National Women's Health Week: The Hidden Toll of Stress on Women's Health

By: Ashlyn Robertson

Every May, National Women's Health Week reminds us to prioritize the well-being of women and girls nationwide. It's a time to take a closer look at how daily habits, preventive care, and emotional balance impact long-term health. Let's illuminate an often-underestimated factor: stress, and how it uniquely affects women’s health.

Why Stress Deserves the Spotlight
Stress is more than just feeling overwhelmed. It’s a biological response designed to help us manage threats. But when stress becomes chronic, lingering for weeks, months, or even years, it can quietly erode physical and mental health.
 
For survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault, these are the conditions that they meet as they experience violence and the stress that follows traumatic experiences. With sexual assault experiences, stress can look like worrying about your physical safety and how you can afford medical bills following the attack. For domestic violence survivors, they might stress about how to escape, what will keep their abuser happy, and how they could survive without their abuser's support. So, in addition to the immediate effects of the abuse, these women then must grapple with ongoing stress that has long-term impacts.  

The Physical Costs of Stress in Women
Research shows that chronic stress can affect nearly every system in the body, but certain health risks are particularly heightened for women:

• Heart Health: Prolonged stress increases blood pressure and inflammation, raising the risk of heart disease, the leading cause of death among women.
• Hormonal Imbalances: Stress disrupts the balance of reproductive hormones, leading to menstrual irregularities, fertility issues, and exacerbated symptoms of menopause.
• Immune System Suppression: Constant stress can weaken immune defenses, making women more susceptible to infections and slower to recover from illnesses.
• Digestive Problems: Stress is linked to conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), which is more common in women.

The Mental and Emotional Toll
Women are twice as likely as men to experience anxiety and depression, and chronic stress is a key contributor. Persistent stress can drain emotional reserves, leading to burnout, sleep disturbances, and decreased quality of life.
 
For survivors, these mental and emotional tolls can result in them making decisions in fight or flight mode. It is hard to make decisions that are beneficial in the long run when you are focused on the next second and fearing for your safety.

Steps Toward Stress Resilience
The good news? Stress management is a skill that one can strengthen. Here are some impactful ways to protect your health during stressful times:

• Prioritize Self-Care: Make time daily for activities that bring joy and relaxation, whether it's reading, walking, or creative hobbies.
• Stay Active: Regular physical activity is one of the best buffers against stress, improving mood and energy.
• Mindfulness and Breathing Exercises: Practices like meditation, yoga, or simple deep-breathing techniques can lower stress hormones and calm the nervous system.
• Seek Support: Don't hesitate to contact friends, family, or a mental health professional. Sharing your burden lightens the load. Survivors can call our agency’s confidential crisis line at 317-731-6140 to speak with a victim advocate about their options.
• Routine Health Checks: Regular screenings and check-ups help catch potential stress-related health issues early.

Celebrate Your Health This Week
National Women’s Health Week is more than a calendar event it’s a personal invitation to reflect on your health and take actionable steps to safeguard it. Survivors can struggle with prioritizing their own needs after their trauma, and they may feel as if they don’t deserve it. Everyone deserves a healthy and happy life, and we are here to help survivors find solutions and to advocate for their continued support.

Let’s honor this week by committing to stress resilience, self-compassion, and holistic well-being. Your health is worth it.

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