Research has shown that autoimmune disorders are seen to be affecting women in the form of diseases such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, multiple sclerosis etc. Being chronic in nature the autoimmune disorders have a flare-up pattern. Health and sickness patterns as mentioned above many times in women is a complex landscape of biological, social, and cultural factors.
Women’s Health - Complex Landscape
Women’s mental health is not a singular entity; instead it is shaped by biological, social, and cultural factors. The rates of anxiety, depression, and mood disorders among women are much higher as compared to men. A lot many times hormonal fluctuations such as menstrual cycle, pregnancy, menopause and psychological vulnerability lead to not just physical discomfort but also impacts one’s mental health.
Mind and Body Connection Impacting Cognitive and Emotional Function
Chronic physical illness can lead to mental health challenges such as constant pain and fatigue. The fatigue and pain could further result in social isolation and reduced quality of life. Many a times the society has a lot of stereotypes and prejudices related to ill health and which also navigates and takes the form of ‘fear of stigma’ and ‘disbelief’ ("invisible illness") within the suffering individual hence, leading to an increase in inflammation, at times depression and also cognitive fog.
Cognitive Effect
Usually a “Brain fog” is what impacts the cognitive health of the patient. The symptoms often overlooked impact on daily functioning which might not be detected early. Memory lapses, attention difficulties, decision fatigue are a few major cognitive effect symptoms which are early indicators. Neurological complications can also arise from certain autoimmune diseases (e.g., MS) if not treated and taken care of in time.
Emotional and Psychological Effect
Health issues such as depression, anxiety, and PTSD-like symptoms in chronic illness patients can lead to burdened emotional and psychological effect on the patients. The emotional trauma of delayed diagnoses and medical gaslighting may also have effects on self-identity, career, relationships, and body image. These issues are seen to impact women more since societal pre-conceived notions about a woman's health are more visible and out there. Women are often made to compare themselves with ever evolving beauty standards and their biological clock references.
Intersectional Consideration between Autoimmune Disorders and Women's Mental Health
The disparities in diagnosis and care among women of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, and lower-income women is much more. Cultural stigmas around illness and mental health are seen to be impacting vulnerable groups since they have little or no access to resources. The disparities in diagnosis and care among women of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, and lower-income women is much more. Cultural stigmas around illness and mental health are seen to be impacting vulnerable groups since they have little or no access to resources.
Challenges
With regards to women’s healthcare access to multidisciplinary care is still in the preliminary stages across borders. The importance of integrated care for instance rheumatologists and mental health providers is very recently being studied and would only be solidified as a proven research after years of work. Further, Therapy (CBT, trauma-informed therapy), support groups, mindfulness practices are in their rising phase and not many know of the support available due to associated societal stigmas.
The unpredictable nature of autoimmune disorders is often accompanied by fluctuating symptoms. These symptoms such as chronic pain, extreme fatigue, and cognitive fog (discussed earlier) can make it difficult for patients to advocate for themselves. Attending regular appointments, becomes a chore both for the patient and the care-giver if not trained properly. Many a times the symptoms are not taken seriously by healthcare professionals.
This is further compounded by the gender bias that continues to affect diagnostic timelines and treatment options. Women frequently report feeling dismissed or misdiagnosed, with their symptoms. This being attributed to stress or hormonal changes rather than legitimate medical conditions. As a result of the above circumstances the emotional burden of living with an invisible illness is often intensified by the frustration of not being heard or believed.
Conclusion
In conclusion the role of a lifestyle management which involves proper healthy diet, sleep, movement, and boundaries is the need of the hour. Further there is also need for more ***-specific medical research. Advocating for better autoimmune screening and mental health access is a right which should be guaranteed to all. It’s time we recognize autoimmune-related mental health conditions in disability frameworks and restate the critical need to view autoimmune illness as both a physical and mental health issue. The call to action for healthcare providers, researchers, and loved ones to validate and support women living with chronic autoimmune diseases is a much needed activity to grow into a more holistic society where each individual’s health matters.
Peer-led support groups and online communities have become lifelines for many and we need more of them in providing not only emotional support but also practical tools for coping and self-management. However, access to these resources is uneven, especially in rural or underserved areas, and language, digital access, or cultural norms may serve as additional barriers.
To build a truly inclusive and supportive healthcare ecosystem, there needs to be greater awareness among healthcare providers, policymakers, and the public about the complex interplay between chronic autoimmune illness and mental health. Women deserve not just to survive these conditions, but to be supported holistically medically, psychologically, and socially so they can thrive despite the challenges.
