Mental ailments - Some tendencies, but no clear pattern
Do factors like age, gender or status in society impact mental illnesses?
It will be interesting to ascertain whether there are any patterns of distribution of mental health problems based on age, income, gender or other parameters.
According to Ramakrishna Vyamajala of HomeFirst Finance, there is hardly any pattern that can be defined as any significant casual relationships. There may be some notions based on young vs old or economically independent vs dependant, but i ssues are seen coming across the spectrum and being independent of any of these external circumstances.
Ruchira Bhardwaja of Kotak Mahindra Life Insurance believes that there is pattern of distribution, especially in women and young people with poor access to social support. “Divisions between men and women in power, responsibilities (ie, different role positions), and personal characteristics are relevant for gender specific mental health issues. For example, women who earn lesser money, have jobs with lesser power and autonomy, tend to experience an overload of job and family demands more often than men. Effects of unemployment and inability to have healthy social relationships adds significant psychological stress on young adults. Improving social support among young people may serve as a protective buffer for mental health problems,” she says.
MANIFESTATION IN DIFFERENT LEVELS
Sai Suryanarayana of Fincare Small Finance Bank says mental health issues manifest themselves in different ways according to age, income, gender, etc. He points out that income levels leading to suicide attempts are higher in men given the societal setting on being the breadwinner. Low levels of income and education are also associated with higher levels of substance use.
“According to several studies, mental health and wellbeing are as important in older age as at any other time of life. Mental and neurological disorders among older adults account for 5-10% of the total disability. Around 15% of adults aged 60 and over suffer from a mental disorder,” he says.
“Recognition of mental health as a medical condition also varies as per age, education and income. Gender has a role in the differential power and control men and women have, over the socioeconomic determinants of their mental health and lives, their social position, status and treatment in society, their susceptibility and exposure to specific mental health risks,” he says.
He reveals that at Fincare, the average age is sub-30 years with 60% of staff belonging to tier 2-4 towns. The work environment is high-touch along with high-tech daily huddles, co-living with colleagues and shared sense of pride in business and these factors help manage the overall well-being of the staff.
OPEN FOR DISCUSSIONS
Shwetha Ram of Future Generali India Life Insurance says she has not personally witnessed a distinct trend based on any
of these parameters. However, she says it is worth noting that younger employees and women employees seem to be open in discussing these matters in their work ecosystem. They seem to be open to seeking help and support.
Mental illness can affect anyone and all genders, young and old, says Sunil Wariar of Future Generali India
Insurance. But not everyone experiences mental disorders the same way. It is seen that women are more likely than men to have depression, anxiety and traumatic stress-related disorders.
“There are also many social and cultural factors that play a role in mental health and wellness, such as social role expectations, discrimination, and violence. We cannot assume that differences are strictly biological, nor can we assume that they are strictly cultural. Mental illness can be caused by several factors like financial difficulties along with genetics, adverse life events or substance abuse,” he articulates.