Module 5 Part 1 Gender, Work and Society lecture notes. PDF

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MODULE 5GENDER AND HEALTH ISSUES AND PROGRAMSIntended Learning Outcomes:At the end of this lesson, students should be able to: Understand what is mental health and well-being, as well as the factors that affect them; Know how to protect and promote mental health and well-being; Know the signs of men...

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MODULE 5 GENDER AND HEALTH ISSUES AND PROGRAMS Intended Learning Outcomes: At the end of this lesson, students should be able to: 1. Understand what is mental health and well-being, as well as the factors that affect them; 2. Know how to protect and promote mental health and well-being; 3. Know the signs of mental health deterioration, common mental health issues, and how to properly address them; and 4. Know how RA 11036 or The Mental Health Act of 2018 support Filipino mental health. 5.1 GENDER AND MENTAL HEALTH Introduction From the projection of the World Health Organization during the start of the millennium, one in every four individuals will suffer from mental health problems at some point in their lives and that 450 million people worldwide have a mental health problem (WHO, 2001). In 2015, the global prevalence of common mental illnesses such as depression and anxiety disorders are estimated at 5.5% and 3.6%, respectively; suicide accounts for 1.5% of global deaths in the same year (WHO, 2017). WHO (2004) suggests that this widespread occurrence of mental health problems are often untreated and can cause role performance impairment. Surely, mental health concerns produce a significant burden to its victims. Recent studies suggests that these concerns can cause days out of work, loss of productivity, financial drain from treatment costs, family and caregiver stress and loss of life (Bronsard et al., 2016; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2011). Thus mental health concerns, being developmental in nature and etiology, are best addressed through preventive measures during early age. Educational institutions, being the students’ primary environment during their formal educational years, should establish systems, wherein actual and potential mental health problems among the youth can be addressed. DISCUSSION Mental Health and Well-being Mental health is an essential aspect of our overall health. As stated on the constitution of the World Health Organization (WHO): “Health is a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not just merely the absence of disease or infirmary.” Thus the WHO recognizes that it is not enough that one is free from any mental disorder, rather it puts premium on the holistic

state and quality of life of an individual, especially on wellness and happiness. Mental health refers to cognitive, behavioral, and emotional well-being. It focuses on how people think, feel, and behave, which directly affects their daily living, intra- and interpersonal relationships, and above all, the physical health. Well-being, on the other hand, is the presence of positive emotions and moods (such as happiness and contentment), the absence of negative emotions (such as anxiety and depression), satisfaction with life, fulfillment and positive functioning. In short, well-being is the state of feeling good and seeing life positively. Surely, mental health and well-being are related, with good mental health, one can realize his/her own abilities, live long and cope with the normal stresses of everyday living, and can productively contribute to his/her community. Factors that Affect our Mental Health and Well-being Multiple social, psychological, and biological factors determine the condition of our mental health and well-being at any point in time. However it worth noting that good mental health depends of the intricate balance of these factors. For example, violence and persistent socioeconomic pressure are among the leading risks to mental health (WHO, 2018). Poor mental health can also be associated with rapid social changes, stressful work conditions, gender discrimination, social exclusion, unhealthy lifestyle, physical illness, and human rights violations. Yet, there are also specific psychological and personality factors that make people vulnerable to mental health concerns. Below are the groups of factors that can influence our mental health and well-being: A. Environmental Factors. These are the influences that are outside our body systems and can be further be divided into: Modifiable Factors. These are factors that changes over time.  Socio-economic conditions  Occupation  Social involvement  Education  Housing quality  Gender Non-Modiafiable. These are factors that are permanent.  Ethnicity B. Genetic Factors. This is the factor that is inherited.  Genetics

Promotion and Protection of Mental Health and Well-being Protecting and promoting health involves improving one’s well-being. In doing such, one must create or be in an environment that supports mental health through respecting and protecting one’s basic rights such as: human rights, political rights, socio-economic rights, and cultural rights. Without the security and freedom provided by these rights, it is difficult to maintain a high level of well-being, thus resulting to poor mental health condition. Hence, national mental health policies should be concerned not only with those individuals living with mental health issues, but also the promotion of well-being, in general, which should be mainstreamed into governmental and nongovernmental policies and programs like: 1. Socioeconomic empowerment; 2. Social support to the elderly population; 3. Programs for the vulnerable population, including the minorities and indigenous people; 4. Violence intervention programs; 5. Community development programs; 6. Poverty reduction and social protection for the poor; 7. Anti-discrimination laws and campaigns; 8. Protection of human rights; 9. Promotion of humane treatment and opportunities for individuals with mental health disorder. Signs of Deteriorating Mental Health Everyone, at some point, are at risk of developing mental health disorder, no matter their age, sex, socio-economic status, or ethnicity. Although every mental disorder has a specific set of signs and symptoms, it is a good practice to reflect and keep one’s condition checked. Also, it should be made clear that we could experience the following signs once in a while, except hallucinations and delusions, especially if we are stressed. However, when the following signs impair one’s occupational and social functioning, it is advisable to seek professional help. Although there are manyonline resources and individuals (e.g. psychology graduates, social workers) that has knowledge with the different mental health conditions, only mental health professionals, such as psychologist and psychiatrist, are allowed to do evaluation and diagnosis of mental health concerns.   

