60 per cent of Indian women have menstrual health-related mental stress: Survey

55 per cent of Indian women claimed to have trouble focusing on or completing work and other daily tasks during their menstrual cycle

As the world celebrated International Women’s Day on March 8, Mpower and Ujaas, the pioneering initiatives from the Aditya Birla Education Trust, released findings from “Mindful Menstruation: A Survey on the link between Menstrual Health and Mental Wellbeing”. The survey found that 60 per cent of surveyed women from across India agreed to have increased levels of stress, anxiety and mood swings before or during their menstrual cycle.

The survey aimed to highlight the correlation between menstrual health and mental wellbeing, and encapsulated responses from over 2,400 women across the country. It further found that 55 per cent of the women claimed to have trouble focusing on or completing work and other daily tasks during their menstrual cycle. 

Additionally, 58 per cent of women shared that practising self-care or relaxation methods during or before menstruation has had a positive impact on their daily functioning. These findings emphasise the importance of acknowledging and addressing the diverse impacts of menstrual cycles on daily functioning and productivity, as well as the necessity for tailored support and accommodations across different contexts. 

Sharing her thoughts on these numbers, Advaitesha Birla, founder, Ujaas, said, “Menstrual health isn't just a biological phenomenon but a crucial determinant of overall well-being. With a significant number of women reporting increasing stress, anxiety, and mood swings, and difficulty in grappling with focus and daily task completion, the impact is undeniable. The survey highlights the pressing need to acknowledge and address menstrual health-related challenges. These findings reinforce our commitment to supporting women's holistic well-being, reminding us of the importance of developing a culture that recognises menstrual health as an integral facet of overall wellness.”

Echoing her sentiments on the gravity of mental health issues among women, Parveen Shaikh, vice president of operations, Mpower, said, “The survey findings have been truly enlightening, highlighting the intricate connection between menstrual health and overall well-being for women. These insights allow us to champion a cause close to our heartbreaking stigma around the need for mental health awareness. I want to take this opportunity to urge everyone to embark on a journey of understanding, empathy, and support, and create an environment where women can openly discuss and navigate the challenges they face. By fostering a culture that embraces mental well-being, we contribute to a more resilient and empowered society.”

Reiterating the commitment to stamping out the stigma related to menstrual health and mental well-being, Mpower and Ujaas distributed nearly 400 specially designed packs of sanitary pads to women commuters at Dadar West Railway Station in Mumbai. The packs also contained a poem dedicated as gratitude to all women, along with a QR code that allowed them to take a short test to determine their mental health score. This initiative was conducted in association with the NSS unit of Sophia College, which aided in the distribution of the kits to women. On Women’s Day Ujaas and Mpower also joined forces to host an enlightening InstaLive session featuring Mpower Clinical Psychologist Ajeeta Mulay and Ujaas consultant gynecologist Dr Tejal Kanwar. 

Together, they delved into an important discussion on the profound link between menstrual health and mental well-being. Highlighting the impact of menstrual health on mental health, both experts emphasised the significance of adopting self-relaxation techniques such as mindfulness, regular exercise, a healthy diet, and adequate sleep. 

They underscored the importance of collaborative care between gynaecologists and mental health professionals, advocating for an integrated approach to address the intricate needs of individuals facing mental health challenges associated with their menstrual health. This collaborative effort aimed to provide holistic support and treatment options, paving the way for improved overall well-being.

Also Read: Do unmarried women in India feel judged and ashamed when visiting gynaecologists?

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