Every August 26th, we celebrate Women’s Equality Day, a day that commemorates the certification of the 19th Amendment, granting women the right to vote. While this day marks a historic victory, it also serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing fight for true equality in all aspects of life. Today, that conversation must include mental health. For women in South Jersey, achieving parity in mental wellness isn’t just about equal access; it’s about receiving specialized, compassionate care that acknowledges their unique experiences and life challenges.
At Harmony Healing Center in Cherry Hill, we believe that you can’t have true equality without mental health equity. We are dedicated to providing a safe, supportive environment where women can address their mental health and substance use challenges with a team that understands their journey.
A Look Back at Women’s Equality Day
The history of Women’s Equality Day is rooted in a decades-long struggle for suffrage, a fight that finally culminated with the 19th Amendment in 1920. Here in New Jersey, the path to suffrage was marked by activism and organizing. However, this hard-won victory was just the beginning.
The ongoing fight for gender equality touches upon everything from equal pay and leadership roles to reproductive rights and, profoundly, healthcare. The fight for mental health equity is a modern extension of this struggle.
It’s about ensuring that women’s unique mental health needs are not overlooked or stigmatized, and that they have equal access to quality care that respects their experiences.
Mental Health Disparities Women Face
Despite living in a time of greater awareness, women still face significant mental health disparities that can act as barriers to seeking and sustaining recovery.
Barriers to Care in South Jersey
Even in a state with relatively good insurance coverage like New Jersey, women in South Jersey encounter obstacles. Data shows that a significant number of New Jersey adults report unmet mental health needs, with cost being a primary factor. For women, who often hold a greater share of caregiving responsibilities, finding the time and financial resources for treatment can be a daunting challenge. This often leads to delaying or forgoing care, allowing conditions like anxiety and depression to worsen.
Stigma Surrounding Women’s Mental Health
The stigma surrounding mental health is a universal issue, but it can be particularly pronounced for women. Women who struggle with mental illness or addiction often face a double burden of stigma: one for the condition itself, and a second from societal judgments about their roles as mothers, wives, or caregivers.
This can lead to profound feelings of shame and isolation, making it incredibly difficult to reach out for help.
Intersection of Gender-Based Violence and Trauma
The link between trauma and mental health is undeniable, and for women, this is a critical factor. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) reports that women with a substance use disorder are more likely to have histories of trauma, including sexual or physical abuse, and abuse or witnessing abuse in childhood.
This trauma is often a foundational driver of co-occurring mental health conditions and addiction. Addressing this requires a trauma-informed approach that is sensitive to the high prevalence of gender-based violence and its lasting impact.
Local Advocacy and Resources
South Jersey is home to numerous organizations and initiatives dedicated to supporting women’s mental health and safety. These resources provide a vital network of support that goes beyond clinical treatment.
Harmony Healing Center actively seeks to partner with these organizations, from women’s shelters and local nonprofits to other healthcare providers in Camden County.
Our goal is to create a seamless continuum of care, ensuring that women have access to a full range of services that support their healing journey, from initial stabilization to long-term community integration.
How Harmony Healing Center Supports Women’s Mental Health
At Harmony Healing Center, our programs are designed to meet the unique needs of women in South Jersey. We understand that effective treatment goes beyond traditional methods; it requires a compassionate, integrated approach.
- Trauma-informed therapy: We recognize the high prevalence of trauma among women. Our clinicians are trained in trauma-informed care and utilize specialized therapies like EMDR to help women process past experiences in a safe, non-judgmental environment.
- Group programs for women: We offer therapeutic groups where women can connect with peers, share their experiences, and build a sense of community and support, reducing feelings of isolation and shame.
- Flexible scheduling: For working mothers and caregivers, we offer Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP) with evening sessions, allowing them to receive crucial care without disrupting their daily responsibilities. This flexibility ensures that treatment is accessible and sustainable.
Moving Forward: A Call to Action
On Women’s Equality Day, we honor the past while looking to the future. That future must include mental health equity for all women. It’s a call to action for everyone to break the stigma, advocate for accessible care, and support the women in our lives.
If you or a woman you know is struggling with mental health or addiction, know that there is hope and there is help. Harmony Healing Center provides a safe, compassionate space to begin that journey.
Contact Harmony Healing Center today for a confidential assessment!