Referat Interkulturelle Psychiatrie und Psychotherapie, Migration - Referat Frauengesundheit und Familienpsychiatrie und -psychotherapie - in Kooperation mit der Deutsch-Türkischen Gesellschaft für Psychiatrie, Psychotherapie und Psychosoziale Gesundheit e. V. (DTGPP)
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The mental health of women is still not sufficiently taken into account although depression, anxiety, mental suffering, sexual violence, domestic violence and escalating substance use affect women more than men in different countries and different environments. Gender-specific risk factors for common mental disorders that disproportionately affect women include socio-economic disadvantage, low income and income inequality, low or subordinate social status and rank, and hugh responsibility for caring for others. The high prevalence of sexual violence suffered by women and the correspondingly high rate of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) makes women the largest single group of people affected by this disorder. Furthermore, there is a positive correlation between the frequency and severity of such psychosocial factors and the frequency and severity of mental health problems in women. The effects of long-term, cumulative psychosocial adversity on mental health have not been sufficiently studied. Therefore, knowledge should be gathered on the prevalence and causes of mental health problems in women and on the factors that mediate and protect them. Health policies have to take more into account the needs and concerns of women from childhood to old age. Furthermore, health care providers must be strengthened to identify and treat the psychological consequences of domestic violence, sexual abuse and acute and chronic stress in women. The symposium aims to contribute to improving the mental health of women.
The first speaker will talk on „The importance of men’s role in the mental health of mothers“, the second speaker will focus on „How to support mentally ill mothers“. The third speaker´s presentation will be on „Vulnerable group of immigrant mothers - how can they be engaged and
supported?", while the last speaker will highlight "Gender Inequity in Health: Why it exists and how we can change it". All presentations will be discussed with the plenum.