Mental Health: Gender Matters

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(Free-Press-Release.com) October 8, 2009 -- Montreal (Canada), 8 October, 2009 -- Girls Action Foundation has published a study that examines how gender, poverty, racialization, Aboriginal status, and other factors can affect mental health. It provides recommendations and practices to promote mental health and well-being for girls and young women.

The Need for a Gender-Sensitive Approach to the Mental Health of Young Canadians

This 24-page study presents current Canadian research on mental health, based on data collected through national and provincial surveys and it provides a snapshot of mental health among young Canadians aged 10 to 24. It was created to help inform and increase the effectiveness of policies, programs and services designed to promote mental health and prevent mental illness among young people.

What is a gender and diversity-sensitive approach?
A gender and diversity-sensitive approach facilitates a holistic understanding of the diversity of girls’ experiences due to experiences of poverty, Aboriginal status, ethno-racial background, sexual orientation, newcomer status, and other diversities.

Why does gender matter?
• 44% of young women are likely to report feeling constantly stressed (versus 28.7% of young men)

• 14% of Aboriginal girls are likely to feel seriously distressed (versus 10% of the general population of girls)
• Female-to-male incidence of depression averages 2 to 1 and young women are twice as likely to be hospitalized
• Racialized girls experience challenges when accessing services intended to support young people
• Newcomer and refugee girls face additional stresses related to settlement, and/or surviving trauma

“Canada is celebrated for its diversity, yet our individual diversity is valued and responded to differently,” says Girls Action Foundation Executive Director, Tatiana Fraser . “These differences contribute to inequities in young peoples’ health outcomes and their access to health services.”

To read The need for a gender-sensitive approach to the mental health of young Canadians , please follow this link:
http://girlsactionfoundation.org/en/en/gender-matters-girls-action-foundation-research-adds-call-inclusion-gender-mental-health

GIRLS ACTION FOUNDATION

Founded in 1995, Girls Action Foundation is a national charitable organization that inspires and supports the empowerment, leadership and healthy development of girls and young women across Canada. Through its innovative programs, research, and support to a network of over 200 partnering organizations and projects, Girls Action Foundation reaches over 60,000 girls and young women annually providing opportunities to build their strength, discover their power and gain the confidence they need to bring their gifts to the world.

Aboriginal     Canada     depression     diversity     gender     girls     mental health     Poverty     well-being     young women