Determining a clear diagnosis for any mental illness poses an issue as there are no physical indicators of an individual's perceived mental health or lack thereof. Receiving a diagnosis only occurs because of an individual’s decision to do so, and even then, it is a diagnosis solely based on judgment. Due to this, society has an alarming amount of power in its hands. Society can shape an individual’s views and perceptions about mental health simply by imposing norms and twisting opinions, often making people’s thoughts and emotions feel invalid. This essay will consider the way in which gender stereotypes act as a deterrent to male diagnoses in addition to creating limitations for females. These factors are attributed to the way women are disproportionally diagnosed with mental disorders in comparison to men.
Gender plays a significant role in the study of mental health due to the actual and perceived differences with respect to males and females (Boysen, Ebersole, Casner, & Coston, 2014, p. 548). It is noted that women …show more content…
165). At an increased risk for mental health issues are those who are poorly educated, unemployed and not socialized (Holden et al., 2016, p. 170). Women could be reaching out for medical support from professionals about health-related issues because of this lack of education. Since women are more open to seeking professional help, this could be a key factor in society’s belief that women are diagnosed with mental disorders than men, since men typically avoid being diagnosed to avoid a weak portrayal of character. If there are not as many men being diagnosed due to their blatant refusal to seek help, it is evident that women will be disproportionally diagnosed with mental
Gender plays a significant role in the study of mental health due to the actual and perceived differences with respect to males and females (Boysen, Ebersole, Casner, & Coston, 2014, p. 548). It is noted that women …show more content…
165). At an increased risk for mental health issues are those who are poorly educated, unemployed and not socialized (Holden et al., 2016, p. 170). Women could be reaching out for medical support from professionals about health-related issues because of this lack of education. Since women are more open to seeking professional help, this could be a key factor in society’s belief that women are diagnosed with mental disorders than men, since men typically avoid being diagnosed to avoid a weak portrayal of character. If there are not as many men being diagnosed due to their blatant refusal to seek help, it is evident that women will be disproportionally diagnosed with mental