A FIFTH of young women suffering a mental health crisis were asked if they were on their period, a new study has revealed
The research by the prevention charity Campaign Against Living Miserably also found that 20 per cent of women were told they were being dramatic when seeking help.
Suicide rates among young British women under the age of 25 are rising dramatically
CALM teamed up with footballer Fran Kirby to highlight how women can feel invisible when they seek help
It comes as recent ONS data suggests suicide rates among young British women under the age of 25 are rising dramatically – with one taking her own life every two days.
Charities claim this high number is in part due to women’s symptoms being ignored or dismissed when they seek help.
The YouGov survey asked over 2,000 women aged 18 to 34, about their experiences of seeking support for their mental health over the past year.
It found 22 per cent kept quiet as they were worried they would be accused of being “attention seeking”.
A third remained silent as they feared being told they were being dramatic or too emotional, and 31 per cent thought they wouldn’t be taken seriously.
Over a quarter (27 per cent) who spoke up about issues with their mental health were told it could be down to hormones.
While 33 per cent were told they were “overthinking things”.
Simon Gunning, CALM’s chief executive, said the suicide statistics are “shocking” and serve as a “stark reminder that we need to do more to protect young people and make suicide prevention a national priority”.
He added: “Our research shows that even when they do speak up, young women’s feelings and symptoms are frequently dismissed and ignored – often disregarded as over-emotional, hormonal or attention-seeking.
“These damaging preconceptions are leaving young women unheard and unsupported and lives are at risk like never before.”
The charity said some of the leading factors triggering mental health issues in women are body image, loneliness, relationship issues, money worries and social media.
To highlight the rising rates of female suicide in the UK, CALM teamed up with the England footballer Fran Kirby who stars in a short film that aims to highlight how women can feel invisible when they seek help.
The football star said: “The statistics are hard to digest, as these tragic numbers can be prevented.
“Like any team, we all have our part to play in making sure young women feel seen when they reach out.”
If you are affected by any of the issues raised in this article, please call the Samaritans for free on 116123.