Health Minister concerned about mental well-being of women

He conveyed his admiration for women who assume the role of carers in our society as well as actively participating in the work force at a conference organised by the National Council of Women (NCW) on the mental health issues facing women attended by the Prime Minister’s wife Kate Gonzi.

It is often assumed that women can cope with whatever life throws at them and they are often taken for granted. It takes great courage for a woman to admit that she cannot cope and to seek out help from family or friends or the support provided by the state.

Cassar is concerned for women who attempt to get through dark times on their own often with the result of deeper depression.

Though the biological make-up of a woman may contribute to her vulnerability to mental health illness, there is also a social concern. Girls, more than boys are abused as children, women, rather than men, are victims of domestic violence, women, more often than men take over the care of the children when a marriage fails.

It is less acceptable for women to turn to drugs or alcohol to numb the pain and this dependence often goes unnoticed.

Cassar emphasises the need to look into the causes of these problems and to attempt to tackle them from the roots rather than to wait until these women are at the depths of depression before some help is sought.

“If we can help to give women their right to fulfil their own potential and to share it with their family, children or friends, maybe fewer women would find themselves living a life obscured by depression and poor mental health.”