September is Liptember

Welcome to Liptember.

Here in Australia, September is Liptember, a month dedicated to supporting women’s mental health.

Why women?

Good question. Liptember celebrates and supports women and their mental health because at the time of its creation in 2010, there was no conversation around women’s mental health specifically. There was help and support for men and mental health generally but women specifically.

I know for some people, you may be wondering why women need a specific focus for their mental health. And I get it. I mean, mental health issues aren’t just for men or women, or any other specific situation, right? Mental health is important for each and every one of us. But what you may not know is that women have specific issues that affect their mental health. Issues that don’t affect men. If you didn’t know that, it’s okay because until recently, I didn’t know it either.

So what exactly is Liptember?

As you have probably figured out, Liptember and the Liptember Foundation work towards making women and their specific needs part of the mental health conversation. Liptember itself is a fundraising campaign running the month of September that encourages people (men and women alike) to wear lipstick - the bolder the better - right throughout the month as a fun approach to raising awareness and funds for women’s mental health.

Liptember and the Liptember Foundation support gender specific research into mental health; specifically research around biological issues such as pregnancy, menstruation, and menopause, and their impact on mental health.

How the Liptember Foundation supports women’s mental health.

Liptember and the Liptember Foundation supports women’s mental health in three primary ways: through mental health programs and initiatives; support services; research.

Mental health programs and initiatives supported by Liptember include:

Hormone research

Online psychological treatment

Transwomen wellbeing programs

Surf therapy for women

Equine assisted learning

Mental health community support

Awareness campaigns

School workshops

Mental health recovery service

Antenatal psychological support

When we support awareness campaigns like Liptember, we are supporting more than just a charity organisation. We are supporting those who need help and support, care and compassion. We are showing those around us that it’s okay to ask for help and they are not alone in their situation, that there are those out there who understand and want to help.

Why we need to support women and their mental health

The Liptember Foundation’s research into women’s mental health shows just how affected women are by mental health issues. If you’re like me, you may never have considered the impact of mental health issues for women but the statistics are, honestly, a little scary and saddening…

Over half (59%) the female population’s mental health is affected by the current cost of living situation, with women in regional areas feeling those affects more than women in metro areas.

54% of women within the LGBTIQA+ community experience severe mental health issues.

Women in regional and rural areas are more likely to suffer from depression, anxiety and body image issues than their city sisters.

31% of women who experience a miscarriage or stillbirth suffer from PTSD, something that is not talked about.

57% of teenage girls suffer from body image issues which often lead to eating disorders.

61% of women who experience fertility issues suffer from anxiety.

Almost 50% of women with endometriosis also experience severe mental health disorders.

45% of all women experience depression (regardless of whether or not they seek treatment).

50% of women who are overcoming a physical birth trauma also live with severe mental health issues. The trauma of birth is also something that is rarely spoken about.

70% of women living with ovarian/cervical cancer as also living with depression.

One in five teen girls are struggling with suicidal thoughts and self-harm.

Opening up the conversation around women’s mental health is vital. Opening up the conversation around pregnancy, fertility, miscarriage, stillbirth, and birth trauma is also something that needs to happen now. Women’s mental health is an ongoing issue and one we can all get behind today.

If you’d like to help support women’s mental health, donate today. https://www.liptember.com.au/emma-lions