Mental disorders can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, or race.
Millions experience mental illness, yet women are more prone to certain specific conditions. Statistics from Australia indicate that last year, women experienced mental illness at double the rate of men.
Biological factors significantly contribute to mental illness.
Lower serotonin levels and a slower processing rate of this chemical compared to men are key contributors to mood swings in women.
Furthermore, sociocultural influences and beliefs regarding women can impact mental health. Women have historically been viewed as the weaker and subordinate gender. Balancing a career with roles as primary caregivers for children and the elderly can exert substantial stress, potentially leading to depression and panic attacks.
In western society, women are often sexualized. The effects are evident in Hollywood, films, television, magazines, and social media; even 18-year-old girls are opting for breast augmentation due to societal pressures.
We also have yet to address the issues of violence against women and sexual abuse, with a significant portion going unreported.
Interestingly, there’s a peculiar fact: ‘Women are 2 to 3 times more likely to attempt suicide, yet men are 4 times more likely to die from suicide.’ This could suggest that men may be less inclined to express their feelings of despair and depression.
Overall, women tend to report illnesses more frequently than men.
As stated at the beginning of this article, ‘regardless of age, gender, or race, mental disorders can affect anyone.’
Thus, men should consider voicing their feelings more often…not that they aren’t already prone to complain…we all know about man-flu, right?
by Susan Floyd
