The need for a gendered approach to tackling mental health issues among the population was the focus of a workshop held at the West Midlands in Europe office on 13 May 2009.
Speakers emphasised the fact that men and women often suffer from different mental health disorders and called for public health policy to address this in order to reduce this burden in Europe.
Background
The workshop took place in the wider context of the Mental Health Pact, an initiative supported by Commissioners Vassilliou (Health) and Spidla (Employment), and followed on from two previous thematic workshops, one on mental health and education and a second on mental health in the workplace. The Pact calls for mental well-being to be promoted as a cross-sectoral policy priority; in light of this, both DG SANCO and DG Employment provided input for this workshop on gender and mental health.
Gender Mainstreaming and Health Equity
One issue that was addressed throughout the workshop was the implications of gender inequalities for the health status of an individual. In particular, it was emphasised that gender inequalities affect both the possibility of remaining healthy and the level of exposure to health risks.
Whilst gender inequalities interplay with a number of other factors such as socio-economic status and ethnicity, there are clear gender-related differences for selected mental health conditions. As an example, the DALYS (disability-adjusted life years) lost from unipolar depressive disorder are almost 40% higher for women than amongst men, a trend common to both high and low income countries. Conversely, suicide rates are significantly higher among men than women. There is therefore a clear need for the implementation of gender sensitive mental health strategies.
Dr. Ostlin, the lead scientist in the knowledge network on gender equity for the Commission on Social Determinants of Health, highlighted a number of approaches to tackling gender inequality:
– Address the structural dimensions of gender inequality through key reforms to increase opportunities for women;
– Challenge gender stereotypes and adopt multi-level strategies to change the paradigm;
– Improve the evidence base for policies by addressing gender imbalances in health research.
Speakers throughout the event recommended that organisations at all levels should focus on mainstreaming gender equality and support gender oriented organisations to ensure that a women and men’s organisations have a voice.
Alan White, Professor of Men’s Health at Leeds Metropolitan University, stressed the fact that gender inequalities are not confined to women. The way in which men manage their emotional difficulties is different to women, and this is often not recognised. Women have higher levels of internalising disorders such as anxiety and depression, whereas men are more likely to have externalising disorders such as aggression or antisocial behaviour. These might go undetected and may not necessarily be identified as mental health disorders.
Next Steps
The issue of gender and mental health is a complex issue. Gender differences in mental health are identified within all groups including different socio-economic groups, different ethnic groups and different age groups. An integrated approach to tackle mental health issues is needed at a European level and this should bring together all relevant sectors, not simply the health sector. Gender issues should be one of the key issues mainstreamed throughout any mental health policy, whether it tackles mental health in the workplace, social exclusion, or access to treatment. The European Union can support Member States in the design and implementation of mental health strategies that include a focus on gender equality by providing an inventory of good practice from across the Community.
As part of the Pact, the European Commission will organise a number of thematic conferences that will focus on the five priority areas:
– Mental Health in Youth and Education- 29-30 September 2009 (Stockholm)
– Prevention of Depression and Suicide- 10-11 December 2009 (Budapest)
– Mental Health in Older People- 21-22 April 2010 (Madrid)
– Mental Health in Workplace Settings- 08-09 November 2010 (Berlin)
– Combating Social Exclusion and Stigma- 2nd Semester 2010
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