a focus on women is a resource for you to gain knowledge about mental health issues women commonly face and the support and care that is available

the facts about women
and mental health

mental-health-icon
  • 47% of women are considered at high risk of developing mental health disorders, compared to 36% of men
  • Severe mental illness is almost 70% greater in women than in men
  • 1 in 5 women currently has at least one mental health condition
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Women tend to experience multiple mental health disorders (depression might be accompanied by anxiety, agoraphobia (feeling unsafe), panic disorders, chronic illness disorders (symptoms of physical illness or pain that cannot be fully diagnosed), and PTSD)

anxiety-icon
  • Women are twice as likely as men to be impacted by an anxiety disorder
  • Women are nearly twice as likely as men to be diagnosed with depression
  • Women who have experienced childhood trauma such as sexual abuse and physical violence are
    3 – 4 times more likely to encounter depression as adults
eating-disorder-icon
  • 80% of individuals with eating disorders are women, with the highest overall mortality rate of any mental illness
  • 1 in 4 young women have self-harmed
  • Women have significantly higher rates of developing PTSD following exposure to traumatic events — at least double that of men

Women often feel stigmatized when they experience a mental health issue. Seeking help is frequently avoided for fear of the stigma and judgment of being “not normal.” Besides, women are supposed to be strong, right? Many also feel the root causes of poor mental health, like abuse, menopause, and infertility may mean confronting painful experiences. But if facing those issues leads to a healthier, happier life, why wouldn’t you get help?

why a focus on women exists

information & resources

a focus on women is designed to be a comprehensive resource for you to learn more about the mental issues you may be experiencing and why you may be experiencing them.

you may be reading this and feeling like:

  • you are the only one feeling the way you do
  • you have no reason to feel depressed, anxious, or unreasonably angry
  • you are becoming more and more untethered and unable to control your thoughts and emotions
  • you are feeling alone, isolated, and afraid to say to anyone how you are feeling
  • no one can ever know how your past is influencing your state of mind today

Mental health issues are real. Keeping the door closed to getting help can only make things worse for yourself and those closest to you.

The information and resources available here are designed to help you learn more about mental health issues and why you may be experiencing them.

common mental health issues and why you may be experiencing them

common mental health issues women experience

  • Addiction/Substance Abuse
  • Anxiety/Stress
  • Bipolar disorders
  • Depression
  • Eating disorders
  • Perimenopausal depression
  • Postpartum depression
  • Premenstrual dysphoric disorder
  • Suicidal thoughts

underlying causes often leading to mental health issues

  • Adverse childhood experiences (physical or sexual abuse, bullying, loss of a parent)
  • Caregiving
  • Infidelity and divorce
  • Emotional, physical, and sexual abuse
  • Genetics
  • Grief-related to the loss of a loved one or child, pet, losing a job, relocation, etc.
  • Infidelity
  • Stress-related to home life, professional life, or the balancing of the two

Regardless of race, social standing, economic status, profession, etc., mental illness does not recognize color, age, or anything else. It just is, and you need to know you are not alone. You don’t have to suffer in silence. Resources exist to help you, and we hope a focus on women enlightens and inspires you to begin taking control of your life.

the woman behind a focus on women

Certus Psychiatry & Integrated Care Logo

Dr. Geisla Kohl, MD, is the lead practitioner and founder of Certus Psychiatry & Integrated Care in Winston-Salem, NC with an office in Raleigh.

In her practice, the overwhelming number of new patients who visit her practice for psychiatric and therapy services are women.

“As a psychiatric care provider, a mother of triplets as well as a special needs child, and the caregiver of a parent, I have first-hand experience of many of the issues women face, as well as an understanding of how those issues impact the mental health and wellness of women.”

“My goal with a focus on women is to empower you to understand the mental health challenges you may be facing and provide guidance and support.”

Dr. Gisela Kohl, MD, Certus Psychiatry

about Certus Psychiatry & Integrated Care

Certus Psychiatry & Integrated Care is based in Winston-Salem and Raleigh, North Carolina. We offer psychiatric care and therapy and are licensed to practice in the North Carolina.

  • experienced professionals – Certus has an incredible team of medical care providers, clinical therapists, licensed social workers, and certified counselors who have a wealth of experience in helping women address and manage their mental health challenges.
  • always accepting new patients – most new psychiatry patients can typically see a care provider within five business days.
  • therapies – Certus offers numerous therapy options including:
    • talk therapy – therapy including CBT, DBT, EMDR, and more.
    • treatment-resistant therapies – ketamine therapy, TMS, cosmetic injectable therapy, and more.
  • insurance – We accept most insurance plans, as well as most Medicare plans. As coverage may vary, please contact your insurance carrier for detailed information. We apologize, but we cannot accept Medicaid patients at this time.

Cost should not be a barrier to getting the care you need, and financing options are available.

Certus Psychiatry, Winston-Salem, NC

 Winston-Salem

1255 Creekshire Way
(between Brixx and Firebirds)

Raleigh

1350 Sunday Drive
Suite 101

discover how you can begin to understand and address the mental health issues you may be experiencing
YOU ARE NOT ALONE!