Today’s woman is faced with just as many struggles as she had fifty years ago, but many things have changed as to what exactly those struggles are. Everywhere you look there is gender bias, fights over reproductive rights, differences in equality in the workplace, and the list goes on. 

It seems there is so much that women fight through on a daily basis that it’s a wonder how they can still show up every day and be the amazing career women, moms, and just overall people that they can be. Let’s look at some of the struggles today’s women may deal with, so they all know they’re not alone.

Questioning If She Still Has “It”

With the ridiculous beauty standards set by society, many women are faced with self-esteem issues on a regular basis. Especially as women get older and go through body changes, having children, menopause, or other issues, they may constantly question if they are still attractive and appealing to their partners, or even just want to feel better for themselves. 

The best ways to combat this? First, ignore what society sets as beauty standards, as they are completely unrealistic. Make sure you are taking care of yourself and your body. And tune in — your body will tell you what it needs and when it is feeling good. Don’t hesitate to ask your friends, partner, or family for a reality check.

Managing a Good Work/Life Balance

A great career is high on everyone’s list. But so is having a great family life, and spending as much time as possible with your kids, partner, friends, and family. Many women struggle with finding a great balance in between. 

What’s important to meet this goal is to learn when to say no. You may want to be all things to all people, but first, you need to work on being all things for yourself. Also, if at all possible, don’t take work home. Or if you work from home, don’t let it leave the office that you work in.

Wanting to Be the Best Mom Ever

When mamahood takes over, sometimes it’s all we can think about. It’s easy to get lost in the spiral of questioning if what you’re doing is best for your child, how to set a good example, how to raise them right, and many other checkmarks you want to make sure you have. One of the best things you can do to teach your children right, though? Take care of yourself. 

Children, especially young children, learn best by copying. If they see you stressed out, they’re likely to be in more grumpy moods themselves. The next best thing you can do to be a great mom is to spend time with your children. Play with them, interact with them, get on their level and they will know how much you care.

Refusing to Let Emotions Be Emotions

Everyone feels a little down sometimes, or not quite themselves. More and more people in the nation are suffering from undiagnosed depression. Emotions are a natural part of life, and even these types of emotions should be addressed and acknowledged. It’s when these down emotions hang on for a long time that it’s important to talk to someone. 

Going to a counselor, talking it out with a friend, or even seeing a therapist is nothing to be ashamed of and is a part of taking care of yourself. You may even want to explore alternative therapies, as well. For those who may be wondering what is TMS for depression, this novel solution has been shown to be very promising in treating it. People who have tried this type of therapy have reported up to a 58% success rate in relieving depressive symptoms.

Being Taken Seriously

It’s happened to all of us and we all hate it: the dreaded mansplaining. Whether at work or in your daily life, it’s likely that you’ve encountered someone who wasn’t willing to listen to you or take you seriously. Sometimes it may even be the people closest to you who seem to be the worst culprits. 

If this happens, don’t be afraid to express your dislike calmly and clearly. The person speaking to you this way may not even realize they’re doing it. And if they continue, you can always walk away. You know your agenda; you don’t have to prove it to anyone else.

It’s no secret that being a woman comes with its own struggles, but please remember to show a little bit of compassion to yourself. At the end of the day, we’re all in this together, and knowing you’re not alone? It can make all the difference in both your mental well-being and your happiness.