Moving Forward Together: Women Educating & Inspiring Generations in Mental Wellness

In celebration of Women’s History Month this March, Forward Counseling believes that mental well-being flourishes when women connect, share insights, and support each other.

In a world where mental health struggles often lead to isolation, "Moving Forward Together" offers a powerful solution: creating spaces where women of all ages learn, heal, and inspire.

Addressing Unique Challenges for Women of Color

Mary Jo Harmon, an African American therapist, specializes in working with women of color, addresses these unique challenges as she provides a safe, affirming space to create a healing environment where women feel seen, heard, and supported.

Women’s Mental Health Myth Weakness

Tyra A. Watts, Ph.D., tLPC/MHSP, NCC, CRC, CHWC, IPEC, CVE addresses that the mental health myth that seeking help for mental health issues is a personal failure has prevented many women from seeking it. This stigma is perpetuated by phrases like "pray about it," "just tough it out," and "mind over matter," which reinforce the idea that women who struggle with mental health issues should remain silent or ignore their needs, ultimately devaluing themselves. She also outlines four key strategies to challenge this myth:

Building Bridges: Intergenerational Support

We need spaces where vulnerability is safe and stories are shared openly. Imagine workshops where teens discuss anxiety with grandmothers or online forums where young professionals exchange coping strategies with women navigating menopause. These settings foster empathy and understanding.

Rashelle Reynolds, MFT, emphasizes that respect is essential for mental health journeys, as it allows for vulnerability and support. Women often find themselves in spaces where vulnerability is not possible, requiring self-defense. To promote vulnerability, women should respect themselves and one another, validate diverse experiences, and replace competition with collaboration. Dismantling ageism is crucial for valuing every woman's path and normalizing help-seeking, and intergenerational dialogues can destigmatize therapy.

Navigating Unique Challenges: Bridging Gaps

Women of varying ages face distinct mental health challenges influenced by society, culture, and personal histories. Young women grapple with social media, academic pressures, and career aspirations. Midlife women balance family, work, and self-identity. Older women confront aging, loss, and role changes. Statistically, women aged 18-25 report higher rates of anxiety and depression compared to older age groups (National Alliance on Mental Illness). We need age-specific resources, such as stress management for young adults, postpartum support groups, and programs for elderly women. Intergenerational dialogues dispel misconceptions and foster shared understanding, showing younger women their struggles are common and older women their experiences are valued.

Shattering Stigmas: Collective Action

Stigma thrives in isolation. "Moving Forward Together" combats stigma through open dialogue and shared experiences. We must challenge stereotypes and promote help-seeking as strength. Community campaigns featuring women's triumphs, awareness events, and social media amplifying diverse voices can reshape narratives. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), Black and Hispanic women are less likely to receive mental health treatment compared to white women, often due to cultural stigma and lack of access.

Open Conversations: Intergenerational Understanding

Families and communities are crucial support systems. Honest dialogue creates safe spaces for sharing and seeking assistance. Parents and grandparents can normalize mental health by sharing their stories. Family rituals, like regular check-ins, promote emotional well-being. Community workshops and support groups facilitate open dialogue. Leaders and healthcare providers should recognize distress and offer support. Denice Perkins, MA, SLP, emphasizes the importance of sharing artistic experiences, such as music, theatre, dance, or visual art, to foster meaningful dialogue and deep connections.

Empowering Through Services: Prioritizing Well-Being

Services must be accessible, culturally sensitive, and tailored to each generation. We need various therapies, from individual counseling to group support, and educational workshops on stress management and self-care. Technology expands reach, connecting women in remote areas or with limited mobility. Equipping women empowers them to advocate for themselves and future generations.

Krystle Smith, LENS Neurofeedback Technician, articulated that by providing safe spaces for sharing and offering brain health support through techniques like LENS Neurofeedback, we empower women to prioritize self-care, build resilience, and model healthy mental well-being for future generations.

Shared Stories: Collective Healing

Stories connect, inspire, and heal. Shared experiences build community and belonging, challenging the notion that mental health is private. Amplifying diverse voices fosters resilience and hope. Personal narratives in support groups and public campaigns inspire others. LGBTQ+ women, for instance, face higher rates of mental health conditions due to discrimination and lack of affirming support (The Trevor Project).

Mentorship and Community: Pillars of Support

Mentorship and community provide crucial support. Mentors offer guidance and wisdom, while communities offer belonging. Mentorship programs connect younger women with experienced professionals. Community groups provide safe spaces for sharing and accessing resources, building strength and reducing isolation.

Ensuring Accessibility: Reaching All Women

We must remove barriers preventing women from accessing mental health services, including financial, cultural, and geographic obstacles. We need policies that expand affordable care, culturally sensitive services, and online resources. Partnering with community leaders builds trust and creates relevant programs, especially in marginalized communities.

Dr. Emily Newbury, PsyD, LPC-MHSP (temp), detailed that as mental health providers, Forward Counseling strives to make mental health services available to women of all ages and backgrounds, while also acting as advocates for equality by actively engaging with local communities and offering a variety of accessible services, ensuring that mental health training includes cultural competency to support underserved populations.

Advice for Younger Generations:

Katherine Brown, LPC-MHSP, PhD, advises their younger self to prioritize kindness over mere niceness, advocating for assertive self-advocacy even when it causes discomfort. She also expresses a hope that younger generations recognize and actively resist the harmful systems of patriarchy and its interconnected oppressions.

"Moving Forward Together" is a call to action to heal generations through shared strength.

By cultivating nurturing environments, bridging gaps, dismantling stigma, and empowering women, we create a future where every woman feels seen, heard, and supported, walking together to educate and inspire generations.

Invest in your well-being today and join our community of empowered women; reach out to us now to begin your journey towards healing and strength.

We are here to support you, whether you’re looking for in-person or virtual sessions.