Unmasking the Gender Gap in Mental Health

The intricate relationship between gender and mental health has been gaining attention as researchers delve deeper into the nuances of this complex issue. Recent studies, such as “Uncovering the hidden impacts of Inequality on mental health: a Global Study,” shed light on the disparities in mental health experiences between women and men.

For example, community pressure regarding stereotypical social roles based on gender may impact mental health responses differently in women and men. In a male-dominated culture, women and men may deal with competition in their workplaces differently. 

Women are nearly twice as likely as men to suffer from mental illness. This gender disparity in depressive disorders may relate to social inequalities and living standards across nations. Currently, these disparities were not reflected at the level of health policies. This study utilized global data for depressive disorders and socioeconomic data from United Nations’ World Bank databases and the Global Burden of Disease database to demonstrate the correlation between social inequality and gender disparities in mental health. 

“Women experience twice as much depression, four times as much anxiety and about 12 times as many eating disorders.”

Professor Jayashri Kulkarni, Director of HER Centre , Australia

Why is Women’s Mental Health Different?

The Brain’s Gendered Response to Stress: A key factor in the gender gap is the fundamental differences in brain structure and the response to stress between females and males. The study underscores how these differences contribute to varying mental health outcomes. Stress, a ubiquitous element of modern life, affects men and women differently, shaping their coping mechanisms and vulnerability to mental health challenges.

Societal Pressures and Gender Norms: The influence of societal expectations cannot be underestimated. Stereotypical gender roles perpetuated by community pressure can have distinct effects on mental health. In cultures dominated by traditional masculine norms, the ways women and men navigate competition in their professional lives diverge. These gender-specific stressors play a pivotal role in the overall mental well-being of individuals.

The Gender Gap in Mental Health Service Use: The gender gap in mental health service utilization goes beyond mere attitudes toward help-seeking. It’s deeply intertwined with structured social norms that persist in interactions and contribute to maintaining masculinity norms.

Depressive Disorders and Social Inequalities: Staggeringly, women are nearly twice as likely as men to suffer from depressive disorders. This gender disparity is closely linked to social inequalities and living standards across nations. Despite the profound impact on individuals and communities, these disparities have not always translated into comprehensive health policies.

Unveiling the Consequences of Gender-Blind Mental Health Services: Within the realm of mental health services, a significant concern arises – the impact of “gender-blind” approaches.

Experts, including Dr. Elizabeth Moore (President-elect of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP)) and Professor Jayashri Kulkarni (director of the HER Centre Australia), weigh in on the critical need for a paradigm shift in addressing women’s mental health.

“Despite there being some gendered support services, such as perinatal mental health and eating disorder support, most services are gender-blind. Evidence indicates that female [patients with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)] are a largely underdiagnosed and undertreated cohort. Many of their symptoms are overlooked due to sweeping generalisations or perceptions perpetuated by society, where women and girls have learnt to hide or mask their symptoms.”

Dr. Elizabeth Moore, President-elect of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists

Redefining the Approach to Women’s Mental Health

The call for change resonates strongly as advocates rally for a more inclusive and gender-sensitive approach to mental health care. Professor Jayashri Kulkarni’s groundbreaking work with the HER Centre Australia illustrates the importance of integrating health services, education, and research to bridge the gender gap in mental health.

The gender gap in mental health is a multifaceted issue that demands our attention and action. As research continues to reveal the intricate interplay between biology, psychology, and society, it is imperative that mental health services evolve to meet the diverse needs of women. By dismantling gender-blind approaches and fostering a more inclusive dialogue, we can pave the way for a brighter, more equitable future for mental health care.