One in five women having mental health crisis asked if they are on their period

A new study found that a FIFTH of young women experiencing a mental health crisis were asked if they had their periods

Research by prevention charity Campaign Against Living Miserably also found that 20 percent of women were told they were dramatic when they sought help.

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Recent ONS data suggests suicide rates are rising dramatically among young British women under the age of 25, with a young woman taking her own life every two days.

Charities claim that this high number is partly because women’s symptoms are ignored or dismissed when they seek help.

The YouGov survey asked over 2,000 women, ages 18 to 34, about their experiences of seeking mental health support over the past year

It found that 22 percent remained silent because they feared they would be accused of “attention seeking.”

A third remained silent for fear of being told they were dramatic or too emotional, and 31 percent felt they would not be taken seriously.

More than a quarter (27 percent) of those who discussed problems with their mental health said it could be hormones.

While 33 percent were said they “think too much”.

Calm CEO Simon Gunning said the suicide statistics were “shocking” and served as a “powerful reminder that we must do more to keep young people safe and make suicide prevention a national priority”.

He added, “Our research shows that young women’s feelings and symptoms, even when they speak up, are often dismissed and ignored — often dismissed as overly emotional, hormonal, or attention-seeking.”

“This harmful prejudice is leaving young women unheard and unsupported, and their lives are at risk as never before.”

The charity said some of the top factors triggering mental health issues in women are body image, loneliness, relationship issues, money worries and social media.

To highlight the rising suicide rates of women in the UK, Calm has teamed up with English footballer Fran Kirby, who is starring in a short film designed to highlight how women can feel invisible when seeking help.

The soccer star said: “The statistics are difficult to digest as these tragic figures can be prevented.”

“Like every team, we all have to do our part to make sure young women feel seen when they come forward,” she added.

If you are affected by any of the issues addressed in this article, please call the Samaritans toll free on 116123.