Most people have heard of stigmas surrounding mental illness, but many may not be aware that some individuals also experience stigma related to their coping strategies for dealing with such conditions. This is especially true when it comes to the differences between how men and women cope with dysfunction-related stigma. In this article, I will discuss how men and women are different in their responses to this type of stigma and provide examples to illustrate these differences.
Let's define what we mean by "coping" and "stigma." Coping refers to the ways in which an individual manages stressful or difficult situations in order to maintain or improve their well-being. Stigma refers to the negative social attitudes and discrimination associated with certain traits or characteristics, in this case, being labeled as having a dysfunctional way of coping with mental health issues. When someone experiences both stigma and dysfunction, they may feel ashamed, isolated, or judged by others due to their coping methods. This can lead to further difficulties in seeking help or support.
Let's look at how men and women differ in their approaches to coping with dysfunction-related stigma. One major difference is that women are more likely than men to seek professional help for their mental health concerns. This could be because society places greater expectations on women to take care of their emotional needs and has created a culture where talking about feelings is seen as weak or unmanly. As a result, men may internalize these messages and view therapy as an unnecessary or undesirable option. Instead, many men try to handle their problems alone through various means, including alcohol abuse, drug use, gambling, or avoidance behaviors like working excessively or staying busy all the time.
Women are also more likely to turn to their friends and family members when dealing with mental health struggles. They may feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and feelings with trusted loved ones who can offer empathy and understanding.
This strategy can backfire if those individuals reinforce gender norms that pressure women to conform to traditional roles.
A woman may be told to "be strong" or "keep it together" instead of being allowed to express her true feelings.
Differences in communication styles between men and women can also impact how they cope with stigma. Men tend to be more direct and straightforward, while women often prefer indirect and non-confrontational methods. This can make it difficult for men to ask for help or admit vulnerability, which can further contribute to isolation. Women, on the other hand, may be better at navigating social situations and building relationships that provide support and validation.
Another factor that influences coping strategies is socioeconomic status. People from lower-income backgrounds may have fewer resources available to them to seek professional treatment, leading them to rely more heavily on informal coping mechanisms such as substance abuse or self-harm. Again, this can exacerbate any existing stigma around mental illness and create barriers to receiving adequate care.
There are many complex factors that influence how men and women respond differently to dysfunction-related stigma. It's important to recognize these differences and work towards creating an environment where all individuals feel comfortable seeking support without fear of judgment or discrimination. We must continue to challenge harmful stereotypes about masculinity and femininity and promote healthy coping strategies for everyone.
How do men and women differ in coping with dysfunction-related stigma?
In general, studies have shown that men tend to cope differently from women when it comes to dealing with stigmatized disorders. Researchers have found that men often choose to deny their diagnosis or ignore their condition altogether, while women may be more likely to seek out treatment or support groups (Sartorius et al. , 1986).