Are Women More Prone to Anxiety?

Have you ever felt anxiety creeping in during a hectic day, questioning if you’re alone in this experience? If you've wondered why certain worries weigh heavier on women, you're not alone. The conversation about gender differences in anxiety and female anxiety disorders is increasingly important as we seek to understand its difficulties and share our experiences.

In fact, the anxiety statistics in women in the year 2022, An estimated 264 million people worldwide struggle with anxiety disorders. Women face a higher risk, being nearly twice as likely as men to receive a diagnosis in their lifetime. In the past year, the prevalence of any anxiety disorder stood at 23.4% for females compared to just 14.3% for males, says the Anxiety & Depression Association of America.

In this blog, we’ll talk about why women are more prone to anxiety disorders, what are the possible causes and effective ways to overcome anxiety. 

Why are women more prone to anxiety?

Stress and anxiety in women are higher than in men due to several reasons. From puberty until about age 50, women are twice as likely as men to experience anxiety disorders, often starting earlier in life.   

One important factor is the body's fight-or-flight response, which is the natural reaction to stress or danger. For women, this response triggers more quickly and can stay high for a longer period compared to men. This is controlled by the hormones estrogen and progesterone, which affect how the body reacts to stress. 

Another important factor is serotonin, a neurotransmitter that helps regulate mood and anxiety. Studies suggest that women process serotonin more slowly than men, which may contribute to heightened anxiety.

Women are also more sensitive to corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF), a hormone that plays a key role in the body’s stress response. When CRF levels are low, it can make women more vulnerable to developing stress-related disorders, such as anxiety.

What are the 5 common symptoms of anxiety in women

Five common anxiety symptoms in women are:

1. Excessive worry: Continuous and uncontrollable thoughts about various aspects of life, such as education, work, health, or relationships. For example, a woman might constantly worry about making a mistake at work or whether she's living up to expectations in her personal life.
 

2. Restlessness: Feeling constantly "on edge" or unable to relax. She might pace around, fidget, or find it hard to sit still, even when she’s at rest.
 

3. Fatigue: Chronic tiredness or exhaustion, even after enough rest. Even after getting enough rest, anxiety can leave her feeling exhausted, making it hard to enjoy the things she loves or keep up with her daily responsibilities.

4. Physical symptoms: These can include raised heart rate, sweating, trembling, muscle tension, or gastrointestinal issues. For example, she might feel her heart race before a big meeting or get a stomach ache before a social event.
 

5. Difficulty in concentrating: Trouble focusing or mind going blank, often stemming from overwhelming feelings of anxiety. She may find herself zoning out during a conversation or having trouble finishing tasks at work, which makes everything feel more overwhelming.

What are the common anxiety disorders in women?

The most common female anxiety disorders are 
 

1. Generalised anxiety disorder (GAD): This disorder is marked by Continuous and uncontrollable worry or mental stress about day-to-day activities like work, health, or relationships.
 

2. Panic disorder: Women with these disorders experience sudden panic attacks, which are intense episodes of fear that come on quickly. Panic attacks can cause physical symptoms like an increased heart rate, shortness of breath, and dizziness, leaving individuals feeling overwhelmed.

3. Social anxiety disorder: This involves a deep fear of social situations. Women with this disorder may avoid gatherings or public speaking because they worry about being judged or embarrassed, making it hard to connect with others.

4. Specific Phobias: Involves extreme fear of particular objects or situations, such as heights, spiders, or flying, often leading to avoidance behaviours.

5. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. Symptoms may include flashbacks, nightmares, and severe anxiety related to reminders of the trauma.

What are the biggest causes of anxiety in women?

The causes of women's anxiety are:

1. Hormonal changes: Fluctuations during menstrual cycles, pregnancy, and menopause can cause significant mood shifts and stress.

2. Pre and post-menopause: Many women experience increased anxiety during menopause because of the transition afterwards, largely due to hormonal changes.
 

3. Stress from daily life: Women often balance multiple roles like being caregivers, working, and managing a household, which can create chronic stress.
 

4. Post-partum anxiety: After having a baby, many women face anxiety linked to sleep deprivation, body image issues, and the pressures of new parenthood.

5. Societal expectations: Cultural norms about beauty, career success, and family life can add extra pressure, leading to anxiety.
 

6. Trauma and abuse: A history of trauma, whether emotional, physical, or sexual, can significantly increase the risk of anxiety disorders.

7. Family history and personal mental health background: Women with a personal or family history of anxiety or other mental health issues, women may be more vulnerable to anxiety themselves.

