Welcome to Womens Mental Health and Wellness
The time for specialized women's care is here....
Areas we treat and support:
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Reproductive Mental Health
Divorce Recovery
Bariatric and Weight Management
Maternal Mental Health
Creative Expression & Growth
Co-Parenting
Mental Health Issues
Family Issues
Stress Management
Self Care
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Call or text (724) 732-9685
WELCOME
The time has come to honor women and offer support specifically tailored to them. We are pleased to be able to identify your specific needs and be part of your healing journey.
About
My name is Erica Ploski MA LPC
With more than 31 years of experience, I have focused my professional services to support women of all ages on their journey of healing, learning, and discovery.
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The mental health professions are recognizing that women experience mental health issues differently than men. We are here to support, educate and lead so that women can lead their best lives.
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I am the mom of three young adults, one being adopted and two being "home grown". Many moons ago I experienced issues relating to sequential pregnancy loss, Infertility, international adoption, high risk pregnancies, birth trauma and parenting special needs children. Each step of my journey presented challenges and I realize that I could not find many practitioners that understood these issues.
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Thus my passion for aligning myself with counseling efforts and leadership to provide the support I was unable to find. Ladies, no matter your age or circumstance, you deserve special care.
Why Is Mental Health Different for Women vs. Men?
When it comes to the importance of mental health care for women, it is important to take a look at how their mental health issues differ from those of men. Newer research suggests women are more prone to psychological problems, such as depression, largely due in part to differences in the brains of men and women.
There are long-standing stereotypes around differences in genders that have been immersed in our societies and cultures. Gender discrepancies have even made their way into mental health research and care. Even though progress has been made in decreasing the stigma surrounding mental health issues, there is still more work to be done in the field, especially when looking at variations in mental health between genders.
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Some mental disorders are more common in women than men, including depression, anxiety disorders, and eating disorders. There are also disorders unique to women. For example, some women experience symptoms of depression at times of hormone change, such as: During or after pregnancy (perinatal depression)
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The societal pressure and expectations that women cope with regularly can increase the chances of developing mental health issues. This includes society’s greater valuing of women who are more physically attractive, empathetic and nurturing, and intelligent.
To counter, men are regarded to be of higher value if they are more honest, have professional or financial success, and exhibit ambition or strong leadership qualities.
Pressure caused by multiple societal roles and overworking has also been shown to account for poor mental health in women. Women are also more likely to be discriminated against as a consequence of their gender when compared to men. This could increase their chances of developing a mental health issue.
Our Team.
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Issues Specifically Related to Women
Reproductive-Related Mental Health Issues in Women
Genetics, biochemistry, and naturally fluctuating hormones during reproductive years can contribute to the onset of mental health issues that may only appear in women. Some of these conditions include:
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Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)
Thanks to fluctuations in hormones, most women experience symptoms during the week before their period, often referred to as PMS.
Though PMS can show up differently from person to person, the most common symptoms include fluctuating emotions, headaches, and bloating, which can be more intense for women who have been diagnosed with depression or anxiety.
Importantly, the symptoms of depression and anxiety can overlap with PMS. It might even get worse before or during menstruation. Women should see their primary care doctor regularly if they would like to address PMS. In some situations, medications used to control periods, such as birth control, can help treat the symptoms of PMS as well.
Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)
If PMS symptoms are extreme, women may be diagnosed with premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), which is similar to PMS but with significantly worse symptoms. PMDD may have worse physical symptoms than PMS’ cramps, tenderness, and bloating, but its biggest difference lies in its emotional impacts. This can include extreme mood swings, tension, irritability, and severe depression.
In many situations, the symptoms of PMDD might be so severe that they harm a woman’s everyday life. PMDD may impact not only personal relationships but professional relationships as well.
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In women who are diagnosed with depression or anxiety, PMDD is more common. Women with PMDD should coordinate with their primary care clinician as well as a mental health specialist to make sure they understand the treatment options that are available to them. Like PMS, the symptoms of PMDD worsen around the time of menstruation.
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Postpartum Depression
When a woman gives birth, it is normal to have some degree of emotional letdown afterward from hormonal fluctuations. This is often referred to as postpartum blues or baby blues.
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If symptoms of postpartum blues continue to persist for more than two weeks, the mother is usually diagnosed with postpartum depression (PPD). Some of the most common symptoms include mood swings, anxiety, crying fits, appetite problems, trouble sleeping, and feelings of being overwhelmed.
