'Brain scars': The hidden forms of sexism that harm women's health

If you've ever been catcalled late at night, you may be familiar with the stress response it can spark. Your defensive guard can go up and leave you feeling physically shaken and vulnerable.

All my female friends have had such experiences, and all of us have at one point or another walked home in the dark holding our keys in our hands. I even joined a karate club at university, in case the worst should happen, and through repeated drills learnt how to efficiently throw an opponent to the ground and hit the right pressure point to cause pain.

When unwanted sexual attention isn't immediately threatening, however, it is often shrugged off and ignored. But that doesn't mean it doesn't have a lasting psychological effect. Research now shows even everyday acts of sexism can have repercussions that stretch throughout people's bodies and lives.