mh 8 Flashcards
gender differences in MH.
Women
- 2x more likely to be diagnosed with anxiety
- OCD and phobias (anxiety related) disorder more common
- Western countries, 18% of young females have had eating disorder by early adulthood
- MH tied to reproductive cycle
- steady increase in MH
mh gender diff
men
- more likely detained under mh act
- 3x as likely to become alcohol dependant
- 3.5x more likely to die by suicide than women. (linked to depression and adverse life events)
- Less likely to be referred to psychological therapies (36% are from men)
less likely to recognise issues as mh ones.
socioeconomic disadvantages in mh
- 1/5 ppl live in poverty in UK
- compare lowest 5tht income to highest. Common mh problems are doubled; psychotic disorder is 9x higher.
complex relationship between poverty &mh
- MH issues can lead to substance abuse, poor handling of personal finances etc
- Living conditions, neighbourhoods, social cohesion/perceived crime affect mental health
chicken and egg
minoritised ethnicity
Many minorities (not all) have worse mental health compared with White British groups
29% Black women and 13.5% Black men have common MH difficulties
These were higher, particularly compared with white British women (20.9%)
However, people of Indian, Pakistani and African-Caribbean origin: higher mental wellbeing
Black individuals, esp men, are more likely to be:
Diagnosed with psychosis (e.g. 6-9x more risk of schizophrenia)
Be compulsorily admitted to hospital
Explaining these differences
Racial discrimination
Social and economic disadvantage
Mental health stigma (little recognised or shameful to discuss)
intersectionalities in groups facing mh difficulties
Various biological, social and cultural categories that are linked with social disadvantage/oppression often intersect or overlap
They are part of our personal/social identity
So disadvantage (or oppression) often comes from multiple sources
In the UK, men are less likely to seek / complete treatment for common MH difficulties, especially if they are also:
From minoritised ethnic background
Of Muslim faith
Unemployed
Living in deprived neighbourhood (Smyth et al., 2022)
Alvarez-Galvez & Rojas-Garcia (2019): Across Europe (N = 40k), those belonging to more minoritised ‘categories’ …
have more depressive symptoms, an effect that is stronger in Eastern and Southern European countries
What do we mean by valuing diversity & difference in mental health?
- being sensitive to diversity (understanding)
- Appreciating its role in mental health (recognise MH challenges and differing impact)
- Personalising Practice (in mh services)
- service improvement (recognising bd respecting diversity in mh care)
Equality act 2010 UK legislation
Individuals are afforded protection against discrimination, harassment and victimisation, to help achieve equal opportunities across all aspects of society based on nine protected characteristics
- race
- disability
- marriage
- Maternity + preg
- age
- sex
- sexual orientation
- gender
- religion belief
discrimination against mh is an offence (disibility)
Rees et al.’s (2020) review of 14 studies of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender communities’ MH care experiences found 2 main themes:
Experience stigma; need for LGBT friendly services
Professionals’ lack knowledge & understanding of needs
Sexuality and gender identity
35% of gay young people (who have NOT been bullied) are depressed
Risk of suicide among gay men is 2-4 times the general population
Discrimination, social stress, concealment, stigma, & internalised homophobia contribute to worse mental health
What is cultural competence in mental health practice?
The ability to understand the beliefs, backgrounds, and values of the client that may differ from our own
