Let’s aim for healthier, happier lives—free from the emotional weight of period poverty

The Social, Economic, and Mental Wellness Cost of Period Poverty in Sri Lanka

Period poverty in Sri Lanka is not only a public health and economic issue but also a significant mental wellness concern that affects countless women and girls across the country. The inability to afford or access sanitary products leads to more than just physical discomfort; it impacts mental health, emotional well-being, and self-esteem (emotional weight of period poverty). These effects, combined with social and economic pressures, form a deeply intertwined issue that hinders the personal and national development of women in Sri Lanka, says Dr Lihini Wijeyaratne, Holistic Care Doctor and Founder of Total Care, a holistic healthcare service.

Mental Health: The Silent Sufferer in Period Poverty

One of the most overlooked aspects of period poverty is its impact on mental wellness. The psychological strain caused by the inability to manage menstruation properly can lead to feelings of shame, embarrassment, and anxiety. For young girls, the stigma surrounding menstruation in Sri Lankan society exacerbates these feelings. They often face bullying, teasing, or exclusion from peers, further deepening the sense of isolation.

“Period poverty in Sri Lanka is a cause and result of shame and stigma around menstruation, which can lead to anxiety, depression, and social isolation in young girls and women. “ says Dr. Lihini, “When women and girls lack proper access to menstrual hygiene products, it undermines their confidence, self-worth, and ability to participate fully in education, work and society. Tackling period poverty is crucial, empowering women – and thus families and future generations –  to thrive.”

Lihini’s words ring true when considering how important it is for everyone to be able to comprehend the prejudice around menstruation.

Research from global health organizations indicates that young women who experience period poverty are more likely to suffer from mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem. In Sri Lanka, where menstrual health is still a taboo topic in many regions, these mental health challenges are often ignored or dismissed. Without proper support, these emotional burdens can have long-lasting effects, influencing how girls perceive themselves and their place in society.

The School Environment: A Breeding Ground for Anxiety

The school environment is particularly difficult for girls who cannot afford menstrual products. The fear of leaks or smells, combined with the lack of proper sanitation facilities, makes managing menstruation at school a stressful experience. Many girls prefer to stay home during their period to avoid these anxieties, but this leads to missed classes and academic setbacks.

Being forced to repeatedly miss school due to period-related anxieties increases feelings of alienation, lowers self-confidence, and disrupts social connections with classmates. These experiences can leave emotional scars, making girls feel inferior or “different” compared to their peers. For a young girl trying to build her identity and self-worth, this mental strain can have lifelong implications.

Social Stigma and Emotional Distress – emotional weight of period poverty

Dr Lihini points out that the deep-rooted social stigma around menstruation in Sri Lanka compounds the mental health impact of period poverty. Many girls are taught from a young age to be discreet about their periods, treating it as a source of shame rather than a natural biological process. This cultural attitude creates an environment where girls feel guilty or embarrassed about something entirely normal.

For women and girls facing period poverty, this stigma is further amplified. The inability to afford sanitary products becomes a source of personal shame, making it difficult to seek help or discuss the problem openly. Emotional distress arises from the constant fear of judgment, whether from family members, teachers, or friends. This persistent emotional strain can lead to a cycle of negative mental health outcomes, such as heightened anxiety, depression, and social withdrawal.

The Economic Burden and Its Impact on Mental Wellness

For low-income families, the economic strain of purchasing menstrual products can create additional stress, particularly for mothers who must choose between buying food or sanitary products. This pressure weighs heavily on the mental wellness of women who are already facing economic hardships. The constant juggling of basic needs, coupled with the stigma of menstruation, creates a toxic environment of stress and emotional fatigue.

For young girls, witnessing this struggle at home only adds to their emotional burden. They may feel guilty for needing sanitary products, leading to internalized feelings of worthlessness or low self-esteem. Over time, these mental health challenges can erode a girl’s motivation to pursue education or personal development, further trapping her in a cycle of poverty and emotional distress.

Addressing Mental Wellness in Solutions for Period Poverty

While solutions to period poverty often focus on the economic and physical aspects, addressing the mental health dimension is equally important. Providing easy access to sanitary products can significantly reduce the emotional burden that women and girls face, but it’s only one part of the equation.

Mental wellness programs, particularly in schools can offer emotional support for girls dealing with period poverty. Initiatives that foster open conversations about menstruation can help reduce the stigma, enabling girls to speak openly about their struggles without fear of judgment. School counsellors and health educators trained to recognize the emotional signs of period-related mental health challenges can offer appropriate support.

Additionally, public health campaigns can play a crucial role in changing cultural attitudes towards menstruation. By promoting a more positive and open discourse, these campaigns can help normalize menstruation, reducing the shame and anxiety that many girls currently experience.

Breaking the Cycle of Shame and Empowering Mental Wellness

Breaking the cycle of period poverty will not only improve the physical health and economic opportunities for Sri Lankan women but also empower their mental wellness. By fostering an environment where menstruation is seen as a natural part of life rather than something to be ashamed of, we can help women and girls reclaim their self-esteem and emotional well-being.

Organizations working to address period poverty must also consider mental health as an essential part of the solution. Providing psychological support, reducing stigma, and creating safe spaces for women and girls to discuss menstruation can alleviate the emotional and mental burden of period poverty.

Period poverty in Sri Lanka is more than just an economic and health issue—it is a mental wellness crisis. The shame, stigma, and isolation that accompany period poverty contribute to a range of mental health challenges that affect women and girls across the country. Addressing the emotional and psychological dimensions of this issue is critical to breaking the cycle of period poverty and fostering a more equitable society.

By improving access to menstrual hygiene products, normalizing conversations about menstruation, and offering emotional support, Sri Lanka can empower its women and girls to lead healthier, happier lives—free from the emotional weight of period poverty.