Period Poverty Harms Mental Health
Study finds that lack of access to menstrual products can lead to poor mental health. While many of us are lucky to afford pads or tampons, many menstruators do not have the means to afford these products which puts them at a higher risk of depression and/or anxiety. The study was conducted by Always via OnePoll.com and surveyed 1,000 menstruators, 500 of which had experienced period poverty. Aileen Nathan, a spokesperson for the campaign noted that: “Period poverty is a real issue among women today… But it’s only in recent years that we are seeing how the effects of period poverty at a young age can have far-reaching effects through a [menstruator’s] whole life.”
Approximately 2/3 shared that they lack confidence because of bullies at school, while 39% now experience depression and/or anxiety. The same number of menstruators also shared that they have difficulty socializing and do not have many friends. “Our study found that in many comparisons, life has been more difficult for [menstruators] who have been unable to access sanitary products, than for those who never had this issue.”
Alesha Dixon, ambassador for the campaign, said “I have been talking to both students and teachers about the issue and the shame that young [menstruators] feel, is very apparent…It’s really important that we raise awareness of this and give [menstruators] the confidence to speak up, so that it does not negatively impact them as adults.”
