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Mental health stigma: How it affects men and women

Male standing against the wallThe past two decades have seen a dramatic change in attitudes towards mental health and illness. Public figures and celebrities now freely discuss their own struggles with depression, anxiety, OCD, eating disorders, bipolar disorder, phobias and other mental health problems. Despite this new openness, many people still feel the need to hide their mental illness or avoid seeking help, why? Unfortunately, because stigma and stereotypes continue. Consider the following statements that perpetuate stigma:

As a result of prevailing stigma, people experiencing mental health challanges often fear disapproval, rejection, exclusion, and discrimination. They worry that their illness could damage their careers, relationships and quality of life.

In addition, men and women have to contend with different stigma that often prevents them from seeking help and support. Here are some more specific gender based stereotypes related to experiencing mental health challenges:

Tough it out

The characteristics of traditional masculinity – toughness, stoicism, strength, bravery and competiveness  ̶  and the fear of being branded a “sissy,” “wimp,” or worse – can cause men and boys to perceive mental health problems as weaknesses and therefore ignore their symptoms and reject help.

This is especially relevant for men in professions that embody these traditional male traits: the military, police force, and fire and emergency services. The recent rise in suicides resulting from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PSTD ) in these groups has shed new light why so many men don’t seek help – particularly the fear that they might be perceived as unable to deal with the pressures of the job.

All things nice

Women face their own set of stigma surrounding mental health issues. While men face societal scorn for displaying traditional feminine traits, such as gentleness, passivity, empathy or emotionality, so women are criticized for displaying stereotypical masculine traits of aggression, competitiveness and toughness. Excessive drinking or gambling and sexual promiscuity are still more associated, albeit unfairly, with men. These gender stereotypes can be especially hard for women with children. The fear of being branded as an unstable or unfit mother leads many women to hide their mental health problems. While men fear shame, women fear blame. Whatever the fear, the stigma both men and women face regarding mental illness prevents too many from seeking help.

Tackling stigma

No matter our gender, age or ethnicity, we all play a role in eliminating any stigma surrounding mental health.  Here are some ideas:

According to Health Canada, about 20 percent of us will suffer from a mental health issue at some time in our lives. The rest of us may also be affected when it’s our family member, friend or colleague struggling with a mental health issue. We’re in this together, and it’s  time to eliminate the stigma attached to mental health issues. Each of us can do our part: learning the facts, being supportive, and speaking openly about your own experiences is a great start. 
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