Mental health and gender bias

 A study from the University of Texas found that by not acknowledging our emotions we’re actually making them stronger.For example, you might be angry at your friend for something he said, but if you don't say it then and there, afterwards it could lead to an emotional outburst, which would hurt both you friend and you.

Not only men and women but all the genders which are not recognized or given enough consideration, who suffer social exclusion lead to poor mental health. Research suggests that the physical, emotional and mental health of children exposed to social exclusion can be compromised. Children who have been socially excluded influences a variety of outcomes, including lower immune function, reduced sleep quality, reduced ability to calm oneself in times of distress, reduced self-esteem, feelings of anxiety, depression, aggression, self-regulation pro-social behaviour, attentional processes and attitude formation. In extreme events of social exclusion, it causes a period of temporary analgesia, similar to how the body copes with severe physical injury which is both physical and emotional (DeWall, Deckman, Pond & Bonser, 2011). Social exclusion affect the mental health of an individual that leads to aggression, anti-social behaviour, lack of self-control , negative attitude and need of attention.

Conclusively, gender discrimination leads to adverse effects on our mental health. All these small statements we make which generalizes genders like only women cry, that women are inferior to men, or about we should dress, all these standards we have to follow have deep rooted effects on our mental health thus overall health. 

One of my all time favourite quotes- “The greatest discovery of all time is that a person can change his future by merely changing his attitude” -Oprah Winfrey. We just have to change our attitude towards all the genders, no gender is superior and every person has the right to live the way they want, whether they want to wear their heart on their sleeves or be selective about opening their hearts, it should be their choice. Change begins from ourself, if we change ourself and appeals others to change themselves, this could solve a lot of problems.

-Rimjhim Gautam