Gender Inequalities in Mental health

Gender Inequalities in Mental Health
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GENDER INEQUALITIES IN MENTAL HEALTH Rates of Gender Inequality  Male 12.5% Female 20% Mortality Rates in the UK Year 2018 Gender Gender Men Women Men Women Number 4880 1627 4268 1423 Percentage 75% 25% 75% 25% Social Issues about Gender Inequality Stigma and Discrimination ¨ Unequal access to mental health services ¨ Gender-specific risk factors Reasons for the Existence of Gender Inequality in Mental Health ¨ Workplace stress ¨ Social and cultural norms ¨ Differential access to resources ¨ Health care system biases Mental Health Foundation  ¨ Workplace stress ¨ Social and cultural norms ¨ Differential access to resources ¨ Health care system biases
Gender Inequalities in Mental Health
Gender inequality in mental health refers to disparities between men and women in terms of access to mental health services, diagnosis, and treatment. It is a complex issue that affects both men and women. Addressing this inequality requires a multi-faceted approach that takes into account the different ways in which gender affects mental health and access to care.
Rates of Gender Inequality in Mental Health
In the UK, women are more likely to experience poor mental health than men. According to a report by the Mental Health Foundation, one in five women in the UK has been diagnosed with a common mental health condition, compared to one in eight men (ONS, 2020). Women are also more likely to experience depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) than men. Additionally, they may face gender-specific risk factors for poor mental health, such as domestic and sexual abuse. However, the death rate from mental health sickness is higher in men compared to women. For example, men comprise 75% of the reported death cases due to mental health challenges (Bachmann and Gooch, 2018)
Social Issues about Gender Inequality in Mental Health
Stigma and Discrimination
Both men and women face stigma and discrimination related to seeking help for mental health issues. The latter, in particular, may be seen as weak or emotional if they seek help, which can deter them from seeking support. Women and feminine-presenting individuals are often underrepresented in mental health research and treatment, leading to a lack of tailored and effective services for their specific needs (McManus et al., 2026).
Faith is an example of a teenager who struggled with discernment regarding her mental health for a long time. She narrates that her brothers and schoolmates could discriminate against and refer to her with rude remarks like homophobic and transphobic (Stem4, 2023). Her mental health was negatively impacted when people ridiculed her for being overweight.
Unequal Access to Mental Health Services
Women access mental health services easily, but they may not always receive adequate support. There is unequal access to services based on factors such as race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status. Mental health services are also not easily accessible in certain areas, particularly in rural or under-resourced communities, making it difficult for women to access care. Lastly, women who experience mental health conditions face stigma and discrimination, making them unlikely to seek out or continue treatment (Out et al., 2020).
Gender-Specific Risk Factors
Gender-specific risk factors can contribute to gender inequality in mental health in several ways. First, women are more likely to experience gender-based violence, such as sexual assault and domestic violence, which can lead to an increased risk of mental health problems. They may also face unique stressors related to traditional gender roles and expectations, such as the pressure to balance work and family responsibilities, leading to increased risk for mental health conditions. In addition, women may experience gender-based discrimination and stereotype threat, contributing to increased stress and risk for mental health problems (McCann et al., 2020).
Reasons for the Existence of Gender Inequality in Mental Health
Social and Cultural Norms
Gender norms and expectations can influence the ways in which mental health problems are perceived and addressed. For example, men may be discouraged from seeking help for mental health problems due to cultural expectations around masculinity and toughness (McAllister et al., 2019).
Differential Access to Resources
Women tend to experience poverty at higher rates than men, which can limit their access to mental hea...