– an Ayurveda Perspective
या देवी सर्वभूतेषु शक्ति-रूपेण संस्थिता।
नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः॥
Meaning – Goddess Durga is omnipresent. She is the embodiment of power, peace, and intelligence in all beings. I worship her with all devotion so that she blesses me with happiness and prosperity.
Different words from above chant like शान्तिरूपेण, श्रद्धारुपेण, छायारुपेण symbolises the unique power of Goddess and unique power of every woman. These sets of emotions; power purely belong to womanhood.
Women are the centre of creation and with this unique power, she possesses a special set of emotions including extra tolerance, multitasking abilities, affectionate, nurturing, and caring abilities.
This strong emotion set is a reflection of good psychological health which is interdependent on physiological changes or physical health. As women are facing constant changes in lifestyle due to evolving physiological changes. These changes always affect her mental or psychological health. So special care will be required to maintain equilibrium.
Psychological, Emotional, and Mental states of women in their different life stages:
- Behind every successful man, there is a woman, and my wife is that woman, but she might not be happy because she may have sacrificed her career. Does that lead to mental disturbance?
- I am successful due to my mother, but your mother may be struggling with an emotional breakdown due to menopausal changes. Does anyone notice or care for her during menopause?
- She is coping with post-pregnancy changes, less breast milk and feeding issues, and sleepless nights. Now she is talking about baby blues / postpartum depression and asking for psychological counseling help. Does the family help her to cope with it or advise her to neglect it?
Changing physiology is a constant thing in women’s lives. Monthly menstrual cycle-related changes from Menarche, pregnancy, postpartum period, perimenopause period and menopausal period all are impacting both physical and psychological domains of her health.
These constant changes and hormonal imbalances often lead to disturbances in Tridoshic (Vata – Pitta – Kapha ) balance. This imbalance always affects the mental health of women very commonly.
Anxiety, stress, body shaming, family pressure, postpartum depression, menopausal depression, and emotional breakdown are often associated with women’s life. She always tries to neglect this burden to maintain family harmony.
This Navratri, let’s understand her better for caring for her psychological needs.
Ayurveda can be helpful to maintain this harmony of Tridosha within her by monitoring inner health and Nadi along with Tridoshic balance. Tracking of Emotional quotients, stress, and thoughts levels are the unique feature of Nadi Tarangini. Required lifestyle modifications for maintaining a good emotional quotient will be advised for maintaining harmony and health.
Caring tips for maintaining good mental health for Women
- During Adolescence age –
Girls are vulnerable at this age. They are facing numerous new changes in the body including starting from menarche, breast development, etc. Along with hormonal changes, the extra stress related to school performance, identity crisis, family tensions, and body shaming always leads to a complex mental breakdown.
Family support, friendly talks, identification of exact problems and its solution, and proper guidance on diet and lifestyle changes according to Ayurveda are very essential at this age.
- During pregnancy and postpartum period –
Proper nutritional, and diet care is very essential during pregnancy. Ayurved mentioned briefly antenatal care.
Postpartum depression and stress are common nowadays. The struggle of a breastfeeding mother with emotional breakdown along with tired sleepless days always leads to many psychological problems.
Proper dietary guidelines and family support are a must to overcome this phase.
- During menopausal age –
It is the period of cessation of many hormones. This change is not so easy to cope with for everyone. Menopausal depression and anxiety are the most common and highlighted subjects.
Socializing, and encouraging women to continue their hobbies and excel in their skillset is the best way to cope with it.
This required balance between physical and mental health can be tracked every day with the help of Ayurveda. The physical and emotional quotient can be tracked and scored. Dietary modifications, water intake, and lifestyle modifications are suggested to maintain the harmony of balance and to improve mental health.
So, accept the changes, correct them with Ayurveda and lifestyle guidance and move on happily.
Authors –
Vaidya Tejaswini Sameer Bhale (Ayurvedacharya, Nadi Pariksha Expertise)
Vaidya Gaytri Mulaye (MD Ayurveda)
