Genderism, Mental Health, and the Backlash Against Feminism: Why Women Are Struggling More Than Ever

In today's social climate, many women are navigating a perfect storm: unrealistic expectations, unequal labor, and growing hostility toward efforts to name and change these systems. One major target? Feminism—a movement often misrepresented and misunderstood, but still essential for progress.

At Mindful Mountain Counseling, I work with women who are exhausted by societal double standards, harmed by rigid gender norms, and confused by the cultural resistance to change. If you've been internalizing these pressures or wondering why you feel so depleted, it’s not just you. Genderism is harming women’s mental health—and the backlash against feminism is making it harder to heal.

What Is Feminism, Really?

Let’s start with the basics:Feminism is the belief in the social, political, and economic equality of all genders.

It doesn’t mean women are superior. It doesn’t exclude men. It simply demands that everyone deserves equal rights, respect, and opportunities, regardless of gender.

Despite this, feminism has become a lightning rod for unwarranted criticism. Detractors often paint feminists as angry, divisive, or anti-family—ignoring the very real issues the movement seeks to address, like:

• The gender pay gap

• Sexual and domestic violence

• Underrepresentation in leadership

• Disparities in mental health care

• The devaluation of caregiving and emotional labor

This anti-feminist rhetoric reinforces a toxic version of genderism—one where women are punished for advocating for themselves, and where mental health struggles are dismissed as personal weakness instead of valid responses to systemic inequality.

How Genderism Shows Up in Everyday Life

Genderism isn’t just about overt sexism—it’s about the thousands of micro-messages women receive daily:

• “You’re too sensitive.”

• “You’re too ambitious.”

• “You need to smile more.”

• “You’re lucky to have help, don’t complain.”

• “You can work full time and raise kids and manage the household—just do it better.”

These gender-based expectations, often rooted in outdated roles, lead to chronic stress, anxiety, burnout, low self-esteem, and relationship issues. Worse, many women are gaslit into believing they’re the problem when they feel overwhelmed.

Mental Health Effects of Genderism + Anti-Feminist Backlash

📉 Increased Anxiety and DepressionWhen women are expected to carry everything silently—and then criticized for wanting change—depression and anxiety can thrive.

📉 Self-Doubt and ShameInternalized messages about “what a woman should be” can lead to deep shame when you fall short of impossible standards.

📉 Burnout and ResentmentThe emotional labor of caring for others, maintaining peace, and doing the invisible work of a household often goes unrecognized and unsupported.

📉 Fear of Speaking UpIn a culture that increasingly mocks or dismisses feminism, many women suppress their needs to avoid being labeled “difficult” or “dramatic.”

Therapy Can Be a Feminist Act

At Mindful Mountain Counseling, I provide trauma-informed, affirming therapy for women who are ready to stop carrying the burden of societal expectations alone.

My practice integrates:

🟢 EMDR Therapy – To heal trauma caused by relationships, violence, or chronic invalidation

🟢 ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy) – To help you define your own values and break free from internalized gender norms

🟢 Mindfulness + Boundary Work – So you can say no with confidence and reconnect with who you are outside of roles and responsibilities

🟢 Support for Feminist-Aligned Healing – This is a space where you don’t have to apologize for your anger, your voice, or your truth

Ready to Reclaim Your Story?

I offer teletherapy across Arizona, Idaho, Louisiana, South Dakota, Vermont, and Oregon, helping women reconnect with themselves and challenge the messages that have kept them small.

📞 Call 602-615-0166 to schedule a free consultation.

You deserve to feel whole, empowered, and mentally well—not because you’ve checked every box, but because you’re human.

Feminism isn’t the problem. It’s part of the solution.Let’s talk about what you need—not just to survive, but to thrive.