Post-Pandemic era: 45% of Brazilian women face mental health issues
A report titled "Exhausted Women: Impoverishment, Care Overload, and Women's Psychological Distress," published by the non-governmental organization Think Olga, reveals that 45 percent of Brazilian women have been diagnosed with anxiety, depression, or other mental disorders in the post-COVID-19 pandemic era. Anxiety, the most prevalent disorder in Brazil, affects the daily lives of six out of ten Brazilian women.
"The report isn't surprising because they're data that we already knew was happening, in other words, women are tired and overloaded. Almost half of the female population has a mental disorder, with very limited access to specialized care. The majority mention physical activity or religion as their coping mechanisms. Dissatisfaction is prevalent in various aspects of life. Financial concerns are the most distressing, followed closely by the pressure of a double or triple workday," stated Maíra Liguori, director of Think Olga.
The report aims to shed light on the structures contributing to the suffering experienced by Brazilian women today. It compiles data highlighting issues such as excessive workloads, financial insecurity, and mental and physical exhaustion stemming from the care economy, encompassing all activities related to home care and sustaining life.
Financial hardship affects 48 percent of the women surveyed, and low wages contribute to the dissatisfaction of 32 percent of respondents. Among women in social classes D and E, 59 percent express dissatisfaction with their financial situations. This sentiment is shared by 54 percent of black and brown women.
In 38 percent of households, women are the sole or primary breadwinners, particularly among black women, those in social classes D and E, and those over 55. Only 11 percent of the women surveyed reported not contributing financially to their families.
Overload
The report highlights that domestic work overload and excessive working hours are the second most commonly cited sources of dissatisfaction, following financial concerns. Care-related tasks place a significant burden on women aged 36 to 55 (57% of whom care for someone) and black and brown women (50% of whom provide care).
Overall, 86 percent of women feel burdened by their numerous responsibilities. Caregivers and single mothers experience significantly higher dissatisfaction levels than those without such responsibilities. For these women, 51 percent of mothers and 49 percent of caregivers point to financial constraints as the primary contributor to mental health issues. This underscores the role of care responsibilities in women's impoverishment, contributing to the "feminization of poverty," as indicated in the report.
Emotional Health
Among younger respondents, 26 percent reported that imposed beauty standards negatively impacted their mental health, while 16 percent cited fear of violence.
For 91 percent of those surveyed, emotional health should be taken very seriously and 76 percent are seeking to prioritize mental well-being, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic. Only 11 percent reported neglecting their emotional health entirely.
"We need to start comprehending the impact of care work and its consequences and initiate discussions to destigmatize taboos surrounding mental health. Encouraging action from the private sector, civil society, and, most importantly, the public sector is essential for a sustainable future for women," emphasized Nana Lima, co-director of Think Olga, in a statement.
The survey, conducted between May 12 and 26, 2023, encompassed 1,078 women aged 18 to 65 across all Brazilian states. The margin of error is 3 percentage points, and the confidence interval is 95 percent.
