Trigger warning: This article covers themes related to mental health challenges. Reader discretion is advised.
Women’s mental health is an important public health issue, with mental health conditions rising among women in Australia. Many mental health conditions have immediate and chronic impacts on women, their families and the wider community. As awareness grows, so does the need for targeted, effective and gender-responsive care for women, especially in primary healthcare settings.
Nurses play a pivotal role in supporting women’s mental health. This article explores the prevalence of mental health issues among women and how nurses can cultivate curiosity, compassion and a collaborative mindset as underpinning qualities of their practice. We’ll also cover how these attributes combined with further skills in both mental health nursing and women’s health can strengthen clinical nursing practice and help provide more tailored care.
Prevalence of mental health conditions among women
Women are uniquely more susceptible to certain mental health conditions due to various individual, gender-based and societal factors. The National Mental Health Commission reveals that around one in six women experience depression in Australia, while one in three experience anxiety at some point in their lives. Aside from these broader mental health conditions, around one in seven new mothers experience postpartum depression, while eating disorders, domestic and family violence and post-traumatic stress disorder are also more common among women. Different mental health conditions can hinder a woman’s ability to engage in everyday activities fully and can reduce her capacity to cope with stressors, work demands, parenting responsibilities and enjoy personal relationships.
The significance of women’s health issues, including mental health, has prompted action from the Australian Government with the development of the National Women’s Health Strategy. This initiative has allocated $235.5 million to the National Health and Medical Research Council between 2020-2030 to fund research focused on women-centric health issues. This funding aims to enhance understanding, support innovative solutions and improve health and mental health outcomes for women across the country. This data underscores the clear need to address these concerns and highlights a related strong demand for nurses to be equipped with the necessary skills and expertise to support women as they seek care for their mental health.
7 core skills for supporting women’s mental health
Registered nurses are critically important to the overall wellbeing and recovery for women with mental health challenges. While there are a range of skills that nurses need to develop and build on to enjoy a lasting career, some qualities are foundational to a patient-centred practice in women’s health. Here, we will highlight seven important soft skills and practice areas to develop for success in roles specific to women’s mental health.
1. Listen with compassion
One of the most powerful ways to support women struggling with their mental health is to simply listen without judgement. Many women feel isolated and unheard in their challenges, so breaking the stigma around mental health struggles begins with normalising these conversations. As a nurse, you can foster a safe and compassionate space for women to have an opportunity to share their stories.
Observing your patients, practicing active listening and considering their case holistically can help you discern what may be the driving factors affecting their mental health. When patients see that their mental health is treated with the same importance as their physical health, they may be more likely to share their concerns, which allows for more targeted interventions and better health outcomes in the long term.
2. Communicate with empathy
Communication in nursing is an essential skill to cultivate. It helps improve clarity, supports collaboration within healthcare teams and ultimately helps optimse the health of your female patients. Communicating effectively with women encompasses both verbal and non-verbal forms, using body language, gestures and the appropriate use of personal space.
Engaging in empathic communication may involve mirroring and gentle nodding as you talk with your female patients. Reflecting back to them their concerns is also an effective way of demonstrating you’ve heard and understood them, which is essential in a patient-centred care model of nursing practice. It shows you’re interested in building rapport and creating a trusting, safe environment where women can freely discuss their mental health concerns.
3. Collaborate with other health professionals
Working closely with other health professionals is an important strategy to help meet the holistic needs of women and their mental health. Women may experience complex, interconnected challenges including recent or past trauma, reproductive health issues or stress related to parenting responsibilities. The constellation of factors that contribute to poor mental health among women require a coordinated, targeted and multidisciplinary approach to care.
For example, referring female patients to social workers, counsellors, psychologists and GPs can be immensely valuable for both immediate and longer term care. Social workers can provide life-saving support to women in crises or who need urgent care. They can connect women to housing assistance, financial aid programs and healthcare services while offering emotional support and advocacy.
Counsellors and psychologists can provide a safe, confidential space for women to discuss emotional challenges, trauma and life transitions. These professionals can identify and treat women-specific conditions like postpartum depression and may use psychotherapy or counselling techniques to help women develop coping strategies and build resilience. As a nurse, collaborating with other health providers ensures you are tailoring care to each woman’s unique needs.
