Emotional stresses society places on women

Women are said to be the second mother of creation. But the fact is that, the same women are now struggling for a place of solace. The whole world is a big scary place for women no matter where they are because of the social and professional demands our society has placed on them.

A woman has to surpass a lot of psychological trauma throughout her life balancing two lives – one at home and another at her workplace. It’s now a major concern. A woman, especially one who has the good fortune to be able to balance her home and work, enjoys the stimulation that a job or career provides. She develops the ability of raising a useful member of society and at the same time gains financial independence. Along with womanhood, work adds to the completeness of being a woman.

But the tentacles of depression have become a familiar feeling for many women today. It starts from a normal sadness to pessimism and then utter despair. Social factors like greater likelihood of abuse, dependence and higher emotional reliance on social support as well as orthodox customs. One central issue confronting many women is the increasing cultural struggle between women’s traditional lifestyle and that in their modern role, which has brought them into the public sphere.

Attempts to balance these conflicting roles, both valued by different elements, become stressful for women who are trying to define their place in society. This stress causes heightened anxiety and depression because a woman feels unfulfilled in one of her roles.

The working woman is an institution in her own right. One who combines a successful career, giving her financial independence, with an effective role raising a family. It is important to understand that both these jobs are extremely demanding and to do justice to each without neglecting the other is a formidable task. Now is the time that society should think of giving a keen eye to this matter, which can help women come out of their emotional stress and be a strong pillar in leading progress from all angles, starting from home to the outer world.

- The reader is an English teacher based in Dubai.