Mental health is a critical issue that faces various barriers of complexity and stigma. Understanding mental health issues in women is particularly challenging due to the lack of female representation in early research and biased reporting over time. While there have been significant advancements in the study of psychological disorders and treatments in recent years, there is still a lingering stigma attached to it. According to the American Psychiatric Association (APA), stigma is caused by fear and a lack of understanding. Therefore, it is essential to comprehend the crux of this stigma and the realities surrounding it.

 

Misconceptions vs. Realities

 

Women's mental health issues are often dismissed by attributing them to inherent emotional or sensitivity traits, or even suggesting that women are psychologically less capable. While the causes of their issues are trivialized, the issues themselves are exaggerated, with women being accused of being dramatic, overreacting, and exhibiting disruptive behaviour. This dichotomy of downplaying causality while magnifying the effects can be seen most clearly through the infamous phenomenon of "women's hysteria," which was prevalent in the 19th century. During that era, women facing psychological issues such as nervousness, depression, or symptoms associated with declining fertility were often diagnosed with hysteria. This outdated term referred to any psychogenic disorder characterized by symptoms such as paralysis, blindness, loss of sensation, hallucinations, and was often accompanied by suggestibility, emotional outbursts, and histrionic behavior (APA). Women activists like Barbara Ehrenreich and Deidre English brought attention to the possibility that this diagnosis was a form of oppression.

 

When discussing mental illness rates in women, it is evident that women are more likely to exhibit symptoms of various mental illnesses. However, this observation requires a nuanced explanation. According to statistics provided by the World Health Organization (WHO) in their "World Mental Health Report" of 2019, mental disorders such as depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, and eating disorders are more prevalent among women. The National Institute of Mental Health (U.S.) also states that research has not found significant differences between genders regarding other mental illnesses. The common mental illnesses among women can be attributed to biological factors such as menstrual cycles, menopause, and pregnancy. However, they are not solely confined to these factors. In fact, a significant portion of women's mental health issues can be attributed to the high rates of physical and sexual violence, coupled with the suppression of these issues.

 

Another factor contributing to the manifestation of more mental illness symptoms in women lies in how they process their problems. Dr. Gita Gurung, a psychiatrist at STNM (Sir Thutob Namgyal Memorial) Hospital, explains that the higher documentation of mental illness among women is not solely due to their higher likelihood of becoming ill, but rather because they are more inclined to express their illness. Societal norms have discouraged men from discussing mental health openly. In comparison, society has normalized women expressing their feelings and issues, even if it comes with judgment. For instance, in Sikkim, a region with a high suicide rate, there are significantly more reported suicides among men, while most reports of attempted suicides involve women. Dr. Gita further explains that women tend to process emotions more quickly and express them openly, which makes it easier for people around them to recognize their issues. This perspective offers an interesting understanding of the prevalence and frequency of mental illness between genders.

 

It can be said that a majority of women's mental health issues stem from a lack of knowledge about women's psychology and behavior as a whole. Therefore, it is important for not only those in the field of psychiatry but also the general public to learn about the intricacies of the human mind. Moreover, raising awareness is crucial. Thanks to the efforts of dedicated scholars, researchers, doctors, and concerned citizens, mental healthcare for women is gradually improving. Ensuring the betterment of women and people in general requires empathy and unbiased studies.