International Women’s Day: Addressing Gender Bias in Mental Health

There are stark gender differences in how mental health concerns develop and are addressed. Women are more likely to be diagnosed with common mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression, yet they often face barriers to accessing appropriate adult counselling services. This article explores how gender norms can contribute to such differences, and how therapy can support clients in the face of such issues.

Societal Expectations and Their Impact on Women’s Mental Health

Traditional gender roles are still pervasive in today’s society. Women are often expected to balance career and family responsibilities and be emotional and caring figures. These societal pressures can lead to feelings of shame, self-doubt, and low self-esteem, adversely affecting mental health (Fielding, 2023).

Research highlights that gender norms shape how psychological distress manifests. Girls and women are more likely to internalise stress, leading to conditions such as anxiety or depression, whereas boys and men tend to exhibit externalising behaviours like anger or substance abuse. These differences can contribute to biases in how mental health professionals assess and address psychological concerns in women (Smith et al., 2016).

Barriers to Accessing Mental Health Support

Despite the increasing availability of counseling services, many hesitate to seek help due to fear of being judged as weak or incapable. Women, in particular, face unique challenges in accessing mental health support. The gender wage gap can make it more difficult for women to afford mental health care, especially when balancing financial responsibilities with family obligations (Charlie Health, 2023). Additionally, women are often expected to juggle careers, caregiving, and household duties, leaving little time to prioritise their own mental well-being.

Additionally, systemic barriers make it harder for women to seek help. Studies show that women are more likely than men to report difficulty taking time off work for mental health care and concerns about the stigma of having a mental illness on their medical records (Trompeter et al., 2023). These challenges highlight the need for a gender-sensitive approach that ensures women’s mental health concerns are taken seriously and that interventions are accessible, stigma-free, and tailored to their lived experiences.

The Role of Psychotherapy in Supporting Women’s Mental Well-Being

Psychotherapy should consider the systemic challenges women face and their lived experiences. Therapists should create safe spaces where women can explore personal and societal factors affecting their well-being without fear of dismissal or stigma. Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), mindfulness-based interventions, and trauma-informed approaches have been effective in empowering women to manage stress and mental health concerns, helping to foster a more inclusive and supportive environment for women seeking help.

Moving Forward: Advocating for Gender Equity in Mental Health

To reduce gender disparities in mental health care, a multi-level approach is essential. Mental health professionals should receive ongoing training to identify and counteract biases in diagnosis and treatment, ensuring that women’s mental health issues are accurately understood and addressed (Ahad et al., 2023). Furthermore, promoting mental health awareness at the community level can help reduce stigma and foster a more supportive environment for women to seek help. Community-based initiatives and outreach programs have been shown to play a vital role in encouraging women to access mental health services without fear of judgment, ultimately promoting greater mental health awareness and equity (Rao et al., 2011).

Policymakers must prioritise gender-sensitive mental health strategies, ensuring that resources are allocated to support women-specific mental health services. Employers can also contribute by implementing workplace wellness programs that acknowledge the unique stressors women face, fostering a more supportive work environment.

Conclusion

Gender differences in mental health remains a challenge, but by addressing societal expectations, reducing barriers to access, and ensuring gender-sensitive psychotherapy approaches, we can work towards a more equitable mental health landscape. It is essential to advocate for a future where all women receive the mental health support they deserve.

References

Ahad, A. A., Sanchez-Gonzalez, M., & Junquera, P. (2023). Understanding and Addressing Mental Health Stigma Across Cultures for Improving Psychiatric Care: A Narrative Review. Cureus, 15(5), e39549. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.39549

Charlie Health Editorial Team. (2024). Is There Gender Bias in Mental Healthcare? Here’s What the Data Shows. Charlie Health. https://www.charliehealth.com/research/gender-bias-in-mental-healthcare

Fielding. (2023). Understanding Gender Roles and Their Effect on Our Relationships. Verywell Mind. https://www.verywellmind.com/understanding-gender-roles-and-their-effect-on-our-relationships-7499408

Rao, K., Vanguri, P., & Premchander, S. (2011). Community-Based Mental Health intervention for Underprivileged women in Rural India: an experiential report. International Journal of Family Medicine, 2011, 1–7. https://doi.org/10.1155/2011/621426

Smith, D. T., Mouzon, D. M., & Elliott, M. (2018). Reviewing the Assumptions About Men's Mental Health: An Exploration of the Gender Binary. American journal of men's health, 12(1), 78–89. https://doi.org/10.1177/1557988316630953

Trompeter, N., Rafferty, L., Dyball, D., McKenzie, A., Greenberg, N., Fear, N. T., & Stevelink, S. A. M. (2024). Gender differences in structural and attitudinal barriers to mental healthcare in UK Armed Forces personnel and veterans with self-reported mental health problems. Social psychiatry and psychiatric epidemiology, 59(5), 827–837. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00127-023-02567-0