The Women’s Fund of Central Indiana is highlighting data from the Polis Center showing that roughly one-third of women in central Indiana reported having depression—more than double the rate of men—with rates highest among women 18-34, where 40% reported depressive symptoms.
Since 2018, the rate of women expressing frequent mental distress has been on the rise, plateauing only during the pandemic. According to Allissa Impink, Director of Advocacy for the Women’s Fund, many root causes contribute to poor mental health. “Root causes like affordable housing, reliable transportation, access to childcare,” she said. “All of that financial instability directly impacts whether a woman can even make an appointment to prioritize her own well being.”
The data also highlights a significant lack of access to mental healthcare providers in Indiana. The state ranks 44th among U.S. states for the availability of providers, presenting a substantial barrier to treatment. Women often carry the majority of caregiving responsibilities, whether caring for children, aging parents, or family members in crisis, which compounds the stress on their mental health. Financial instability from inadequate housing, unreliable transportation, and lack of childcare access prevents many women from prioritizing their own mental well-being and seeking professional help. The brief’s findings underscore the systemic challenges facing women in the region and point to the need for expanded mental health services and support infrastructure to address both the root causes of mental distress and the lack of available providers.
This article is an AI-assisted summary. All facts and figures are drawn from the original report: https://www.wfyi.org/news/articles/nearly-one-third-of-central-indiana-women-report-depressive-symptoms-there-are-limited-places-for-them-to-turn