Puberty and adolescence is characterised by big shifts in hormones, changes in peer relationships and increased cognitive demands within the school setting. Many young girls experience difficulties surrounding body image, making and keeping friendships, and academic pressure during this time.

Unfortunately, anxiety and depression are amongst the most common mental health conditions in adolescents, globally.

Young adulthood is a period of large psychological, relationship and identity development. For many young women, this stage coincides with vulnerability to mental health difficulties, particularly as internal and external demands intensify (e.g., academic or career pressure, and increased social pressure and expectations).

Common difficulties may include:

• anxiety (e.g., generalised anxiety, social anxiety, panic attacks, health anxiety, perfectionism and/or high self-criticism)

• depression (e.g., loss of motivation or pleasure, sleep disturbance, emotional numbness, feelings of inadequacy or shame)

• body image concerns and disordered eating

• trauma-related difficulties

• relationship and attachment difficulties

• stress, burnout and emotional overwhelm

• identity and self-worth difficulties

The peri-natal phase - encompassing preconception, infertility/loss, pregnancy, and postpartum - involves profound physical, neurological, hormonal, emotional, and social changes.

During pregnancy, for example, the brain undergoes measurable neurological changes in both structure and function to support survival skills and the development of nurturing and caregiving abilities (pretty remarkable really!).

The postpartum period is then characterised by the most rapid and significant drop in reproductive hormones a woman will experience across her lifetime. For some women, this may coincide with birth-related or medical trauma. When combined with sleep disruption and the increased physical and emotional demands of caring for a baby, these changes can increase vulnerability to postpartum depression, anxiety, and/or post-traumatic stress responses. Feelings of rage and shame are also common postpartum.

For some, this journey includes infertility or loss, including miscarriage, stillbirth or SIDs. Women who experience difficulties conceiving or who have experienced loss may report grief, heightened stress, anxiety, and persistent low mood.

Around 1/5 women will experience clinically significant anxiety and/or depression during the perinatal phase.

The transition into motherhood - known as matrescence - can be a highly positive experience, with feelings of great joy and love. This phase can have a profound impact on a women’s identity and sense of purpose.

It is common, however, for women to experience challenges in motherhood. For example, many women report changes in their intimate and social relationships, as well as the relationship they have with themselves. Some women may struggle with how they relate to their body, while others may feel a loss or change in identity.

Many mothers describe the mental load of motherhood as overwhelming, particularly when trying to juggle the demands of home, family and work roles. When these pressures are sustained over time, chronic stress can contribute to burn out and other mental health challenges.

Perimenopause is a natural life stage marked by fluctuating and gradually declining reproductive hormones. For many women, this transition begins in their late 30s to mid-40s and can last several years. While experiences vary widely, this phase can bring significant physical, emotional, cognitive, and psychological challenges.

Menopause marks the end of reproductive functioning and is defined by the cessation of menstrual cycles. It is a significant life transition accompanied by ongoing hormonal changes that can affect physical health, emotional wellbeing, cognition, relationships, and sense of self. While experiences vary widely, many women encounter challenges during this phase.

Hormonal changes during these big transitions have been linked with:

• difficulties with emotional and mod regulation

• heightened anxiety and increased worry

• cognitive changes (“brain fog”, difficulties concentrating, forgetfulness)

• sleep disturbances

• physical symptoms (e.g., hot flushes, night sweats, fatigue, pain, body weight/metabolism, composition changes)

• changes in sexual health and intimacy

• identity and self-esteem changes

• increased stress and burn out (i.e., as hormonal resilience shifts, women may notice a reduced capacity to mange long-standing stressors)

Later adulthood (often considered from around age 60+) can be a time of both transition and challenge. While some women experience this stage as fulfilling and generative, others face distinct psychosocial stressors that can impact wellbeing.

For example:

• bereavement and widowhood (including intense grief and prolonged mourning)

• changes in identity, role, and daily routine

• increased loneliness and social isolation

• chronic illness, pain, and/or functional changes (including mobility limitations, cardiovascular or neurodegenerative conditions)

• anxiety related to health concerns

• caregiving and family strain

• financial strain or distress

• cognitive changes and memory concerns

• reduced engagement in previously enjoyed activities (e.g., due to physical limitations)

• sleep disruption and fatigue

It is estimated that 10-15% of older adults experience clinically significant depression, while up to 15 - 20% of older adults report symptoms of anxiety.