Celebrating Resilience: Women's Mental Health in Focus
- Michelle Tillman-Cureton
- Mar 19
- 4 min read
Written by: Michelle Tillman-Cureton, LCMHC, PsychoTherapist
March is Women’s History Month, a time to celebrate the achievements, resilience, and contributions of women throughout history. As a Black female therapist, a first-generation master’s graduate, and a single parent of four adult children (ages 18 to 35), this month holds deep significance for me.
I know firsthand the challenges women—especially women of color—face in balancing multiple roles, overcoming systemic barriers, and prioritizing mental health amid life’s demands. As therapists, we have a unique opportunity not only to honor women’s stories but also to reflect on how gender, race, and societal pressures impact mental health and therapy.
This article explores the history of Women’s History Month, the importance of gender-informed therapy, and ways therapists can better support women’s mental health. I’ve also included key statistics, journal prompts, and personal reflections to encourage deeper thought on these topics.
The Origins of Women’s History Month
Women’s History Month traces its roots back to International Women’s Day, first observed in 1911. The movement to recognize women’s contributions gained traction in the 1970s, and in 1980, President Jimmy Carter declared the first National Women’s History Week. By 1987, Congress expanded it into a month-long celebration.
Yet, for many women—especially women of color—recognition of our work and struggles remains inadequate. I often reflect on the Black women who paved the way before me, from Harriet Tubman to Maya Angelou, who endured unthinkable hardships yet persisted. Their resilience inspired me as I pursued my education while raising four children as a single parent.
📖 Reflection Journal Prompt:
Think about a woman in history or your own life who has inspired you. How has her resilience shaped your journey?
Understanding Women’s Mental Health: A Personal and Professional Perspective
Women’s mental health is shaped by biological, social, and cultural factors. While mental health issues affect everyone, women—particularly Black women—face unique challenges that require nuanced therapeutic approaches.
1. Higher Rates of Anxiety and Depression
Women are nearly twice as likely as men to experience depression. (World Health Organization, 2023)
Black women are half as likely to seek mental health treatment compared to white women, despite experiencing similar rates of anxiety and depression. (American Psychological Association, 2023)
I see this in both my personal life and professional practice. Growing up, mental health wasn’t openly discussed in my family or community. Like many Black women, I was taught to be strong, push through, and carry the weight of my responsibilities without complaint. It wasn’t until I became a therapist that I truly understood the power of healing and seeking help.
📖 Journal Prompt:
How do cultural beliefs about strength and resilience affect the way women seek mental health support?
2. The Impact of Trauma
Many women, particularly single mothers like myself, have endured various forms of trauma, whether from relationships, financial struggles, or systemic barriers.
1 in 4 women experiences severe intimate partner violence. (National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, 2023)
Black women are more likely to die from pregnancy-related complications, a crisis tied to systemic racism in healthcare. (CDC, 2023)
As a single mother raising four children while pursuing my education, I faced countless obstacles—financial instability, exhaustion, and the constant pressure to “do it all”. I often felt like I had no room to fall apart, no space to be vulnerable. I know many women share this experience, which is why trauma-informed therapy is so essential.
📖 Journal Prompt:
How can therapy provide a space for women—especially mothers—to heal from past trauma while still navigating daily responsibilities?
3. Gender Bias in Mental Health Treatment
Historically, women’s mental health concerns have been dismissed or misdiagnosed:
ADHD is underdiagnosed in girls, leading many women to go undiagnosed until adulthood. (Journal of Clinical Psychology, 2022)
Black women are more likely to have their pain minimized or dismissed in healthcare settings.
As a therapist, I’ve seen how many women feel unheard—even in professional settings. I remember attending graduate school as a first-generation student, often feeling invisible in classrooms where I was one of the few Black women. It took time to realize that my experiences, my voice, and my struggles were valid.
📖 Journal Prompt:
How can you, as a therapist or advocate, help ensure women feel heard and validated in mental health care?
How Therapists Can Support Women’s Mental Health
1. Create a Safe and Affirming Space
Many women, especially those from marginalized backgrounds, struggle to find spaces where they feel truly seen. As a therapist, I strive to create the space I once needed—a place where women can share their burdens without fear of judgment.
📖 Journal Prompt:
How do you ensure your therapy space feels inclusive and affirming for all women?
2. Address Societal Pressures and Gender Roles
Women are often expected to be caregivers, nurturers, and everything to everyone. As a mother, I’ve battled guilt over prioritizing my career, wondering if I was doing enough for my children. Many of my clients feel the same way.
📖 Journal Prompt:
How can you help women challenge unrealistic societal expectations in therapy?
3. Encourage Self-Compassion and Boundaries
Women—especially single mothers—often struggle to put themselves first. I used to feel guilty for taking time to rest until I realized that self-care isn’t selfish—it’s necessary.
📖 Journal Prompt:
What are three ways you can encourage women to prioritize self-care and boundaries?
Celebrating Women’s Strength and Resilience
Women’s History Month is about celebrating not just the achievements of women in history but also the everyday resilience of the women we work with as therapists.
As a Black female therapist, a first-generation master’s graduate, and a single mother of four, I know what it means to struggle, to persevere, and to rise. I see that same strength in the women I work with daily.
We are more than statistics. We are storytellers, healers, and change-makers.
Let’s use this month to reflect, educate, and empower. After all, when women are supported in their mental health journeys, entire communities benefit.
How will you honor Women’s History Month in your practice?
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