Gender dysphoria is the term used to describe deep feelings of distress, unease, and discomfort because one’s biological sex does not align with their gender identity, or the gender they view themselves as. Gender dysphoria is a recognized condition in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), and…
Coping with a mental health condition is often anything but easy—and it seems as though gender may play a significant role in the development of mental health concerns and an individual’s battle with mental health. For women, their perceptions of themselves, as well as the preconceptions of others, may influence…
As you may know, there are gender disparities in mental health. Why? Because men and women have biological, environmental, and societal differences, all of which play important roles in our health and wellbeing. And one common theme is that women are more likely to seek mental health help than men….
Major depression is one of the most prevalent mental illnesses in our world today. According to Mental Health America (MHA), more than 16 million people in the US are affected by major depression in any given year. And while people all sexes can develop this condition, it is more widespread…
Most of us could probably agree that social media can damage self-esteem—especially in women. Think about it: every magazine has a slender woman on the cover and a story within about how she lost the weight—and how you can, too. Additionally, TV shows and movies cast female leads that make…
Playing sports might protect boys from depression. A study from the journal Biological Psychiatry examined how exercise might impact the development of depression in children. It analyzed over 4,000 kids ages 9 to 11 and saw that sports participation was linked to fewer depression symptoms specifically in boys. Researchers found…
Substance abuse is a serious disease that plagues the lives of both men and women. It is characterized by problems controlling use of a substance (alcohol or drugs), failure to quit even when it affects important areas of life, and the development of cravings, tolerance, and withdrawal when use of…
Women generally favor warmer temperatures, while men prefer it cooler. Why? A new study says it’s about more than just comfort—room temperature actually affects the two gender’s cognitive abilities differently. Researchers from the USC Marshal School of Business conducted an experiment with 542 students: 60% were male and 40% were…
Alcohol use disorder or AUD diminishes men’s ability to process their emotions. This effect isn’t as significant in women. Researchers from Boston University School of Medicine used MRIs to analyze brain activity in individuals with AUD. They found that the experiences and mechanisms of AUD are different for the two…
Women find same-sex social interactions more rewarding than men do. This discovery could change how mental illnesses, like depression, are treated in women. Researchers from Georgia State University found that women are more sensitive to the rewards of oxytocin, a chemical released during social interactions. The team observed that the…
My brother and I are polar opposites. He has always been the social butterfly, the one that everybody knows. He thrives off of going out with his friends, making decent money at his job, and spending a pretty penny on luxuries for himself. I, on the other hand, have always…
She’s always been insecure but these anxieties have worsened with age: she’s uncertain about how her short hair accentuates her oval face; she questions how her preference for baggy sweatshirts affects her attractiveness; she’s confused about her equal love for sports and for shopping; and mostly, she wonders how she…
