Menstrual hygiene too and how it effects mental health

Menstrual hygiene too and how it effects mental health: 

Written by volunteer-coordinator Janyl Kenenbaeva 

First of all, let me introduce you what is “Menstrual Hygiene Taboo”

Menstrual hygiene taboos are social and cultural restrictions, beliefs, and practices that surround menstruation and affect the way menstruating individuals are treated and how they manage their menstrual hygiene. These taboos vary widely across different cultures and societies, and they can have significant negative consequences for the physical and emotional well-being of those who menstruate. Some common menstrual hygiene taboos and the reasons behind them include:

Menstruation as Impurity: In many cultures, menstruation is often viewed as impure or dirty. Menstruating individuals may be considered unclean and are sometimes excluded from participating in religious activities, entering certain places, or even cooking during their periods.

Silence and Secrecy: In some societies, menstruation is surrounded by a code of silence. Many individuals are discouraged from talking openly about menstruation, leading to a lack of information and misconceptions.

Restrictions on Activities: In some communities, menstruating individuals are restricted from engaging in certain activities, such as swimming, cooking, or participating in social events, due to the belief that their presence might contaminate these activities.

Isolation: In some cases, people who menstruate are isolated during their periods. They may be required to stay in separate huts or designated areas, away from their families, during their menstrual cycles.

Limited Access to Sanitary Products: In some areas, the lack of access to affordable and safe sanitary products can be a significant issue. This, in turn, can lead to unhygienic practices, such as using old rags or leaves, which can increase the risk of infections.

Stigma and Shame: The shame and stigma associated with menstruation can lead to negative psychological and emotional effects. Menstruating individuals may feel ashamed or embarrassed about their periods, which can affect their self-esteem and overall mental health.

Lack of Education: Due to taboos surrounding menstruation, many individuals receive little or no education about menstrual hygiene, proper sanitary product use, or menstrual health. This can lead to a lack of awareness and can result in harmful practices.

Addressing menstrual hygiene taboos is crucial for promoting gender equality, women's health, and well-being. Efforts are underway in many parts of the world to challenge these taboos and promote open discussions about menstruation. Organizations, activists, and governments are working to provide better education and access to sanitary products, as well as to challenge cultural norms that stigmatize menstruation. Breaking these taboos is essential for improving the lives and health of menstruating individuals and promoting gender equality.

So according to the text in has its own consequences.

The next thing that is going to be talked it is how does it effect on mental health

The societal menstrual hygiene taboos and the stigma surrounding menstruation can have a significant impact on the mental health of individuals who menstruate. Here's how these taboos can affect mental well-being:

Shame and Embarrassment: When menstruation is considered a taboo topic, individuals may feel ashamed or embarrassed about their periods. This can lead to feelings of self-consciousness and a desire to hide their menstrual cycle, even from close family and friends. This secrecy can contribute to a sense of isolation and emotional distress.

 

Low Self-Esteem: Menstrual stigma can erode self-esteem. When individuals are made to feel that a natural bodily function is dirty or impure, they may internalize these negative beliefs and perceive themselves as less valuable or worthy. This can have long-term effects on self-worth and self-confidence.

 

Anxiety and Stress: The fear of leakage or odor, especially in situations where individuals are discouraged from openly addressing menstruation, can lead to heightened anxiety and stress. Worrying about others discovering their period can be a constant source of anxiety, affecting mental health.

 

Social Isolation: In cultures where menstruating individuals are isolated or excluded during their periods, social isolation can be emotionally distressing. This separation from family and community can lead to feelings of loneliness, depression, and a lack of emotional support.

 

Limited Access to Education: Menstrual taboos often result in inadequate education about menstruation. This lack of knowledge can lead to confusion and fear regarding menstrual health and hygiene. Individuals may not know how to properly manage their periods or identify signs of potential health issues, which can lead to increased stress and anxiety.

 

Impact on Academic and Professional Life: For students and professionals, menstrual stigma can disrupt daily routines. The fear of leakage, the need to hide menstrual products, and dealing with pain and discomfort can impact one's ability to concentrate, participate, and excel in academic or workplace environments.

 

Reproductive Health Concerns: In some cases, the fear of discussing menstruation can prevent individuals from seeking medical advice when needed. Ignoring or neglecting reproductive health issues can lead to further mental distress and physical complications.

 

Addressing menstrual hygiene taboos and stigma is essential for promoting good mental health among individuals who menstruate. Education, open dialogue, and breaking the silence around menstruation can help reduce feelings of shame and isolation. Initiatives that provide access to affordable and safe sanitary products, promote menstrual hygiene education, and challenge harmful cultural norms are crucial for improving mental health outcomes and overall well-being for those who menstruate.

To sum up, we need to educate people and comfort girls to make them feel better and not embarrassed.

It will help them to go to school to ask for help they will not feel bad for just human-being .

As a volunteering organization we can say that our main mission is to make people happier and better , so we will do everything that we can do in order to complete our mission by helping and educating world about menstruation

We are “HEEALS” and we are always happy to offer our help to everyone. By donating you can help us make world different .

Email: communications@heeals.org

WhatsApp: +91-7982316660