MENTAL HEALTH & WOMEN

  Breaking the Stigma and Finding Support

Mental health is an essential part of overall well-being, yet it remains one of the most neglected aspects of healthcare—especially for women. From hormonal changes and reproductive health to societal expectations and caregiving roles, women face unique mental health challenges that are often misunderstood, dismissed, or silenced.

Breaking the stigma surrounding women’s mental health is not just about awareness—it's about recognizing the struggles, creating safe spaces for healing, and ensuring support systems are accessible to all.

Why Women’s Mental Health Matters

Women are nearly twice as likely as men to be diagnosed with anxiety disorders and depression. But beyond statistics, their experiences are often shaped by layered realities:

🔹 Biological and Hormonal Factors

Fluctuations due to menstruation, pregnancy, postpartum changes, and menopause can significantly impact a woman’s mental health. Conditions like postpartum depression (PPD) or premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) are real and often underdiagnosed.

🔹 Societal Pressures and Gender Roles

The pressure to “do it all”—be a perfect mother, a supportive wife, a career woman, a caregiver—can lead to chronic stress, burnout, and a loss of self-worth. In some cultures, expressing emotional vulnerability is seen as weakness, pushing women to suffer in silence.

🔹 Trauma and Abuse

A disproportionate number of women experience gender-based violence, harassment, or trauma, all of which can leave deep psychological scars. Left untreated, these experiences can lead to long-term issues like PTSD, anxiety, and depression.

🔹 Economic Inequality and Financial Stress

Lack of financial independence or control over economic decisions can severely impact mental health. The burden of unpaid care work also adds to emotional strain, especially when it goes unacknowledged.

Barriers to Mental Health Support

Despite growing conversations around mental health, many women still face major obstacles when seeking help:

• Cultural stigma around therapy or medication
• Lack of access to affordable and gender-sensitive mental health care
• Time constraints, especially for women juggling multiple responsibilities
• Fear of judgment from family or community

Too often, women are told to “be strong” or to “pray it away,” which discourages them from seeking the professional help they need and deserve.

Creating Accessible, Inclusive Support Systems

Improving women’s mental health starts with building systems that listen, respect, and respond to their realities:

✅ Community-Led Support

Community groups, peer-to-peer networks, and local women’s circles provide non-judgmental spaces for sharing, healing, and emotional connection.

✅ Mental Health Education

Normalizing conversations around mental health through school programs, religious centers, and public campaigns can chip away at stigma and encourage early intervention.

✅ Workplace Mental Wellness

Employers can play a huge role by offering flexible schedules, mental health days, and access to counseling services—recognizing that productivity begins with mental well-being.

✅ Teletherapy and Digital Resources

For women with limited mobility, responsibilities, or access, digital platforms are bridging the gap and making therapy more available than ever.

How The SOL Foundation Supports Women’s Mental Well-being

At The SOL Foundation, we recognize that true empowerment is impossible without mental wellness. Through our #SOLEmpowernment initiative, we integrate mental health awareness into all our work—acknowledging that many women cannot rise if their emotional burdens remain unaddressed.

Here’s how we support women’s mental health:

💛 Safe and Confidential Spaces – Whether having workshops or support circles, through our global partners, we ensure women have trusted avenues to talk and heal.

💛 Awareness and Advocacy – We create educational content and hold community sessions that help break the silence around mental health and challenge the shame attached to it.

💛 Skill-Building for Resilience – From stress management training to creative expression and wellness activities, our programs are designed to build inner strength and foster hope. These trainings are available through our collaboration with global partners. 

Moving Forward, Together

Mental health is not a luxury. It’s a human right. For women to lead, raise families, innovate, and contribute fully to their communities, their emotional and psychological health must be prioritized.

Let’s create a world where:

✔ Mental health is spoken about openly

✔ Seeking help is a sign of strength

✔ No woman suffers in silence

✔ Support systems are compassionate and accessible

If we uplift her mind, we empower her life.

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Website: https://www.the-sol-foundation.org/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesol_foundation/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thesolfoundationorg/

X: https://x.com/the_solf_org

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thesolfoundation

Blog: https://the-sol-foundation.blogspot.com/

Email: coordinator@the-sol-foundation.org

Let us take a look at some of the feedback received from our Instagram family talking about the impact of education in our lives:

@shahmeer_waleed 

"Yes women face lots of stress" 

@bollywood_translation 

"Judged and criticized by so called family members and strangers" 

@theadventglobal 

"Usually emotional and financial stress" 

@karuvadgraphy 

"1. Dwelling with delusional challenges" 

@lavingdelegend 

"What the society will think that people will think like for real they are not feeding you nor paying bills." 

