174 - Women's Mental Health with Misty Pratt

174 - Women's Mental Health with Misty Pratt

In this episode of Ruthless Compassion, Dr. Marcia Sirota sits down with Misty Pratt, a science communicator and author of 'All In Her Head: How Gender Bias Harms Women's Mental Health'. With over a decade in biomedical research, Misty sheds light on how personal and systemic biases shape our understanding of mental health and wellness.

She shares her journey from working in systematic reviews to writing about women's mental health, driven by her grandmother's struggle with bipolar disorder and her own experiences with mental illness. Misty discusses the biopsychosocial model, examining the biological, psychological, and social factors affecting women's mental health. From hormonal changes during puberty and menopause to societal pressures and the constant threat of violence, Misty explores how these elements contribute to higher rates of mental illness in women.

She also touches on the impact of microaggressions, particularly on racialized women, and the importance of better representation in mental health care. The conversation delves into the challenges of misdiagnosis and the stigma surrounding mental health, highlighting the need for more nuanced and compassionate approaches. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of women's mental health and the systemic issues that exacerbate it. Don't miss out on Misty's insights and Dr.

Sirota's thoughtful questions that make this discussion both enlightening and relatable.