Gender in relation to mental health is important because it “affects the power and control men and women have over socioeconomic determinants, their access to resources, and their status, roles, options and treatment in society” (e.g. World Health Organization). In the article about Gender Differences & Mental Health, it mentions how depression and anxiety is a major portion linked to mental and neurological disorders. In addition, it states how gender can determine the differential power and control men and women have over their mental state, social position, and status. Depression is also the most common women’s mental health problem (e.g. WHO). This states how it is important to address the gender differences and learn more about ways to reduce stress and depression at an earlier stage. Reducing the overrepresentation of women who are depressed would contribute significantly to lessening the global burden of disability caused by psychological disorders.
Mental health can be better understood if taking in consideration of gender differences. “There are no marked gender differences in the rates if severe mental disorders like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder that affect less than 2% of the population” (e.g. WHO). This is also a good example of being able to differentiate gender to better understand mental disorders since they are different in terms of body hormones and social acceptance. In addition, it’s a stigma to believe that individuals with mental and behavioral illnesses are unequal or inferior according to RethinkStigna. Mental health is very important especially in young adults since it is common to feel burnt-out which can lead to an unfulfilled motivation to reach financial success.
The Stigma and Discrimination article enlightened my learning about mental health and disorders. I thought it was interesting how there were so many false beliefs that revolved around the mental and behavioral disorders. One that really stood out was the stigma about how “mental and behavioral disorders are personally controllable and if individuals cannot get better on their own, they are seen to lack personal effort, are blamed for their condition, and seen as personally responsible” (e.g. RethinkStigma). It illustrates how some people are unable to understand the disorder within itself because they fail or don’t seek to gain knowledge about it. In addition, many of these stigmas relating to mental health connects to one another and as a society, people should be more openminded to educate themselves about the topic to better understand.
The second reading that stood out to me was Mental Health & Human Rights Issues Impacting Women with Mental & Physical Disability. I found it interesting how a “2004 United States survey found that only 35% of working-age persons with disabilities are in fact working, compared to 78% of those without disabilities” (Disability News & Information, n.d.). This shows how people with disabilities are still able to work and still be able to face their own challenges. Furthermore, it shows how they too can live a normal life as any other functioning person. People should be able to understand what people are able to offer before judging them based off of their appearances and mental disabilities.
Disability News & Information. World Facts and Statistics on Disabilities and Disability Issues. Retrieved from http://www.disabled-world.com/disability/statistics/ (Links to an external site.)
Gender and women's mental health. (2013, June 24). Retrieved February 22, 2020, from https://www.who.int/mental_health/prevention/genderwomen/en/
Mental Health & Human Rights Issues Impacting Women with Mental & Physical Disability. Retrieved February 22, 2020, from
(https://canvas.uw.edu/courses/1369235/pages/7-dot-7-mental-health-and-human-rights-issues-impacting-women-with-mental-and-physical-disability?module_item_id=10085478