WMHN to shine light on how physical health conditions can adversely impact women’s mental health

Published: Thursday, January 30, 2025

On Wednesday, 29 January, the Women’s Mental Health Network, a collaboration between St Patrick’s Mental Health Services and the National Women’s Council (NWC), is hosting an event to explore the intersection between long-term physical health conditions and women’s mental health, with media invited to attend. The event will take place from 10.00am – 12.30pm in St Patrick’s University Hospital, Dublin 8.

Research suggests between 13-35% of adults in Ireland experience chronic pain, with a high rate of associated prevalence of depression at 15%.1 Understanding the intersection between our mental health and long-term physical health conditions is particularly important for women as women are more likely to experience several chronic and long-term health conditions. For instance, autoimmune diseases such as lupus affect women in over 80% of cases2 and chronic pain conditions like fibromyalgia impact mostly women (80-90%).3

Speaking about the impact of physical health conditions on mental health, Elaine Donnelly, Head of Social Work at St Patrick’s Mental Health Services said: “Chronic pain and mental health are intricately connected. Up to one in three people experience chronic pain, with women being disproportionately affected, and these conditions can negatively impact mental health.

Often poorly understood, this event aims to increase and improve awareness and understanding of mental health implications, and related needs, for women experiencing long-term physical health conditions, while also highlighting the resilience and strength required to navigate these experiences.”

Doireann Crosson, NWC’s Women’s Health Coordinator added: “Women often experience significant delays in diagnosis – particularly with respect to enduring reproductive conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and endometriosis. Such delays can further add to the health toll of these conditions, impacting on mental health. These experiences can be even more challenging for women from marginalised groups who face additional structural inequalities to accessing diagnosis, care, and supports – including Traveller women, Roma women, disabled women, and migrant women.4”

Guest speakers at the event will present on psychological perspectives, daily living challenges and strategies to manage those, along with mental health and wellbeing supports. Speakers include:

· Robyn Murray, Co-director of ‘Her Voice Project’

· Martina Phelan, Chairperson of Chronic Pain Ireland

· Dr Clíodhna O’Donovan, Principal Psychology Manager at St Vincent’s University Hospital

Martina Phelan, Chairperson of Chronic Pain Ireland, said: “Women need gender-sensitive and trauma-informed approaches to healthcare. Integrating mental healthcare into chronic pain management is essential to provide comprehensive support for women, along with a more understanding and responsive approach to women’s unique pain experiences and mental health needs.

Individuals with chronic pain also often encounter public, structural and internalised stigma, negatively affecting their quality of life. Addressing stigma is crucial to empowering women to seek appropriate and empathetic care for chronic pain and associated mental health difficulties, ensuring they receive the support needed to improve both their physical and emotional wellbeing.” Registration for this event is free but essential.