4. Provide women’s health resource support
Aside from utilising other healthcare professionals, equipping women with resources and tools that can continue to educate and empower them about their mental health is another useful strategy to adopt in nursing practice. Women who are equipped with the right resources and information may feel less alone in their struggles, which becomes especially important once they leave your care and need to integrate back into their lives.
It’s helpful to compile a list of local support groups, crisis helplines and specialised women’s health services that provide immediate and ongoing assistance tailored to women that can make a meaningful difference in their lives. Women facing acutely challenging circumstances such as domestic violence, financial instability or perinatal mental health challenges will need immediate and ongoing support. Platforms such as Headspace and MindSpot provide free online counselling and mental health resources designed to reach women who may not otherwise have access to face-to-face services. Resources like Beyond Blue or PANDA (Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia) are examples of vital support services for women dealing with women-centric mental health challenges.
5. Develop a gender-responsive approach
A career in women’s health involves developing an understanding of women-specific health issues, along with appreciating how women’s life experiences shape their overall health and mental wellbeing. It’s important to recognise the complex interplay of biological, social and economic factors that cause women’s mental health challenges and how these inherently differ from men. These factors also influence how mental health challenges are experienced and managed by women compared to men. Understanding these nuances will give you an advantage in your nursing practice.
In a healthcare setting, this may mean ensuring privacy and emotional safety during assessments, being aware of how past life experiences may influence a woman’s response to care and involving female staff if your patient prefers or if required. A gender-responsive approach for women ultimately means establishing a safe, respectful and caring environment for women and accommodating their holistic needs.
6. Adopt a culturally-sensitive practice
According to the National Women’s Health Strategy, women from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander groups born between 2010-2012 have an estimated life expectancy 9.5 years lower than non-Indigenous women. Poor health outcomes among Indigenous Australians are closely linked to the impacts of cultural displacement as well as the disconnection from land and community.
As a nurse, it’s important to understand that the cultural identity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women is inextricably linked with their health and mental wellbeing. Nursing practices with a culturally-competent basis in women’s mental health should consider the impacts of intergenerational trauma, disadvantage and disrupted identity. Cultural sensitivity in nursing also applies to other cultural or marginalised groups to help provide safe, accessible healthcare for all women.
7. Build your expertise in trauma-informed care
A significant element of working with women and supporting their mental health is establishing a trauma-informed practice in nursing. Trauma-informed care forms part of a broader gender-responsive model which fosters patient agency, safety while promoting empathy and collaboration. Some women’s traumatic life experiences, whether they occurred during childhood, in workplaces, throughout intimate relationships or while receiving healthcare services can be triggered in healthcare settings.
As a nurse, adopting a trauma-informed practice allows you to care for your female patients mindfully, while taking steps to ensure you don’t unintentionally cause further stress or re-traumatisation. This may require adjusting your practices to cater to the unique needs of your female patients based on their individual trauma history. Building trust and prioritising the safety of your patients can help you have a positive impact on women’s mental health.
How to develop your women’s mental health career
There are plenty of opportunities available to nurses who want to advance their nursing skill set to better support women struggling with their mental health. Postgraduate study in both mental health nursing and women's health can help you develop your practice, gain specialised skills and can open career opportunities across many nursing settings.
Postgraduate mental health nursing courses
Graduate Certificate in Mental Health Nursing
Southern Cross University (SCU) Online’s Graduate Certificate in Mental Health Nursing is for registered nurses looking to work in mental health settings and gain additional skills in mental health nursing. This mental health nurse course involves the completion of four units, where you’ll choose from Contemporary Mental Health, Acute Mental Health, Mental Health in Community, Non-government and Primary Health Settings, Mental Health Across the Lifespan, Physical Healthcare in Mental Health and Supporting Behaviour Change in Mental Health Context.
By completing this postgraduate course, you will:
- Gain core knowledge of mental health nursing
- Develop patient-centred, holistic mental health treatment plans
- Gain a contemporary perspective on mental health care
- Strengthen evidence-based practice and critical thinking skills
VU Online’s Graduate Certificate in Mental Health Nursing is aimed at registered nurses seeking enhanced skills to support their mental health practice. This course has four units in Mental Health Nursing, Recovery Oriented Mental Health, Biopsychosocial and Cultural Perspectives in Mental Health and Effective Trauma-Informed Care.
