Millions of men and women struggle with mental illness each year. Although gender does not impact whether or not an individual struggles with mental illness, it’s important to understand that gender does impact how an individual responds to treatment. Without question, men and women experience varying biological differences and experiences that can impact what treatment works best in managing mental disorder symptoms, as well as even the likelihood of seeking treatment.
In this article, you’ll learn more about gender-specific approaches to mental health treatment. At Pathways Recovery, we offer addiction treatment centers for men and women where we use a gender-specific approach to heal patients’ minds, bodies, and spirits. We offer a wide range of treatment programs so you can receive the personalized treatment you need to best support your recovery. Ready to start your road to recovery? Contact us today!
How Gender Can Impact Mental Health Treatment?
Gender can impact not just the likelihood of an individual seeking treatment, but gender can also impact how or what treatment approaches are most effective in managing symptoms. Below are 3 examples of how gender can impact mental health treatment.
- Biological Gender Differences Impact Mood and Other Factors
Without question, the biological differences between genders impact mood, among other factors, that can influence one’s mental health and well-being. For example, women typically experience more flucutating moods due to hormonal changes according to their menstrual cycle each month. Therefore, one’s biological makeup and gender can impact their mental disorder symptoms and mood.
- Societal Expectations Can Impact Conditions
Men and women are perceived differently; therefore, each gender may experience varying societal expectations when it comes to mental health and seeking mental health treatment. For instance, research finds that fewer women are likely than men to seek substance use treatment due to the stigma surrounding women struggling with drug addiction.
While both men and women may experience stigma surrounding voicing their mental health issues and seeking treatment, oftentimes women may be less inclined to seek treatment than men due to this stigma.
- Different Experiences Can Lead to Different Risk Factors
Inevitably, being a different gender can come with different experiences and different risk factors that can result in developing a mental disorder. For example, women who are mothers struggling with a mental disorder are going to have different experiences and struggles than a man struggling with anxiety and depression. This is why gender-specific mental health treatment is critical to ensure you receive the most personalized care that best aligns with your recovery needs.
Benefits of Gender-Specific Mental Health Treatment
There are several benefits of seeking gender-specific approaches to mental health treatment if you are struggling with a mental illness or addiction.
More Personalized Care
First, gender-specific mental health treatment provides more personalized care based upon your individual needs and experiences. As detailed above, although both men and women struggle with mental illness, each gender oftentimes experiences different factors and experiences that can impact their mental health.
Increased Comfortability in Group Settings
Group therapy is a great treatment option for many people struggling with mental illness; however, sometimes patients are more comfortable relating and talking to people in their group who are the same gender as them. Therefore, group gender-specific mental health therapy offers more comfortability, participation, and connection to relate to others in the group who share similar experiences as you.
Connect with Other Patients on a More Personal Level
Similar to the above point, oftentimes patients are able to connect and relate more to other patients on a more personal level if they are of the same gender. While this is not always the case, oftentimes patients of the same gender may experience the same challenges (i.e. being a mother struggling with severe depression) that most patients of the opposite gender may not be able to relate to.
Start Your Mental Health Journey Today
Gender-specific approaches to mental health treatment are critical so patients can receive more personalized treatment to best support their recovery. Differences in mental health treatment can impact which treatments and approaches work best for patients. If you or someone you know is struggling with mental illness, it’s critical you seek professional treatment to better manage your symptoms.
At Pathways Recovery, we provide addiction treatment centers for men and women so you can receive tailored care to best support your road to recovery. Whether you’re struggling with depression, anxiety, or another mental health condition, we’re here to help you better manage your symptoms so you can lead a healthier, happier life. Contact us today to learn more about how you can improve your mental health.