Withdrawing from family, friend, and colleagues; Avoiding activities that you naturally enjoy; Sleeping too much or too little;

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Eating too much or too little; Feelings of hopelessness; Consistently low energy; Using mood-altering substance, such as alcohol or nicotine, more frequently; Displaying negative emotions; Being confused and forgetful; Being unable to do usual daily tasks, such as getting to work or cooking meal; Thinking of causing physical harm to self or others; Hearing voices no one else can hear rather than you (hallucinations); and Experiencing delusions.

Common Mental Health Concerns A. Anxiety Disorders Anxiety Disorders are group of disorders that share a common feature of excessive fear and anxiety and related behavioral disturbances. Fear is the emotional response to real or perceived imminent threat, while anxiety is anticipation of future threat. Often, these two stages overlap, but they really differ with fear more associated with surges of automatic thoughts of fight or flight, thoughts of immediate danger, and escape behaviors, while anxiety is associated with muscle tension and vigilance in preparation for future danger and cautious avoidant behaviors. Gender–Related Diagnosis Issues In clinical settings, generalized anxiety disorder is diagnosed somewhat more frequently in females than in males (about 55%-60% of those presenting with the disorder are female). In epidemiological studies, approximately two-thirds are female. Females and males who experience generalized anxiety disorder appear to have similar symptoms but demonstrate different patterns of comorbidity consistent with gender differences in the prevalence of disorders. In females, comorbidity is largely confined to the anxiety disorders and unipolar depression, whereas in males, comorbidity is more likely to extend to the substance use disorders as well. B. Bipolar Disorders Bipolar disorder is a group of disorders associated with the experience of manic/ hypomanic and depressive episodes for a specified period.

a. Manic Episode is characterized by a distinct period of abnormally and persistently elevated, expansive, or irritable mood and abnormally and persistently increased goaldirected activity or energy lasting at least a week and present most of the day, nearly every day. b. Hypomanic Episode is characterized by a distinct period of abnormally and persistently elevated, expansive, or irritable mood and abnormally and persistently increased goal-directed

activity or energy lasting at least at least 4 consecutive days and present most of the day, nearly every day. c. Major Depressive Episode is characterized by depressed of low mood most of the day, nearly every day, as indicated by either subjective report (e.g. feels sad, empty, or hopeless) or observation made by others combined with diminished interest to activities pleasurable before and changes in sleeping and eating pattern (increase or decrease). Gender–Related Diagnosis Issues Females are more likely to experience rapid shifting of mood within a few months, and to have patterns of comorbidity that differ from those of males, including higher rates of lifetime eating disorders. Females with bipolar I or II disorder are more likely to experience depressive symptoms than males. They also have a higher lifetime risk of alcohol use disorder than are males and a much greater likelihood of alcohol use disorder than do females in the general population. C. Depressive Disorders Unlike before, Bipolar disorders and Depressive disorders used to be under a single family of Mood disorders. However, the two has been separated and the distinguishing feature of all disorders under the depressive disorders is the presence of sad, empty, or irritable mood, accompanied by somatic (body) and cognitive (mind) changes that significantly affect individual’s capacity to function. Gender–Related Diagnosis Issues Although the most reproducible finding in the epidemiology of major depressive disorder has been a higher prevalence in females, there are no clear differences between genders in symptoms, course, treatment response, or functional consequences. In women, the risk for suicide attempts is higher, and the risk for suicide completion is lower. The disparity in suicide rate by gender is not as great among those with depressive disorders as it is in the population as a whole. D. Schizophrenia spectrum Schizophrenia spectrum and other psychotic disorders are characterized by abnormalities in one or more of the following domains: delusion, hallucinations, disorganized thinking (speech), disorganized of abnormal motor behavior, and negative symptoms. 1. Delusions Delusions are fixed beliefs that are not amenable to change in light of conflicting evidences. Delusions are deemed bizarre if they are clearly implausible and not understandable to sameculture peers and do not derive from ordinary life experience. For example, the belief that an outside force has removed his/her internal organs and replaced with other’s internal organs without leaving any would or scar. 2. Hallucinations

