Arabic version: خبراء يدعون إلى إنشاء أجنحة نفسية مخصصة للنساء في أستراليا

Australia has a growing $56 billion problem – is this a solution? Experts are advocating for the establishment of more single-gender psychiatric wards as more women face mental health challenges. According to SBS News, many women are seeking structured mental health care due to severe challenges that impact their daily lives.

Tanya, a participant in a women’s mental health program in Melbourne, shares her journey of recovery. Once overwhelmed by daily tasks, she found solace in art therapy, which she describes as “soul-soothing” and essential for expressing her feelings. Tanya’s experience mirrors a broader trend, with one in four women in Australia battling severe mental health issues, according to the 2025 Women’s Mental Health Research Report.

Professor Jayashri Kulkarni, a leading psychiatrist, emphasizes the importance of recognizing complex symptoms in women, which often coincide with hormonal changes. Many women, including Tanya, have been misdiagnosed, leading to inadequate treatment. Kulkarni has been a strong advocate for women-only facilities, citing safety concerns in mixed-gender wards where incidents of trauma and abuse can occur.

The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) supports the call for single-gender wards, noting that reports of sexual assault in mixed-gender settings are six times higher than in single-gender settings. The RANZCP has urged for future mental health facilities to prioritize secure, women-only spaces to enhance safety and comfort for patients.

As mental health services face increasing pressure, the federal budget has allocated $283.2 million over four years from 2025-26 to strengthen the mental health and suicide prevention system. Tanya’s story reflects the complexity of navigating mental health challenges and the ongoing need for specialized care as she looks forward to a new career in health and leisure.