Mental Health of Women in India: Stigma and Discrimination

International Journal of Humanities and Social Science

© 2022 by SSRG - IJHSS Journal

Volume 9 Issue 2

Year of Publication : 2022

Authors : Urmila Loona

10.14445/23942703/IJHSS-V9I2P107

How to Cite?

Urmila Loona, "Mental Health of Women in India: Stigma and Discrimination," SSRG International Journal of Humanities and Social Science, vol. 9,  no. 2, pp. 46-56, 2022. Crossref, https://doi.org/10.14445/23942703/IJHSS-V9I2P107

Abstract:

Mental health impacts how to deal with stressful situations, maintain a healthy and stable relationship, stay physically fit, work productively, and give back to the community. However, gender also serves an essential impact since men’s, and women’s brains function differently, whether they are affected by internal or external factors. In most cases, females are the victims, whether rape cases, domestic violence, or mental health problems. Many women suffer obstacles such as gender inequality, poverty, poor physical health, and caregiving responsibilities that have led women to develop common mental disorders (CMDs). This study aims to study different people’s attitudes regarding a person with mental illness in Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India. A mixed-methods technique was used in this study, which included 52 participants. This study included 27 males and 25 females in total. The general public has a high level of perceived stigma. When gender is considered, men exhibited low perceived stigma, whereas women had high perceived stigma and discriminated against people with mental illness. Stigmas and lack of awareness about mental health were the main cause behind people’s negative attitudes toward a mentally ill person.

Keywords:

Mental health, Mental illness, Common mental disorders, Stigmas, Gender, Women, Domestic violence, Inequality, Negative attitudes, Low and high perceived stigma.

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