AN INTRODUCTION TO MENTAL HEALTH - The Nossal Institute for ...

Step 2 – How does gender relate to mental health
Ask participants to brainstorm some ideas about how gender might affect
mental health for men and women differently.
Ask for one or two volunteers to write these ideas on the black/white
board as you go.
Examples may include:
• Men do not discuss their problems with friends and find solutions as
much as women.
• It is more acceptable for men, to drink alcohol leading to more
problem drinking in men and more stigma for women who have a
drinking problem.
• Domestic violence and rape can place great stress on the life of a
woman.
• Women’s income is often lower than that of men, and they have less
control over household finances.
• Women may not be able to independently access treatment unless
there is agreement from senior members (whether male or female)
of the household.
• A woman cannot receive needed health services because norms in her
community prevent her from travelling alone to a clinic.
• Families may be more reluctant to spend money on treatment for
females compared to males.
Ask participants to divide into three groups and develop a short role play
that demonstrates how gender differences can affect the mental health
of women. Allow 10 minutes for preparation of the role play.
Allow each of the groups to perform their role plays.
Step 3 – Promoting mental health
Conclude this session with a key message from the WHO. 17
“Gender equality means women and men have equal opportunities to realise their individual
potential, to contribute to their country’s economic and social development and to benefit
equally from their participation in society.”
Two actions to help promote mental health for men and women include:
• Empowering men and women to make decisions that influence their own lives.
• Educating people about the need for equal rights for men and women.
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AN INTRODUCTION TO MENTAL HEALTH