@zainab_akadir 

"postpartum depression" 

@_real_rizwana 

"Body changes & instead of teaching that's normal, many parents judge a girl for that."

@aisha_bagha

"Eating disorders"

GARDENING FOR THE MIND

How Gardening Fights Alzheimer’s and Other Mental Health Challenges

At The SOL Foundation, we love hearing from our readers and engaging in meaningful conversations about the impact of our initiatives. This month, we’re diving into a special reader-recommended topic:

“Wow, I loved how well you structured! I knew that gardening was effective for mental health, especially suicide, depression, and Alzheimer’s, but hadn’t actually realized the importance of putting it into work. Can you please do a blog on how gardening fights Alzheimer’s and other mental diseases?”

This thoughtful recommendation highlights an important discussion—how gardening is more than just a physical activity; it’s a powerful tool for mental health and cognitive well-being.

The Science Behind Gardening and Mental Health

Gardening has long been recognized as a therapeutic activity, offering a sense of peace, purpose, and connection to nature. But beyond its emotional benefits, research shows that gardening actively supports brain health, particularly in preventing and managing conditions like Alzheimer’s disease, depression, and anxiety.

1. Gardening and Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive neurological disorder that affects memory, thinking, and behavior. While there is no cure, research suggests that engaging in mentally and physically stimulating activities—like gardening—can help slow cognitive decline and enhance quality of life.

✅ Encourages Brain Activity – Gardening requires planning, problem-solving, and memory recall, which help stimulate cognitive function.

✅ Reduces Stress Hormones – Chronic stress is linked to faster cognitive decline. Gardening lowers cortisol levels, helping protect brain cells.

✅ Promotes Physical Exercise – Movement increases blood flow to the brain, reducing the risk of dementia and supporting overall brain health.

✅ Stimulates the Senses – The colors, textures, and smells of plants engage multiple senses, which helps maintain neural connections and enhances memory retention.

2. Gardening as Therapy for Depression and Anxiety

The simple act of tending to plants can be deeply healing for those struggling with depression and anxiety. Here’s why:

💚 Boosts Mood with Serotonin – Gardening increases serotonin (the "happiness hormone"), which helps regulate mood and combat depression.

💚 Provides a Sense of Purpose – Watching plants grow and flourish fosters a sense of achievement and fulfillment.

💚 Creates Mindfulness and Relaxation – Focusing on the present moment while gardening reduces anxious thoughts and promotes calmness.

💚 Encourages Social Interaction – Community gardens and group gardening activities help reduce isolation, a major factor in mental health decline.

3. Gardening and Suicide Prevention

Gardening offers a hopeful and grounding experience for those facing suicidal thoughts. Studies show that:

🌱 Nature-Based Therapy reduces suicidal ideation by improving emotional regulation.

🌱 Being Outdoors Increases Vitamin D, which plays a crucial role in mood stabilization.

🌱 Gardening Creates a Routine, helping individuals find stability and structure in difficult times.

 

How The SOL Foundation Supports Gardening for Mental Well-being

At The SOL Foundation, we recognize the power of gardening as a tool for healing, empowerment, and community building. Through our school and community garden initiatives, we aim to:

🌿 Integrate therapeutic gardening programs into schools and community centers.

🌿 Support mental health awareness by promoting gardening as a stress-relief activity.

🌿 Encourage intergenerational gardening projects to connect the elderly, youth and children, fostering learning and companionship.

Our commitment to #SOLEmpowernment includes addressing mental health challenges in sustainable ways, and gardening plays a key role in that mission.

A Seed of Hope

Gardening is more than just an enjoyable pastime—it’s a lifeline for mental health. Whether it’s fighting Alzheimer’s, easing depression, or providing a sense of purpose, tending to plants nurtures both the mind and soul.

A special thanks to our reader for this wonderful blog recommendation! We love receiving your ideas and insights, and we encourage more of you to share topics you’d like us to explore.

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🌿 Have you experienced the mental health benefits of gardening? Share your thoughts and stories in the comments below! 🌿

Website: https://www.the-sol-foundation.org/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesol_foundation/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thesolfoundationorg/

X: https://x.com/the_solf_org

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thesolfoundation

Blog: https://the-sol-foundation.blogspot.com/

Email: coordinator@the-sol-foundation.org

Take a look at some of the feedback we received from our Instagram family: 

@flaviu.soul 

- "It's good activity for brain staying in nature."

