Women’s Mental Health Network

29 January, 2025

Event explores link between chronic health conditions and women’s mental health

Illustration of a group of women, seen from the back, walking arm-in-arm

The latest event hosted by the Women’s Mental Health Network explored the connection between long-term physical health conditions and women’s mental health.

The Women’s Mental Health Network is a collaboration between St Patrick’s Mental Health Services (SPMHS) and the National Women’s Council (NWC). The event took place on 29 January at St Patrick’s University Hospital, Dublin 8.

The event highlighted the connection between long-term physical health conditions and mental health, a topic particularly relevant for women. Research shows women are affected more than men by chronic conditions such as autoimmune diseases and fibromyalgia, with women making up 80 to 90% of people impacted. Chronic pain, which affects up to 35% of adults in Ireland, is also closely linked to mental health difficulties like depression, which occurs in 15% of cases.

The connection between chronic pain and mental health

Elaine Donnelly, Head of Social Work at SPMHS, explained: “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.”

The challenges faced by women

Women’s Health Coordinator for the NWC, Doireann Crosson, noted the additional challenges women face. “Women often experience significant delays in diagnosis—particularly with conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and endometriosis. Such delays can further add to the health toll of these conditions, impacting on mental health,” she said. Crosson also highlighted how these challenges are heightened for women from marginalised communities, including Traveller women, Roma women, women with disabilities, and migrant women.

Speakers on the day

The event featured expert speakers who discussed psychological perspectives, everyday challenges, and strategies for managing chronic conditions. Guest speakers included:

  • 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, emphasised the importance of addressing stigma and adopting gender-sensitive healthcare approaches. She 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.”

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