Mental Health And Women – An Oxymoron

What happened to ‘when life gives you lemons, you make lemonade?’ I have never heard of one throwing away the lemons! Well, not until I came across this news – Jacinda Ardern, the PM of New Zealand, had called it quits.

Frankly, this doesn’t make any sense!

This woman had it all – the coveted post and the perfect husband. And yet, she failed to do her job. Shocking and unbelievable, right?

This guy is not an ordinary man. He is no less than superman! He picked up the grocery and the laundry. And what do you think she was doing while his arms hurt after lugging around those hefty bags? She was busy chatting and gossiping with other politicians and world leaders. Duh, even my maid can do that!

The unsung hero

This brave man looked up recipes online and cooked sumptuous meals for her. What’s worse? He even stacked the dishwasher while she had “important” papers to sign. She sparkled under the limelight, while his sacrifices went unnoticed. This selfless man took care of their daughter, fed her, bathed her, and even changed her soiled nappies. Now tell me, which self-respecting man does that?!

One would think this would be enough for a woman to focus on her job. But no! Apparently, this isn’t enough at all.

She quit. I am quoting her exact words here, ‘I no longer have enough in the tank to do the job justice.’”

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Her resignation has inspired the feminist bra-burning brigade to rant and scream about mental health and some other nonsensical stuff. But for the life of me, I don’t understand what the hullabaloo is all about! Which sane person talks about ‘mental health’ and ‘women’ in the same sentence? Isn’t that the greatest oxymoron ever!!

Let me explain what a ‘woman’s’ role is…

Be a consenting partner in the bedroom, always eager to please. Outside, a trophy wife. Her figure should evoke jealousy in the neighbours’ hearts and bring pride to her owner. Oops, I meant husband!

As a mother, she has to solve math problems faster than Srinivasa Ramanujan. Her kids should be well-dressed and on their best behaviour at all times.

In the kitchen, she has to bake better than Martha Stewart and put Tarla Dalal to shame with her cooking skills.

And most important of all, she has to add to the family income. No one likes a squatter!

This is not something unachievable or unrealistic. So many Indian women do this. I have never heard my mother, wife, sister, or other women complain or quit. Everyone knows a woman has to do it all, silently, with not a frown wrinkling her smooth face.

I guess Ardern’s ‘foreignness’ has made her blind and deaf to the basic expectations of a woman.

It’s not rocket science! Some women just don’t get it…

In case you are wondering who I am?

I am the voice of every sensible husband and every gentleman who is bugged with all the unwanted attention a woman’s mental health is getting. Believe me, it’s an oxymoron.

P.S. – Through this satirical post, I wish to highlight the lack of attention given to a woman’s mental health. As of October 2021, women had the highest share of mental health disorders in India, amounting to 39 percent and 30 percent for stress and anxiety health disorders, respectively, respectively. Comparatively, 33 percent of men had depression as compared to women with 31 percent during the same time period.

Image Source: BBC

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