By completing this postgraduate course, you will:
- Gain a holistic understanding of mental health and its impact on individuals, families and communities
- Understand the biopsychosocial and cultural factors that influence mental health
- Develop skills to work effectively within multidisciplinary teams
- Learn contemporary, trauma-informed care approaches
Graduate Diploma in Mental Health Nursing
SCU Online’s Graduate Diploma of Mental Health Nursing involves eight units and expands on the graduate certificate course with additional units in Leading Evidence-based Practice in Health and Building a Professional Portfolio. This course is for registered nurses interested in developing more advanced mental health nursing skills, providing a pathway to becoming an accredited mental health nurse.
Upon completion of this postgraduate course, you’ll be able to:
- Develop tailored mental health treatment plans for patients with applications in a variety of mental health nursing roles
- Critically analyse and apply contemporary mental health care practices and emerging trends
- Lead and implement evidence-based practices to improve patient outcomes in mental health settings
- Support behaviour change using motivational interviewing and other psychological strategies
Victoria University (VU) Online’s Graduate Diploma in Mental Health Nursing builds on the graduate certificate content with eight units in total, supporting a strong foundation in mental health nursing practice. In this mental health nurse course, you’ll complete additional units including Promoting Cultural Competence and Community Health, Mental Health in Later Life, Care Coordination in Practice and Evidence and Research for Practice.
Upon completion of this postgraduate course, you’ll be able to:
- Develop knowledge of trauma-informed care in mental health nursing practice
- Evaluate community health promotion and cultural awareness concepts to address the health needs of diverse populations
- Support older people with mental illness and develop collaborative skills for work in interdisciplinary teams to optimise mental health and wellbeing
- Assess healthcare research and address gaps in mental health nursing protocols and practice
Master of Mental Health Nursing
SCU Online’s Master of Mental Health Nursing is accredited by the Australian College of Mental Health Nursing (ACMHN) and involves 11 core units and one elective unit. Expanding further from the embedded graduate certificate and graduate diploma courses, the master’s degree offers additional units in Applied Leadership in Mental Health Clinical Practice, Developing Skills in Contemporary Psychotherapies and Critical Review in Health. You can also tailor your studies to align with your career goals by choosing relevant electives, such as Contemporary Health Leadership, Digital Marketing, Governance and Accountability in Healthcare and The Positive Leader.
This master’s degree is for registered nurses looking to gain advanced skills in mental healthcare with an emphasis on practical, evidence-based and recovery-oriented approaches. You’ll be equipped to pursue leadership, senior and specialised roles such as mental health nurse unit manager, mental health nurse, nurse coordinator, community mental health nurse and senior case manager.
Upon completion of this master’s degree, you’ll be able to:
- Develop comprehensive, evidence-based mental health care treatment plans customised to individual needs
- Apply holistic, contemporary and recovery-focused approaches to improve patient outcomes across the lifespan
- Formulate a clear research question and problem statement to critically explore a specific issue within health, social or community mental health care settings
- Apply targeted psychological strategies and principles of psychotherapy to effectively treat individuals experiencing common mental health challenges
- Analyse and address mental health barriers and enablers to influence mental health practice or policy changes, demonstrating how clinical leadership bridges evidence from literature to practical application
VU Online’s Master of Mental Health Nursing is an ACMHN-accredited course giving you the expertise to pursue leadership positions and create transformational change across clinical mental health settings. It comprises a total of 12 units, expanding beyond the core units within the graduate diploma level. These additional units include Pharmacology and Therapeutics in Mental Health, Assessment in Mental Health and a Research Project, as well as your choice of one elective subject. The electives include Psychological Therapies, Perspectives on Addictive Behaviours, Nursing Leadership and Management and Health and Wellbeing for the Older Person.
Depending on what niche mental health area you’re interested in, you can customise your subject options accordingly. A VU Online Master of Mental Health Nursing can open doors to leadership roles in multidisciplinary mental health teams, senior care coordination roles and advocacy roles in mental health settings.