8. Workplace stress: Gender discrimination and challenges in the workplace can heighten stress levels and contribute to anxiety.

9. Social isolation: Feeling disconnected from support systems or lacking social connections can intensify feelings of anxiety.
 

10. Financial stress: Worries about job security, income, and overall economic stability can be major causes of anxiety for many women.

How can I check my anxiety level at home?

Here are 3 effective ways to check anxiety levels at home: 

1. Self-reflection: Write down your feelings and identify triggers in a daily journal. Ask yourself how often you feel anxious and whether your worries are excessive. So you can easily identify your triggers and avoid them.

2. Anxiety scales: Use a standardised self-assessment tool like the Generalised Anxiety Disorder 7-item scale (GAD-7) to rate your symptoms.

3. Mood tracking apps: Use apps designed to track your mood and anxiety levels, helping you identify patterns and triggers over time. Mood-tracking apps provide insights over time, making it easier to spot patterns in your anxiety
 

How to heal anxiety?

Here are 10 effective ways to deal with anxiety and stress:

1. Practice mindfulness: You can try mindfulness meditation or yoga to stay present and reduce anxious thoughts. Focus on your breath and observe your thoughts without judgment.

2. Exercise regularly: Regular physical activity releases endorphins, which can enhance mood and reduce anxiety. Try to get at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days.

3. Deep breathing techniques: Use deep breathing exercises to calm your nervous system. Try inhaling for four counts, holding for four, and exhaling for four.

4. A big NO to caffeine and alcohol: Try to avoid stimulants and depressants that can worsen anxiety. You can opt for herbal teas or fresh juices instead.

5. Daily routine: Create a daily routine and stick to it, as this can provide structure and a sense of control, helping to relieve feelings of anxiety.

6. Connect with nature: Spend time outdoors in nature, which can have a calming effect and improve overall well-being.

7. Practice gratitude: Keep a gratitude journal to focus on positive aspects of your life. Writing down what you’re thankful for can shift your perspective.

8. Listen to soothing music: Create a playlist of calming songs you love to listen to.

You can also try this song, "Weightless," by Marconi Union, which has been clinically proven to reduce anxiety by 65% and normal “physiological resting rates” by 35%.

9. Talk about it: Share your feelings with family, friends, or a therapist. Also, there is no shame in going for therapy. Talking about your anxiety can help you process it and feel less isolated.

10. Use the 3-3-3 rule: When feeling anxious, ground yourself by identifying three things you can see, three sounds you can hear, and moving three parts of your body, like moving your fingers or tapping your feet. This quick exercise helps you to stay in the present moment, reducing anxiety.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
 

1. How can you tell if a woman has anxiety?

Anxiety in women can manifest as excessive worry, emotional distress, and irritability, along with physical symptoms like rapid heartbeat and fatigue. Behavioural changes may include avoidance of certain situations, while cognitive symptoms often involve difficulty concentrating and racing thoughts. Sleep disturbances are also common.

2. How to calm your girlfriend's anxiety?

To calm your girlfriend's anxiety, listen actively and validate her feelings to make her feel heard. Encourage deep breathing exercises to help relax her body and mind. Create a soothing environment with soft music or cosy surroundings, and engage in relaxing activities together to distract and comfort her. Your patience and emotional support will go a long way in easing her anxiety.

3. What is the fastest way to resolve anxiety?

The fastest way to resolve anxiety is to practice deep breathing exercises to calm your nervous system. Engaging in physical activity, even a brief walk, can also help reduce anxiety levels. Grounding techniques, like the 3-3-3 rule, can bring your focus back to the present moment.

4. How does anxiety affect the female body?

Anxiety can lead to physical symptoms in women, including muscle tension, rapid heartbeat, migraine and gastrointestinal issues. It may also disrupt sleep patterns and weaken the immune system over time.
 

Final thoughts

Recognising the gender differences in anxiety is important in understanding the unique challenges women face. Anxiety in women often results from a mix of biological, social, and psychological factors. If you or someone you know is struggling, don’t hesitate to seek help. Reaching out to a healthcare provider or finding support can make a real difference in managing anxiety and improving mental health.

"Sometimes, the most productive thing you can do is relax."

References

1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5613977/
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3135672/
3. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/women-and-mental-health
4. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/anxiety-disorders

Note: The information shared in this article is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice. If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms related to anxiety, it is important to consult a qualified healthcare provider or mental health professional. Always seek the guidance of a medical expert with any questions you may have regarding mental health conditions and treatment options.