COVID-19 and women’s mental health in 2021: Observations from Alliance members

In September 2021, the Women’s Mental Health Alliance (Alliance) asked its members to report their observations of the ongoing mental health impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Alliance members reported that women’s mental health was still being impacted by COVID-19 and associated public health restrictions.

This report follows previous policy briefs produced by the Alliance on the mental health impacts of the pandemic and highlights:

• A general deterioration in women’s mental health
• A rise in presentations for eating disorders and self-harm among young womenIncreases in anxiety and eating disorders
• A reduction in access to support due to family violence
• Increased demand for perinatal mental health services
• Lack of availability of mental health and other supports for women
• The negative impact of public discourse on COVID-19 on the mental health of women with disabilities
• Barriers to service access for Muslim women

The report also highlights service innovations implemented during the pandemic to respond to these issues and makes a range of recommendations for ensuring that women’s mental health is prioritised in the pandemic recovery.