Health challenges & topics

It's true that many areas of women's health deserve greater recognition, visibility, and support. The lack of acknowledgment surrounding some of these experiences can contribute to disenfranchised grief and loss—a form of grief that isn't always fully recognized, socially accepted, or publicly mourned. This can lead to feelings of isolation and the sense that one's experiences are being overlooked and invalidated.

Below are some topics that women in our community have shared during discussions about women's health and wellbeing:

Physical Health:

Menstrual cycles and irregularities, hormone imbalances, metabolism, contraception concerns, endometriosis, PCOS, PMS, PMDD, ovarian cysts, uterine trauma, fibroids, prolapse, incontinence, STIs, STDs, abnormal cell changes, cancers, breastfeeding challenges, low libido, sexual abuse/trauma, domestic violence, infertility, postpartum experiences, stillbirths, SIDS.

Mental Health:

Depression/anxiety, PTSD, CPTSD, dissociation, trauma, ADHD, oppositional defiance, autism, memory and cognitive challenges, postpartum depression, postpartum rage, postpartum psychosis, birth trauma, feelings of disconnection from oneself, bonding challenges, low self-esteem, hormonal fluctuations, irritability, body image concerns, grief, disenfranchised/complex grief, feelings of unworthiness, guilt, shame, embarrassment.

Sexual Health:

Consent and intimacy, contraception, low libido, cervical and sexual health screenings, Pap smears, mammograms, hormone changes, fertility challenges, infertility, unintended pregnancies, miscarriages, terminations, access to termination services.

Relational & Life Transition Health:

Consent and intimacy, confidentiality, privacy, relationship challenges and difficulties, changes in interpersonal dynamics, co-parenting, relationship status (single, separated, divorced, widowed), menstrual changes, perimenopause, menopause, understanding your rights and choices, foster care, kinship care, adoption, legal challenges.

Whether you are a woman who has lived with, experienced, has vulnerabilities related to, or knows someone who has experienced any of the above aspects of women's health, please know:

I see you, I hear you, I feel you.

These are just some of the themes shared by the many women I've spoken with. Many of these topics are often stigmatized or considered "taboo," which further marginalizes women during vulnerable times. Yet, many women experience one or more of these issues in their lifetime and may not feel safe enough to discuss them or receive adequate support.
It is always encouraged for individuals to seek medical and professional services if they have any of these concerns arise.