Just like most aspects of our lives, mental health, the discussion around it, and the way it is perceived are unfortunately largely affected by various stereotypes and social norms related to gender. This is why feminism plays a big role in advocating for mental health and bringing down the stigma surrounding it. It is crucial to acknowledge how differently society views mental health issues in different genders and understand the role gender inequalities play in the mental health discussion.
“Mental health is a feminist issue because women’s experiences have often been, and continue to be, pathologized,” says Dr. Mindy J. Erchull, professor of psychological science at the University of Mary Washington in Virginia. “Women are more likely to be referred to as ‘crazy’ for example — both in daily conversation and in the media.”
A great example of that is the origin of the word hysteria. It comes from the Greek word hystera, which means uterus. It was originally believed that hysteria could only be observed in women and that it was caused by defects of the womb.
Every single day women struggle with issues such as objectification, lack of respect, unequal treatment, lower incomes, sexual harassment, discrimination, beauty standards, safety concerns, and gender stereotypes. This can have negative effects on their mental health and lead to, for example:
Depression (2-3 times more common in women)
Anxiety
Eating disorders
PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder)
Low self-esteem
Loneliness and alienation (especially in male-dominated workplaces, where it can lead to low job satisfaction)
High stress levels and low sleep quality
Addiction
Contrary to popular belief, feminism does not only focus on women’s issues and many feminists have advocated for men’s mental health for a long time. Due to harmful stereotypes and “toxic masculinity”; men are expected to be strong and tough, which makes it harder for them to talk about their emotions and wellbeing and can lead to them bottling things up and not seeking help when needed. WHO’s data shows that nearly 40% of countries have more than 15 suicide deaths per 100,000 men; for comparison, only 1.5% have such a high rate for women. Yet despite such high suicide rates among men, recent studies show that women are 10% more likely to seek professional help when suffering from chronic mental health issues, which indicates that men often do not feel comfortable seeking support and sharing their vulnerabilities.
Sources
Why mental health is a Feminist issue, Renee Fabian, Talkspace
High levels of sexism could be fuelling poor mental health among women, UCL news
The impact of gender discrimination on a Woman’s Mental Health, Simone N. Vigoda, and Paula A. Rochon, US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health
Effects of Street Harassment on Anxiety, Depression, and Sleep Quality of College Women, DelGreco, M., Christensen, J., SpringerLink
The Dangerous Effects Of Toxic Masculinity, Sarah Sheppard, Verywell Mind
Women More Likely Than Men to Seek Mental Health Help, Study Finds, Abby Abrams, Time
On the sexist etymology of “hysteria,” and what academia did about it, Shalome Sine, Medium
Everyday sexism & women’s mental health, Beatrice Alba, La Trobe University News
Comments