Hallucinations are perception-like experiences that occur without an external stimulus. These perceptual experiences are vivid and clear, with full force and impact of normal perception, and not under voluntary control. Auditory hallucinations are the most common in schizophrenia spectrum, which is experienced as of voices, familiar or unfamiliar, that are perceived as distinct from individual’s own thoughts. 3. Disorganized Thinking (Speech) Disorganized thinking (formal thought disorder) is typically inferred from the individual’s speech. The individual may switch from one topic to another (derailment or loose associations). Answers to questions may be obliquely related or completely unrelated. Rarely, speech may be severely disorganized that is in nearly incomprehensible (incoherent). 4. Disorganize or Abnormal Motor Behavior Disorganized behavior or abnormal motor behavior may manifest itself in a variety of ways, ranging from childlike “silliness” to unpredictable agitation. Problems may be noted in any form of goal-directed behavior, leading difficulties in performing activities of daily living. 5. Negative Symptoms a. Diminished emotional expression includes reduction in expression of emotions in the face, eye contact, intonation of speech, and movement of the hand, head, ad face that normally give emotional emphasis to speech. b. Avolition is a decrease in motivated self-initiated purposeful activities. The individual may sit for long periods of time and show little interest in participating in work or social activities. c. Alogia is manifested by diminished speech output. d. Anhedonia is the decreased ability to experience pleasure from positive stimuli or a degradation in the recollection of pleasure previously experienced. e. Asociality refers to the apparent lack of interest in social interactions and may be associated with avolition, but it can be also a manifestation of limited opportunities for social interactions. Gender–Related Diagnosis Issues The general incidence of schizophrenia tends to be slightly lower in females, particularly among treated cases. Symptoms tend to be more affect-laden among females, and there are more psychotic symptoms, as well as a greater tendency for psychotic symptoms to worsen in later life. Other symptom differences include less frequent negative symptoms and disorganization. Finally, social functioning tends to remain better preserved in females. There are, however, frequent exceptions to these general cautions. Addressing Mental Health Concerns There are various ways for managing mental health problems. Treatment is highly individual, and what works for one person many not work for another. Some strategies or treatments are more successful when combined with others. A person living with a chronic mental

disorder may choose different options at various stages in their life, yet assessment of effectivity of treatment will still be assessed by mental health professionals. With this, the individual needs to work closely with the mental health professional who can help him/her identify his/her immediate needs and provide him/her with suitable treatment which may include: A. Self-Help A person who needs to cope with one’s mental health difficulties will usually need to make changes with his/her lifestyle to facilitate wellness. Changes may include reducing alcohol intake, change in sleeping, eating, and social engagement patterns. Some may need a time away from work or resolve issues with personal relationships that may cause damage to their mental health and well-being. B. Psychotherapy This type of therapy takes a psychological approach (such as counseling, behavioral modification) in treating mental health difficulties, not necessarily mental disorders. Through this approach, the therapist, as well as the concerned individual will understand the root of the maladjustment and start to work on how to cope healthily with it and reduce the risk of relapse. Psychiatrists, psychologists, and some highly skilled counselor are the mental health professional who are allowed to carry out this type of treatment. C. Medication Some people take prescribed medications, such as antidepressants, antipsychotics, and anxiolytic drugs that are prescribe only by medical doctors (psychiatrist or physicians). Although these drugs cannot take away the mental health difficulty one is facing, it may improve and control the prevalence the signs and symptoms. Eventually it will help the individual resume with his/her social interactions and normal routine while they, the therapist and the individual, work on the latter’s mental health condition. Above all these, any treatment would be ineffective or less effective without a helping and supportive physical and social environment. It should be emphasized that the treatment for an individual faced with mental health difficulties or living with a mental disorder will not only be dealing with the individual, but also those who close, will taking care or living with him/her, such as immediate family. The family itself, or a member, for example will also be undergoing “coaching” on how to properly address the concerns of the individual. Republic Act 11036 or Mental Health Act of 2018 as the Government Response to Philippine Mental Health Issues The first legislation on mental health in Philippine history was formally signed into law and was passed on 21 June 2018 as the Republic Act No. 11036. The law aims at creating a national mental health policy aimed at enhancing the welfare of the population in schools, workplaces and communities, stressing the inherent right of all Filipinos to mental health. It also highlights the balanced delivery of mental health services (community-based and hospital-based) with more

focus on persons with psychiatric, neurologic, and psychosocial health needs, and overcoming society’s attitudinal challenges that they may live free from stigma and discrimination. The law grants protection to persons availing psychiatric, neurologic and psychosocial health services by recognizing their right to access evidence-based mental health services at all levels of the national health care system free from stigma and discrimination; their family members, caregivers, or appointed legal representatives by recognizing their right to receive appropriate psychosocial support and participate in all activities involving the service user; while reinforcing the mental health professional’s right to a safe and supportive environment, and to participate in continuous professional development programs. Summary: Mental health is a vital part of our overall health. It focuses on the soundness of our cognitive and behavioral functioning and it is influenced by a number of factors which could be environmental or genetic in nature. Having known its importance, it should rightfully be protected, promoted, and mainstreamed in government and nongovernmental policies, and one of which is through securing our basic human rights. However, no matter how we protect our mental health, each and every one of us has an innate susceptibility to develop a mental health concern, which has different signs and symptoms, depending on the type of concern developed. In response to mental health concerns, mental health professional and advocates use several approaches on how to dealing with these mental health problems, such as self-help, psychotherapy, and medication. Also, the Philippine government had legislated RA 11036 or the Mental Health Act which aims to strengthen the Philippine health system in catering the needs of Filipino people faced with mental disorder, as well as ensuring their rights....