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July 21, 2020A Look at Gender Differences in Mental Health
A Look at Gender Differences in Mental Health
While the sexes are far more complex than their stereotypes make them out to be, there are some notable differences between men and women. Along with the more obvious physical discrepancies, there looks to be some gender differences in mental health as well.
Gender and Mental Health Issues
Around one in four people will be affected by a neurological or mental health disorder at some point in their life.1 As a mental health facility in Florida, we understand that mental health is complex. It is impacted by a person’s environment, physical health, genetics, relationships, current circumstances, and their gender. Studies after studies have shown that there are some definite discrepancies between the sexes when it comes to mental health and mental illnesses.Types of Mental Health Problems & Their Frequency
Although there does not appear to be a significant difference in the overall prevalence of mental health disorders between the sexes,2 there are some noticeable differences in the types of mental illnesses that men and women struggle with. Some more common mental disorders in men include:- Antisocial personality disorders 3
- Depression
- Anxiety
- PTSD3
Treatment
Along with sex differences in the occurrence of certain mental illnesses, there can also be gender differences in mental health treatment. Because women tend to internalize their emotions more than men, their treatment might focus more on developing good coping skills. In contrast, men are more likely to react to their emotions, so treatment might look more at preventing harmful impulsive behavior.5 Doctors may also fall victim to gender biases and as a result, diagnose and treat patients in different ways based on their gender without realizing it.3 Gender and mental health do appear to be connected, but their relationship is complicated. Whether or not these gender differences in mental health are a direct result of the biological discrepancies between the sexes or because of environmental factors is up for debate. Violence, socioeconomic problems, and socialization tend to impact men and women in different ways and could be a large reason why we see these gender differences in mental health in the first place.3 Regardless of your biological gender or gender preference, our LGBTQ+ mental health services want to help you find relief from your mental health problems. We tailor our treatment plans to the needs of the individual to ensure that every patient has their best chance of having long-term success in their recovery.
Whether your mental health is the problem or you have a loved one who is suffering, reach out to us today at 888-280-4763 to learn more about our programs at Banyan Mental Health.
Sources:
Alyssa
Alyssa is Banyan’s Director of Digital Marketing & Technology. After overcoming her own struggles with addiction, she began working in the treatment field in 2012. She graduated from Palm Beach State College in 2016 with additional education in Salesforce University programs. A part of the Banyan team since 2016, Alyssa brings over 5 years of experience in the addiction treatment field.
