In 1987 Congress officially designated March as Women’s History Month – a time to honor the contributions of women throughout history and society and recognize the women who continue to break barriers.

We can all cite women who have made sizeable contributions: Marie Curie, Susan B. Anthony, Rosa Parks, Sandra Day O’Connor and many more. Although their accomplishments are impressive, let’s take a moment to consider those strong women who accomplished great thing while also battling mental health challenges.

Anna Freud, daughter of Sigmund and known as one of the founders of child psychoanalysis, is thought to have a persistent, emotionally-caused cognitive disturbance, and perhaps a mild eating disorder during her teen years. She was repeatedly sent to health farms for "thorough rest, salutary walks, and some extra pounds to fill out her all-too-slender shape."

Despite her struggles, she went on to start her psychoanalytic practice for children, teach, and author important books in psychoanalysis.

Empress Elisabeth of Austria was thought to struggle with depression and an eating disorder. Throughout her life, she maintained a restrictive diet – going so far as to fast completely if her weight inched above a certain threshold.

The many challenges and tragedies she faced led Empress Elizabeth to withdraw from court life, seeking solitude and writing.

Virginia Woolf, considered one of the most innovative writers of the 20th century, suffered from bipolar disorder. In addition to her novels, she penned numerous essays on women’s writings and explored themes on gender, identity, and time.

Although her bouts of depression limited her social life, they did not impact her ability to write. But, after the start of World War 2, Virginia’s depression returned. She became obsessed with death, ultimately committing suicide in 1941.

Even today, we can cite women who are vocal about their struggles with mental health. Taylor Swift indicates in her “Miss Americana” documentary how her negative body image would cause her to starve herself. Nina Simone, a civil rights and music icon, was diagnosed with manic depression and bipolar disorder. Simone Biles has been outspoken about her struggles during the Olympics and her life-long battle with ADHD.

Many men and women are speaking out to shine a light on mental health challenges and remove the shame that has been associated with mental health treatment for so long. Education and informed choices will always be our strongest allies in living with mental health issues.

During Women’s History Month, and throughout the year, support the women in your life for their strength and resilience, and cheer them on in their daily battles against life’s challenges.