The Flourishing Woman is a unique, holistic guide to fostering women’s mental health and wellbeing, allowing them to overcome challenges and flourish in life. It emphasizes the influence of mental health and wellbeing on the prevention of ill-health (physical and mental), and on living a satisfying and meaningful life.

The book addresses many topics that are highly relevant to adult women, including why women often put themselves last; ways to overcome stress, overwhelm and anxiety; reproduction, menopause and mental health; and managing parenthood challenges and relationship issues. Other topics include the impact of trauma and physical illness on mental health, and strategies to manage these impacts; and how to silence self-criticism and grow self-worth.

In writing about these topics, Dr Cate Howell sees her role as not only gathering and presenting the key information, but also being a companion for the reader, having a supportive voice and giving plenty of encouragement, all of which can help at times of challenge and times of growth.

Above all, The Flourishing Woman is a guide to fostering our mental health and wellbeing, which includes getting in touch with our authentic selves, feeling connected, growing as a person (even at times of challenge), and finding a sense of purpose and meaning. In other words, flourishing!