@theadventglobal 

- " We are thinkers, as human beings. But when we are surrounded by nature, we tend to stop thinking and starting reflecting, which is healthy and productive, healthy and good, while thinking leads to negativity, overthinking and eventually depression."

SCHOOL GARDENS & MENTAL HEALTH

A Growing Connection

Amid the digital distractions and academic pressures of modern education, school gardens are emerging as a powerful tool for promoting mental health and well-being among students. These green sanctuaries offer much more than a place to grow plants; they provide a therapeutic outlet, a connection to nature, and a space for personal growth and mindfulness.

1. The Healing Power of Gardening

Gardening has long been recognized for its calming effects on the mind. Engaging with soil, seeds, and sunlight stimulates the senses and creates a sense of accomplishment. Studies have shown that gardening can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. For students, particularly those grappling with academic or social pressures, school gardens provide a much-needed break from structured classroom environments.

The act of planting seeds, nurturing their growth, and watching them flourish fosters patience and mindfulness. It encourages students to slow down, focus on the present moment, and reconnect with the natural world—an experience often missing in their tech-driven lives.

2. A Therapeutic Outlet

School gardens serve as safe spaces where students can express themselves freely, away from the noise of daily life. For children dealing with trauma or emotional challenges, gardening offers a therapeutic escape. The tactile experience of handling soil and plants has been linked to a decrease in cortisol levels, the hormone associated with stress.

Additionally, gardens encourage teamwork and communication. Students often work together to plan, plant, and maintain their gardens, building social skills and fostering a sense of community.

3. Fostering Responsibility and Achievement

Tending to a garden teaches responsibility. Students learn the importance of consistency, care, and the impact of their actions on living things. These lessons translate into a sense of achievement and self-worth when they see their efforts bloom into vibrant flowers or nutritious vegetables.

This sense of accomplishment is especially significant for students who may struggle in traditional academic settings. School gardens provide an alternative platform for success, nurturing confidence and resilience.

3. The Science of Nature and Mental Health

Research underscores the benefits of connecting with nature for mental health. Exposure to greenery and outdoor activities has been linked to improved concentration, reduced symptoms of ADHD, and enhanced overall mood. School gardens bring these benefits directly to students, integrating nature into their daily lives.

4. Creating a Greener, Healthier Future

In addition to their mental health benefits, school gardens contribute to environmental awareness. Students learn about sustainable practices, food systems, and the importance of biodiversity. This knowledge fosters a deeper appreciation for the planet and inspires a generation of environmentally conscious individuals.

The SOL Foundation’s Efforts

At The SOL Foundation, we are committed to empowering schools and communities through sustainable initiatives like school gardens. Collaborating with organizations across the globe, we have witnessed firsthand the transformative power of these green spaces.

These gardens not only provide access to fresh produce but also become hubs of healing and growth for students. Through our projects, we aim to continue fostering environments that nurture both the mind and the earth.

School gardens are more than educational tools—they are vital spaces for mental well-being. By cultivating these gardens, we cultivate healthier, happier, and more resilient students. As the seeds of these initiatives grow, so do the possibilities for brighter futures rooted in mindfulness, connection, and care for the environment.

To learn more about how you can support school gardens and mental health initiatives, visit our page.

#GardeningForWellBeing 🌱

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Website: https://www.the-sol-foundation.org/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesol_foundation/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thesolfoundationorg/

X: https://x.com/the_solf_org

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thesolfoundation

Blog: https://the-sol-foundation.blogspot.com/

Email: coordinator@the-sol-foundation.org

ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION

 Environmental Education as a Pathway to Maternal Well-being

At The SOL Foundation, we believe in empowering underprivileged communities, planting trees, saving the environment, and conserving wildlife. Our latest article focuses on how environmental education can be a powerful tool for maternal well-being. By engaging in educational activities that connect mothers and children with nature, we can foster stronger family bonds and improve mental health while addressing critical environmental issues.

Educational Activities for Mothers and Children

Learning about the environment together provides a unique opportunity for mothers and children to bond. Activities such as tree planting, wildlife conservation projects, and nature walks not only educate but also create memorable experiences. These activities help mothers and children develop a deeper appreciation for nature, fostering a sense of responsibility and connection to the planet.

Engaging in these activities has significant benefits for maternal mental health. Nature has been shown to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. When mothers participate in environmental education with their children, they experience these mental health benefits while also nurturing their children's curiosity and love for the environment. This shared learning experience strengthens family bonds and creates a supportive environment for both mothers and children.

