Exploring stress of menstrual issues in women

The groundbreaking Aditya Birla Education Trust programs, Mpower and Ujaas, recently shared the results of their survey titled “Mindful Menstruation: A Survey on the link between Menstrual Health and Mental Wellbeing.” Sixty percent of Indian women who participated in the poll admitted to experiencing higher levels of stress, anxiety, and mood swings either before or during their menstrual cycle.
In an effort to shed light on the relationship between menstruation health and mental wellness, more than 2,400 women nationwide participated in the study. It was also discovered that 55% of the women reported experiencing difficulties concentrating or finishing daily duties, including work, throughout their menstrual cycle. Furthermore, 58% of women reported that using relaxation techniques or self-care techniques before or during their periods improved their ability to operate on a daily basis. These results highlight the need for customised support and accommodations in various contexts, as well as the need to recognise and address the various effects of menstrual cycles on everyday functioning and productivity.
Sharing her thoughts on these numbers, Advaitesha Birla, Founder, of 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 the importance of developing a culture that recognizes menstrual health as an integral facet of overall wellness.”
Meanwhile, Parveen Shaikh, echoed her views regarding the seriousness of mental health problems among women, as she remarked, “The survey results have been incredibly enlightening, highlighting the complex relationship between menstrual health and overall well-being for women. These realisations enable us to advocate for a cause that is near and dear to our hearts: dispelling the stigma associated with mental health awareness. I would like to take this moment to encourage everyone to start a journey of comprehension, empathy, and support as well as to establish a space where women may freely talk about and work through the difficulties they encounter. We build a stronger, more capable society by promoting a culture that values mental health.”
Recently, the team also gave out about 400 specially made packs of sanitary pads to women commuters, reaffirming their commitment to eradicating the stigma associated with menstruation and mental health. Together with a QR code that allowed participants to complete a quick test to find out their mental health score, the packets also included a poem written as an expression of thanks to all women. The Sophia College NSS team, which helped with the kits’ distribution to women, was involved in this project.