So often, stigma and more stigma stops women from addressing mental health problems. The fear that we are less than a woman, a mother, and a daughter because we are depressed, traumatized, anxious or unable to concentrate is a huge road block to discussing and seeking help.

Emotional distress can be reflected in ways that are difficult to understand and that may be difficult to manage safely. A troubled woman may hide the intensity of her emotional pain or sadness until the problem becomes so severe that she is unable to function in her daily life or so overwhelming that she tries to harm herself or others. Some “red flag” behaviors that may signal severe emotional distress and the need for professional help include:

• Self-injury behaviors such as superficial or non-superficial cutting
• Persistent picking at skin
• “Accidental” physical injuries
• Thinking or talking about suicide
• Thinking or talking about intent or plans to hurt others
• Thinking or talking about self or others being “better off dead”
• Not being able to sleep well or sleeping too much
• Not being able to eat well or eating too much
• Spending excessive amounts of money
• Hearing voices or seeing things that are not real
• Having persistent nightmares
• Withdrawal from family and friends/social isolation
• Excessive weight loss or gain
• Excessive absence from work
• Inability to take care of self or others in activities of daily living
• Disorganized thinking or loss of memory

The source of her emotional distress may not be clear to the woman who is experiencing it or to those who care about her, but the need to find a safe environment for recovery is clear. If you or someone you love is experiencing severe emotional distress or demonstrates any of the above behaviors, please contact us at Brookhaven Retreat to start the process of getting help.