These symptoms may continue to get worse and could include difficulty bonding with a child and overwhelming loss of energy, reduced interest in the child, and feelings of hopelessness. Some women may even feel guilty. It is important for women experiencing these symptoms to get treatment as quickly as possible.
Postpartum Psychosis
A rare condition that can show up in women who have recently given birth is called postpartum psychosis (PPP). This rare condition usually shows up during the first days or weeks after delivery.
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The signs and symptoms tend to show up suddenly and with a tremendous amount of force. The most common symptoms of postpartum psychosis include confusion, disorientation, hallucinations, sleep disturbances, and paranoia. In some cases, a mother with PPP may be at risk of self-harm or harming their baby.
Postpartum psychosis is a psychiatric emergency, and urgent medical attention is essential.
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Menopause
Toward the end of a woman’s reproductive years, her hormones start to shift. In some cases, if a woman is prone to depression or anxiety, this change in hormone levels may reignite symptoms of mental health conditions around the time of menopause.
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Often, midlife has other stressors associated with aging or caring for both children and parents. These stressors can exacerbate even mild mental health symptoms, but any changes in mood or behaviors should be addressed with a medical professional.
Women and Substance Abuse
Substance use disorders can affect both the individual and their peer circles, impacting one’s relationship with an individual’s family members, friends, and colleagues.. Addiction to drugs or alcohol often has a unique impact on a person due to a variety of factors, often including differences in brain chemistry.
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As a result of these differences, women may have a harder time quitting certain substances. Women may also require assistance with childcare and eldercare when they are trying to receive treatment for alcohol and substance use issues.There is no single factor that can predict whether a woman is going to have trouble with alcohol or drugs.
Research from the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) shows that women face a lot of unique issues when it comes to substance use.It is not unusual for women to use smaller amounts of certain drugs for a shorter time frame before they become addicted when compared to men. Women may have stronger drug cravings that make them more likely to relapse after seeking treatment.
Women who are victims of domestic violence are at an increased risk of developing substance misuse issuesIt is also critical that women meet with a health care provider about the use of all over-the-counter and prescription medications as well as other substances, particularly while pregnant.
Examples of How Women Experience Mental Health Conditions Differently
Depression
One of the most common mental health disorders someone might struggle with is depression. Twice as many women experience depression at some point in their lives when compared to men. Gender, genetic, social, and economic differences all play a role in the development of depression in women.
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Major depressive disorder accounts for a significant amount of disability worldwide. Depressive disorders account for more than 40% of disability from mental health disorders in women. In men, they account for just under 30% of disability.
Anxiety
Anxiety is another very common mental health issue—one that women are twice as likely to experience as men.
Testosterone, which is typically found in higher amounts in men than women, has been found to have antidepressant and antianxiety benefits. Also, women are more likely to seek help for anxiety than men. This may contribute to a higher diagnosis rate in women.
Trauma
The overwhelming majority of individuals who are exposed to violent conflicts, civil wars, displacement from home, and natural disasters are women and children. About 20% of all women will experience rape or attempted rape at some point in their lifetime. This may increase the risk of developing a mental health issue. Women are exposed to higher levels of sexual violence and have higher rates of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) associated with sexual violence.
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PTSD is a very common mental health disorder. When people think of PTSD, they often think of people exposed to combat violence. While this is one factor, women are twice as likely to experience PTSD as men.
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PTSD in women can develop following domestic violence issues, sexual abuse, and other traumatic experiences. Women are also more likely to develop serious symptoms as a result of PTSD..
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Eating Disorders
Eating disorders impact women much more than men. Eating disorders involve obsessive thoughts and behaviors that are associated with food, body weight, and appearance.
Eating disorders represent a significant mental health issue but can also occur in tandem with other conditions, including depression and anxiety disorders.
The majority of individuals who struggle with anorexia and bulimia are women. More than half of individuals who develop binge eating disorders are women as well. Eating disorders impact both women and girls. According to a study of Massachusetts middle school students, an estimated 6% of girls use disordered weight control behavior, including vomiting and taking laxatives, to control their weight.
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While there are no definitive causes, research has shown that genetic, behavioral, psychological, social, and cultural factors all contribute to the development of an eating disorder. Low self-esteem as well as feeling pressure to lose weight are often reported as factors in patients with eating disorders.