Awareness Campaigns That Matter

Environmental issues have a direct impact on maternal health. For example, pollution and deforestation can lead to health problems that affect mothers and their families. By raising awareness about these issues, we can mobilize mothers to take action in their communities. Awareness campaigns that focus on clean air, safe drinking water, and sustainable living practices empower mothers to advocate for healthier environments for their families.

Mothers play a crucial role in community-based environmental efforts. They can lead initiatives such as community clean-ups, recycling programs, and educational workshops. By involving mothers in these campaigns, we not only address environmental challenges but also empower them to be leaders in their communities. This sense of purpose and community engagement can greatly enhance maternal well-being.

Environmental education is more than just learning about nature; it is a pathway to maternal well-being and community empowerment. At The SOL Foundation, we are committed to supporting mothers and their families through initiatives that connect them with the environment. By participating in educational activities and awareness campaigns, mothers can improve their mental health, strengthen family bonds, and become champions for environmental conservation. Together, we can create a healthier, more sustainable future for all.

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Let us look at some of the comments we received on Instagram on environmental education & mental health:

@theadventglobal -

"Nature is safety."

@everylittlethingmatterz -

"When one of the best way for a pregnant woman to feel ease is to walk in nature and surround herself with birds chirping, trees breeze and water. This helps the baby and the mother at ease."

@global_climate_vision -

"It can help our from world stress and understanding the importance of having better environment."

@its_winnie_cheche -

"Equips one with information needed to understand it and prevent being overwhelmed."

@veda_organics - 

"Long walks on the beach and nature helps relax the mind therefore we should educate ourselves on it."

@aisha_bagha -

"Green and lush environment boosts mental health."

CONSERVATION ACTIVITIES

 Conservation Activities as Mindfulness Exercises

In today's fast-paced world, finding ways to relax and connect with nature is essential for mental well-being. Conservation activities offer a unique opportunity for mothers to engage in mindfulness exercises while making a positive impact on the environment. By participating in wildlife conservation and protecting biodiversity, mothers can find peace, purpose, and a sense of fulfillment.

Wildlife Conservation as Mindful Practice

Wildlife conservation activities, such as planting native species, participating in clean-up drives, or volunteering at local wildlife sanctuaries, can be excellent mindfulness exercises. These activities encourage mothers to focus on the present moment, fostering a sense of peace and reducing anxiety. 

By engaging in these hands-on efforts, mothers can connect with nature, which has been shown to have therapeutic effects. The act of caring for the environment not only benefits the planet but also provides a soothing escape from daily stress, helping mothers stay present and centered.

Protecting Biodiversity, Enriching Lives

Protecting biodiversity involves activities that contribute to the health and stability of local ecosystems, such as habitat restoration, species monitoring, and environmental advocacy. 

For mothers, these activities can offer a deep sense of purpose and fulfillment. Engaging in biodiversity conservation allows them to contribute to something larger than themselves, creating a positive impact on their communities and the planet. This sense of contribution and the physical activity involved can enrich their lives, promoting overall well-being and a deeper connection to the natural world.

Conservation activities provide an excellent avenue for mothers to practice mindfulness while making a positive impact on the environment. By engaging in wildlife conservation and protecting biodiversity, mothers can find peace, reduce anxiety, and enrich their lives. Embracing these activities not only benefits the planet but also nurtures their own mental and emotional health, leading to a more balanced and fulfilling life.

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Let us look at what our Instagram family has to say about the impact of conservation activities on mental health:

@_real_rizwana 

"When we connect with nature, we absorb positive energy."

COMMUNITY GARDENS

Community gardens offer more than fresh produce—they empower mothers by fostering support networks and building valuable skills. By participating in these green spaces, mothers can connect with each other, gain confidence, and find stress relief, all while contributing to a healthier community. 

Building Support Networks

Community gardens are more than just spaces to grow vegetables—they’re hubs for building strong support networks among mothers. When mothers come together to work in these gardens, they can bond over shared tasks, exchange gardening tips, and share their experiences. This collaborative environment helps foster lasting friendships and provides a sense of belonging. 

Whether it’s swapping seeds or stories, these gardens become a place where mothers can support each other, offering advice, encouragement, and a listening ear.

Skill-Building and Empowerment

Participating in community gardening projects offers mothers a fantastic opportunity to learn new skills and feel empowered. From planting and nurturing crops to understanding sustainable practices, gardening provides hands-on education that boosts confidence. Mothers can take pride in watching their efforts bloom into thriving plants, and this sense of accomplishment extends beyond the garden. 

The act of gardening also serves as a great stress reliever, providing a peaceful and productive outlet for the pressures of daily life.

