Unmasking Mental Health: How Gender Stereotypes Affect Treatment and Healing

 Have you ever wondered why mental health is a big gap even today amongst different genders?

Let's ponder upon them.

One of the major concerns why people suffering from mental issues, not seeking help is gender stereotypes, conditioning and social stigma. 

Mental health is an industry in our country which is still kept behind the closet and not openly accepted as yet. 

For mental health professionals,  it is important to focus on a person’s lived experiences and the perpetuating factors leading them to an issue. 

None of those seeking help, should feel any bias or be labeled because of their gender or sexual orientation. 

Over the years, it has been observed that the gender biases occur during the treatment depending on a therapist’s awareness level and inherent biases. It has especially been indicated that men under-report their feelings and emotions and restrict themselves from coming forward and speaking up. 

Given the Stigma around men’s mental health, male members of the society are less likely to ask for help or seek therapy or even get diagnosed formally by a professional, thereby statistically women with mental health issues reflect on the higher side. Also there is a marked difference in the Psychological disorders of both men and women. Usually women have been reported with depression and anxiety, while men resort for alcohol or substance abuse and in the worst cases Psychopathic personalities. Mostly the reason being the differently wired brains and conditioning. 

Thus divide has also been caused due to power structures of the society. Hence, a therapist plays a major role in shaping individuals in an unbiased way. It is important that the counselors must use comprehensive language without any unconscious bias by creating safer space for individuals across identities and genders. 

 #BreakingTheStigma #MentalHealthMatters #GenderEquity #UnbiasedTherapy #SaferSpaces #InclusiveMentalHealth