May is Women’s Health Month: Let’s Talk About Mental Health

May is Women’s Health Month – a time to focus on the unique physical and mental health needs of women and girls. Across every stage of life, women face distinct mental health challenges. Hormonal shifts during puberty, pregnancy, postpartum, and menopause can all impact mood and emotional well-being. Understanding these natural changes can help women seek the care and support they deserve.

Some Facts About Women’s Mental Health

  • Women are nearly twice as likely as men to experience major depression.
  • Around 1 in 5 women experience mental health issues during pregnancy or within the first year after giving birth.
  • Women are more likely to live with anxiety, PTSD, and seasonal mood changes- often alongside physical symptoms like aches, fatigue, or changes in sleep.
  • Social media use among girls is linked to increased sadness and feelings of hopelessness.
  • Women also face higher exposure to risk factors such as poverty, violence, caregiving stress, and chronic stress at home.
    (Sourced from The Office on Women’s Health 1, 2)

Despite these challenges, there is hope. Early recognition, supportive relationships, and access to care can make a real difference. Common symptoms like persistent sadness, tiredness, or feelings of worthlessness should not be ignored, they’re signs to reach out.

This Month, Take a Moment For Yourself:

Check in with yourself and others

  • Are you noticing more physical symptoms like fatigue, aches and pains, insomnia or appetite changes? 
  • Have there been any changes to your mood lately? Perhaps more frequent episodes of crying, more quick to anger or irritability, finding less joy in previously enjoyable activities. 
  • Do you notice a friend or family member acting differently lately? Try to bring this up with them directly and compassionately. Try out something like this: “Hey, I noticed you have canceled our plans frequently lately. Are you feeling okay? How can I help?”

Practice small acts of self-care

  • Take time for activities that help you destress–might be taking a walk in nature, mindfulness/meditation, journaling, eating your favorite snack in the sun
  • Try out a progressive muscle relaxation, it can be a great way to feel grounded and calmer in the moment–here’s a link to a progressive muscle relaxation video on youtube, while geared toward kids, people of all ages find it helpful! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cDKyRpW-Yuc 

Educate yourself on the mental health challenges women face

Reach out to a provider or support network if you’re struggling

  • Often when we’re having a hard time, we get the idea that speaking up puts an emotional burden on our friends/family. This is not usually the case! Your loved ones want the best for you; you don’t need to manage this alone. 
  • Mind Therapy Clinic offers a Women’s only process group in a virtual format so it can be accessible from anywhere in California. Call our front desk today at 415-945-9870 to learn more about this group.

Unspoken to Empowered: Women’s Group Therapy Spotlight

“Group therapy is just as, if not more, effective than individual therapy.”

It’s a powerful truth that often surprises those new to the idea of group work. For many women, healing begins not in isolation, but in community—through shared stories, deep empathy, and collective strength. Group therapy also provides a powerful antidote to stigma around mental health. 

What Is the Women’s Psychotherapy Group?

Our Women’s Psychotherapy Group offers a powerful and supportive space for healing, connection, and personal growth. Grounded in shared experiences and mutual support, the group provides a unique opportunity to explore emotional, relational, and societal challenges within a safe, structured environment. Over time, members learn to challenge internalized criticism and practice authentic self-care.

Who Is This Group For?

This group is for women seeking connection, healing, and personal development. Women from all backgrounds and life stages are welcome. The diversity of perspectives strengthens the group and expands everyone’s emotional insight.

Group therapy is particularly impactful for those healing from trauma. In a compassionate and contained environment, witnessing others’ resilience can inspire hope and support the healing process. As relationships form within the group, members practice setting boundaries, building trust, and developing healthier interpersonal patterns—skills that often translate into improved relationships outside the group.

Whether you’re navigating anxiety, grief, trauma, or simply seeking deeper self-understanding, this group provides a unique environment to be seen, heard, and supported by others who understand.

What to Expect in Group

Sessions include open sharing, guided reflections, and skill-building work that helps members apply insights outside of the group. As trust grows, participants explore meaningful topics like boundaries, vulnerability, and self-worth. With the guidance of an experienced facilitator, the group becomes a place to witness growth—in yourself and others.

Meet the Facilitator: Amelia Howard-Smith, LMFT

Amelia Howard-Smith, LMFT, leads the Women’s Group with over a decade of clinical experience. Her approach combines warmth and structure, drawing from DBT and CBT techniques. Amelia is passionate about helping women heal from trauma, reduce anxiety, and find empowerment through connection and self-discovery. Above all, Amelia is committed to helping women reclaim their voice and move toward empowerment with compassion and clarity.

Why Join a Women’s Therapy Group?

Healing happens in connection. When women come together with honesty and intention, they create a space where growth is more than possible. In this group, you’ll find strength in shared experience, relief in being understood, and momentum toward the changes you want to make.

Participants may also gain:

  • A deeper understanding of personal patterns and emotional triggers
  • Motivation and encouragement through shared accountability
  • New perspectives from diverse life experiences
  • Confidence in voicing thoughts and feelings openly
  • A sense of shared purpose and mutual growth within the group

If this sounds right for you, reach out to us to schedule an appointment or learn more. Leave us a message or call us at (415) 945 -9870.