By completing this master’s degree, you will:
- Develop advanced knowledge and skills to deliver specialised, evidence-based mental health care with a patient-centred approach
- Lead multidisciplinary mental health teams and drive transformational change in various populations, including older individuals, cultural groups and vulnerable people
- Evaluate psychopharmacological treatments, analyse the effects of psychotropic medicines and assess the efficacy of brain stimulation therapies in mental health care
- Critically assess and synthesise nursing and healthcare research using evidence-based appraisal tools and develop research proposals or projects to address identified knowledge gaps
- Conduct a capstone project that involves a critical literature review, data analysis, interpretation and dissemination of findings through professional reports or journal publications
Postgraduate women’s health courses
As you learn more about the unique factors that influence women’s health, including their mental and emotional health, you’ll be able to provide more meaningful nursing care to women. Pursuing postgraduate study in this field can enhance your knowledge of gender issues, social equity, cultural diversity and reproductive health challenges that contribute to poor mental health outcomes in women.
Graduate Certificate in Women’s and Children’s Health
University of Technology Sydney (UTS) Online’s Graduate Certificate in Women’s and Children’s Health is a foundational postgraduate course designed to expand your expertise on women’s and children’s health. This course has four units, including Contemporary Women’s Health Issues, Global Perspectives in Sexual, Reproductive and Maternal Health and Legal and Ethical Issues in Women’s Health. These units equip you with the advanced knowledge on the multitude of factors that influence women’s health and mental wellbeing.
By completing this postgraduate course, you will:
- Adopt a philosophy and practice that prioritises women and children’s health with a gender-sensitive and culturally-competent framework
- Reflect on current practice, policy, and research in women’s and children’s health, analysing legal, ethical and sociocultural health determinants within this niche field
- Build cultural competence by understanding the diverse healthcare needs of Indigenous Australian women and women from various cultural backgrounds
- Apply evidence-based practices, leadership skills, effective communication and collaboration to drive positive change in women’s and children’s health
Master of Women’s and Children’s Health
UTS Online’s Master of Women’s and Children’s Health expands on the nested graduate certificate course, covering topics that relate to a broad range of women’s mental health concerns, including Leading Health and Social Care, Indigenous Public Health and Foundations in Public Health.
In this master’s degree, you’ll have the option to major in Health Research, Leadership and Management in Healthcare or Reproductive Health. Or, you have the unique opportunity to build your own specialisation from the subjects within each major category. Relevant to mental health nursing practice, you can complete Trauma Informed Care In Practice as an elective to gain advanced skills to support women with a background of trauma and related mental health concerns. Upon completion of this master’s degree, you’ll be able to: Recognise how gender intersects with other aspects of diversity and understand its impact on access to services and personal wellbeing Identify the specific healthcare needs and expectations of women and children from diverse cultural backgrounds Apply inclusive and culturally sensitive approaches to meet the needs of women and children in healthcare settings Promote equitable access to healthcare by understanding the barriers and challenges faced by different groups Develop advanced skills to offer compassionate, tailored care that supports the wellbeing of women and children from all walks of life
Advance your nursing career in women’s mental health
As a nurse, there are many avenues to consider when it comes to advancing your skill set. Postgraduate study in mental health nursing and women’s health offers you a powerful opportunity to deepen your clinical expertise and make a meaningful impact in the lives of women across various life stages. You’ll gain the confidence to address complex mental health issues among women and deliver compassionate, patient-centred care that meets the unique needs of women.
GlobalHealth Education’s university partners offer healthcare courses in a range of other fields, including broader areas in nursing, public health, social work, counselling, psychology and health leadership. Choose a course and enquire to speak to a Student Enrolment Advisor for further support with your enrolment process.
Mental health resource support for women
Counselling and mental health services
- Beyond Blue
- Lifeline
Perinatal mental health services
- COPE (Centre of Perinatal Excellence)
- PANDA (Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia)
- ForWhen Helpline
Trauma-informed care mental health service
- Phoenix Australia
Digital mental health services
- Headspace
- MindSpot
Social, financial and holistic support services
- YWCA
- Good Shepherd
- WESNET
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander crisis support
- 13YARN
