Women’s Health and Mental Health Today

By Dan Guarino

According to the non-profit Kaiser Family Foundation, now KFF, “Health care is a central element of women’s lives, shaping their ability to care for themselves and their families, (and) be productive members of their communities.”

That is no truer than here in the Rockaways and Broad Channel. How important is it for women to look after their general health and mental health? St. John’s Episcopal Hospital and Episcopal Health Services (EHS) state it is absolutely essential. In their work addressing women’s health and mental health challenges across the peninsula’s communities, they noted, “When women care for their general and mental health, it not only benefits them—it supports the wellbeing of entire families and communities. Women are often the cornerstone of their households, and when they prioritize their physical and emotional health, it sets the foundation for stronger, healthier generations.”

In terms of mental health, now increasingly recognized as a growing concern for all, in our area, they said, “we frequently see anxiety, depression, and trauma-related disorders—especially related to chronic stress, housing insecurity, financial hardship, and perinatal challenges. Many women carry the emotional burden of caregiving, systemic inequities, and community-level trauma, which often goes unaddressed.”

On an everyday basis, mental challenges can impact sleep, appetite, energy, and relationships. EHS said, “Women may experience constant fatigue, irritability, feelings of hopelessness, or a loss of interest in things they once enjoyed. Left untreated, it can lead to isolation, chronic disease, and difficulty managing daily responsibilities or caring for children.”

Still, EHS notes, there are many concerns holding back women from seeking care. These barriers include “stigma, lack of childcare, transportation issues, underinsurance, and fear of judgment. Some women also believe they must ‘push through’ their pain or prioritize others over themselves. Culturally, many are taught to be strong for everyone else—leaving no space for their own healing.”

“Stigma, shame and simply the fear of being judged are very common reasons for not seeking mental health services in our community,” said EHS Vice President of Behavioral Health Services Tanya Barros, MA, LMHC. “It is really important to recognize that your mental health is as important as your physical health.  Seeking therapy is a form of self-care and self-care is not selfish, but a means for personal growth and overall well-being that will help you thrive.”

Women can begin to care for their mental well-being by recognizing they need support, by staying connected to trusted individuals, also through getting enough sleep, eating well, and speaking to a healthcare provider, even where they get their primary medical care, when things feel overwhelming.

Also, Barros said, “Exploring stress reduction practices and techniques are another great way women can care for their mental health. There are many activities that may help reduce stress, for example taking walks, staying connected to friends and loved ones, practicing gratitude and incorporating mindfulness into your daily life, to name a few. Exploring breathing techniques and trying guided meditations are also wonderful tools for individuals to practice self-care.”

EHS offers behavioral health services, perinatal mental health screenings, and referrals for therapy. They also partner with local organizations for support groups, yoga, and wellness education. Anyone can call their Community Mental Health Center at 718-869-8822 and/or Healthy Steps Program, dedicated to the healthy development of children ages 0-3 and their parents, at 347-619-5950, for help and more information.

Perinatal, i.e. the phase during pregnancy and after giving birth, in particular can be a very stressful time for women, both physical and mentally.

“Women face high rates of perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, pelvic pain, hypertension, and birth trauma,” said Jacqueline Marecheau, MD, FACOG, Chairperson of EHS’ Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology. “Postpartum depression, especially, is often missed. At EHS, we screen patients with the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, connect them to mental health services, and offer doula support, lactation counseling, and concierge perinatal care.” Their brand-new trauma-informed Labor and Delivery Suite, with its ribbon cutting on Thursday, July 31, 11 a.m., is extensively “designed to provide holistic, culturally sensitive care from delivery through postpartum.”

Healthwise, EHS reports, in Rockaway, they frequently see high rates of hypertension, diabetes, fibroids, breast and cervical cancer, and untreated reproductive health conditions. “Preventive care is often delayed, which can lead to complications that are otherwise manageable if caught early,” EHS said.

Dr. Marecheau explained, “Barriers include lack of insurance, childcare, transportation, and trust in the healthcare system. Language differences, cultural stigma, and inflexible work schedules also play a major role. For many, the healthcare system has not felt welcoming or responsive to their lived experiences.”          To maintain good health, EHS said, “Women should prioritize annual well-woman visits, breast exams, Pap smears, mammograms after age 40, STD screenings, and screenings for depression and anxiety.”

Women ages 45 and over “should also get colon cancer screenings and women age 50 (should get) bone density tests.” Women should seek their primary care provider and take the opportunity to ask questions about their health, conditions both current and potential, needed tests and screenings, and recommendations, and also connect with mental health services. Those with chronic conditions should also get regular blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar checks.

Thankfully, the Rockaways boasts a great number of physicians, specialists, screening, diagnostic and medical services.

When it comes to women’s health, Dr. Marecheau said EHS, through St. John’s hospital and its many other outlets, such as its comprehensive medical services and Margaret O. Carpenter Women’s Health Center, both at the Rockaway Beach Medical Arts Complex at Beach 105th Street, offers “a full spectrum of women’s health services—from gynecological care and prenatal services to behavioral health, nutrition counseling, and lactation support.” They also host regular community health fairs, maternal mental health programs, and educational classes through their Clinical Learning Center at Beach 19th Street.

As Dr. Marecheau stated to women at EHS’ Women’s Health Fair at St. John’s in May, “Your health matters today and every day.”

Photos courtesy of Episcopal Health Services.