What do Japanese women need for their mental health today?

The suicide rate in Japan is the highest among the Group of Seven economies, and the number of women who took their own life has increased for two years in a row from 2021 to 2022, at the level of over 7,000 a year (nearly 600 per month), in contrast to its decline among men.

Although the pandemic and associated factors, such as economic difficulty, domestic violence and social isolation have been attributed to it, research finds the increase of suicide among Japanese women irrespective of employment status, age and motive (e.g., family, health, finance, work, relationship and school and other/unknown reasons). What is happening with the mental well-being of these women in Japan?

The society and work culture hinder mental health of Japanese women

Globally, one in five women suffer from a mental disorder, compared to one in eight men. Among them, 53% have experienced abuse, and other factors, such as poverty and anxiety and depressions associated with fertility and birth, also affect women’s mental health.

In Japan, workplace harassment is reported to be the cause of mental health issues for over one third of women with career. A cross-country survey finds that the percentage of women who have rated their mental health conditions as extremely poor/poor is higher in Japan than the global average and yet, women in Japan are less likely to take time off, seek support or discuss their challenges.

Additionally, there is still a tendency to punish women who raises voices. The latest example of it is the reporting of a sexual harassment incident in public by a popular South Korean DJ during her visit to Japan in August. She was then criticized in Japanese social media for her outfits and performances in other countries.

Need for multifaceted and localized support

The government and civic organizations, such as WAN, offer support from advocacy to counseling. Some provide space for younger women, while others cater to expecting and new mothers. From October 5 to 7, 2023, the first Women’s Mental Health Care Expo will be held in Tokyo, bringing together Femtech goods and services.

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Yet, much more has to happen, especially outside the urban areas, where support centers tend to be concentrated. Another study finds that suicides among women under 40 increased the most in those prefectures with the highest unemployment rates. Beyond immediate assistance to those suffering from mental disorder, the self-fulfillment of women is likely to be the ultimate and long-term prevention and cure strategy.

Policies and practices to promote women’s economic independence (not limited to lower-paying part-time jobs) and transform gender-specific perceptions in the workplace, schools and the media must be paired with psychosocial and health services to reverse the state of misery that many of them are in, so much so that nothing holds them back in life and an untimely end may seem like the most attractive option.

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