Through community gardens, mothers gain practical skills and emotional benefits, creating a healthier and more connected community. Support or sponsor community gardens in our various school garden programs across the globe: https://www.the-sol-foundation.org/store/p19/School_Garden.html

🌱🤝 #CommunityGardens #EmpowerMothers #SupportNetworks #SkillBuilding

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Let us take a look at some of the benefits of having community gardens as shared by our social media family: 

Instagram

@aisha_bagha -

"Provide green spaces for relaxation."

THE HEALING POWERS OF NATURE ON MATERNAL MENTAL HEALTH

Nature therapy has been proven to heal mental health issues. In this chapter let's explore how reconnecting with the natural world can work wonders for maternal mental health.

Therapeutic Gardens

In the heart of every seed lies the promise of growth and renewal. For mothers seeking solace, therapeutic gardens offer a sanctuary for nurturing both plants and spirits. Here's why:

• Stress Reduction: Digging in the dirt isn't just for plants; it's therapy for the soul. Gardening provides a mindful escape from the pressures of daily life, allowing mothers to unwind and decompress.
• Mood Enhancement: There's magic in watching a seedling stretch towards the sun. Gardening fosters a sense of accomplishment and connection to the earth, boosting mood and self-esteem.
• Bonding Opportunities: Whether it's planting flowers with little ones or swapping gardening tips with fellow moms, cultivating a garden fosters bonds that nourish both relationships and mental well-being.

Ecotherapy and Its Benefits

 Ecotherapy beckons mothers to embrace the great outdoors for a journey towards mental wellness. Here's why it's worth the adventure:

• Natural Stress Relief: In the embrace of towering trees and rustling leaves, stress melts away like dew in the morning sun. Nature's tranquility soothes frazzled nerves, offering a reprieve from the chaos of daily life.
• Mindful Reflection: Amidst nature's splendor, mothers find space for introspection and self-discovery. Whether it's a quiet walk in the woods or a moment of stillness by a babbling brook, ecotherapy invites reflection and renewal.
• Physical Wellness: From invigorating hikes to gentle strolls, nature beckons mothers to move their bodies and nourish their spirits. The fresh air and natural beauty inspire a sense of vitality and well-being.

In the rhythm of nature, mothers find solace, strength, and renewal. Whether it's tending to a garden or wandering through the woods, the healing power of nature offers a sanctuary for maternal mental health. So, let's step outside, breathe deep, and embrace the beauty that surrounds us. After all, in nature's embrace, we find healing for the body, mind, and soul 💚

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Take a look at what our Instagram Family has to say on #healwithnature

@theadventglobal -

"Nature is itself a medication and cure for everything. The sounds, smell, the beauty, and the feel, it’s so relaxing and beautiful in itself ❤️"

"Through all human senses!"

@the.beetshop

"Nature is good for the body and the mind. Gardens are classrooms, homes, and a place for healing."

@aisha_bahga -

"Resilience. Our earth is very resilient." 

@_food_quote_

"With time" 

INTRODUCTION: MATERNAL MENTAL HEALTH MONTH

 May is Maternal Mental Health Awareness Month and our blog series will feature how we can create awareness and help mothers in need. 

This month is all about raising public and professional awareness of perinatal mental health problems and advocating for women and families impacted.

So, what exactly is Maternal Mental Health?

 According to the WHO, maternal mental health reflects the overall wellness of a mother, where she can actively engage in the chores of life while dealing with everyday stress normally while contributing to society. 

Mental Health Month raises awareness of trauma and the impact it can have on the physical, emotional, and mental well-being of children, families, and communities.

Disturbed mental health not only affects the mother but also the baby. Raising awareness, providing support, and encouraging open dialogue about maternal mental health are essential steps to ensuring the well-being of both mothers and their children. 

In this month's series, we shall take you through some of the social issues and environmental as well as sustainable solutions that help empower women and local communities. 

Let us look at how some of the feedback we received from our social media family as they explain what Maternal Mental Health Month is all about: 

Twitter 

@Uwerauganda -

"It refers to the mental health of a woman during pregnancy, childbirth, and the first year after delivery."

Instagram

@_real_rizwana -

"Emotional turmoil regarding themselves and children." 

Facebook 

Hajj Munga - Environmentalist -

"Mental Health is all about our Psychology well-being where it consists of environmental mastery, positive relationships with others, self-acceptance, a feeling of purpose and meaning of life, personal growth and development and autonomy. This simply means it's co-dependence dimensions are environmental, social, physical, intellectual, emotional, spiritual and financial. Because if any one of these dimensions is neglected over time, it will adversely affect one's health, well-being, and quality of life."