African American woman to achieve many milestones in medicine. Her impact continues to inspire future doctors and psychiatrists.

Eleanor Maccoby

Dr. Eleanor Maccoby, a renowned psychologist, reshaped views on gender roles and child development. She showed that social and cultural factors, not just biology, shape behaviors. Her pioneering work, including on TV's impact on children, influenced generations and earned her prestigious awards, leaving a lasting legacy in psychology.

Kay Redfield Jamison
Dr. Kay Redfield Jamison, an expert on bipolar disorder, bravely shared her own struggles with the condition, advocating for openness about mental health. Despite her challenges, she achieved academic success and founded UCLA's Mood Disorders Clinic. Through her work and personal journey, she's transformed attitudes towards mental illness.

Insoo Kim Berg
Insoo Kim Berg, a Korean-American therapist, was a key figure in mental health. She co-founded solution-focused brief therapy, prioritizing solutions over problems. Her method, focusing on present and future, spread globally, offering hope and relief to many, revolutionizing therapy.

 

Carol Gilligan

Carol Gilligan, born in New York in 1936, became known for reshaping views on morality and feminism in psychology. Her book "In A Different Voice" challenged traditional theories, highlighting women's moral reasoning based on care rather than rules, impacting psychology and education profoundly.

Reiko Homma True
Reiko Homma True, born in 1933 in Japan, challenged sexist norms early on. She battled discrimination in her career, especially in mental health. True pioneered culturally sensitive approaches, founding support groups and advocating for minority communities. She broke barriers, becoming the first woman of color to lead mental health services in San Francisco. Her legacy includes fostering cultural competence in psychology.

Brené Brown

Brené Brown, born in 1965, is a renowned American professor and author celebrated for her impactful work on shame, vulnerability, and leadership. Her widely viewed TEDx talk in 2010 propelled her into the mainstream, leading to numerous bestselling books, podcasts, and documentaries centered around mental health awareness.

Simon Biles
Simone Biles, an exceptional gymnast with numerous Olympic and world titles, unexpectedly became a leading voice for mental health. When she withdrew from competitions citing a need to focus on her mental well-being, it sparked global discussion. Despite her reluctance, she's become an advocate, emphasizing the importance of support and self-care.

 

Maxine Platzer Lynn Women's Center

The Women’s Center offers vital resources and counseling on Grounds, supporting students, faculty, staff, and the Charlottesville community. They empower individuals and offer engaged scholarship programs, including internships and mentorship initiatives, fostering leadership and community service for future careers. Click here to learn more about their services.
 

 

 

 

BIPOC Women and Mental Health

Click the image to watch this talk on BIPOC Women and Mental Health from UVA Health ODCE.

 

 

 

 

Clinic for the Mental Health of New Mother's
In 2023, UVA Health launched a new clinic for women's perinatal mental health, addressing issues during pregnancy and postpartum. Led by specialists, it offers consultations and support for managing psychiatric conditions. Recognizing the high risk during this period, the clinic aims to fill gaps in mental health care, providing essential resources to patients. Appointments can be scheduled at 434.243.4646.

 

 

 

Lisa Russ Spaar

Lisa Russ Spaar, a distinguished professor of poetry at the University of Virginia, is renowned for her profound exploration of the human condition in her works. Delving into the complexities of mental and physical health, Spaar fearlessly confronts her personal struggles, notably her harrowing journey with anorexia. Through her poetry, she offers poignant insights into the intricate intersections of illness, identity, and resilience. Learn more about Lisa Russ Spaar

The Women's Initiative

Approximately one in five adult women have a mental health issue each year, yet only 50% will receive care. While everyone goes through difficulties in life, it's evident that women impacted by systemic oppression have less access to care and suffer worse health outcomes. Women can heal and recover from depression, anxiety, and trauma. The Women's Initiative believes that every woman in our community should have care and services that enable them to transform these life challenges into opportunities for change and growth. This organization recognizes that by improving a woman's health, they are also enhancing the well-being of her family and community.

The Women’s Initiative provides vital mental health services regardless of ability to pay. Their counseling, social support, and education programs serve more than 2,500 women annually.

Visit the The Women's Initiative Website