Mental health issues disproportionately impact women due to a range of biological, social, and environmental factors. Women are nearly twice as likely as men to experience depression and anxiety, partly due to hormonal fluctuations, reproductive health challenges, and gender-based violence (American Psychiatric Association, 2022). Gender-based violence including domestic violence, sexual harassment, sexual assault, and human trafficking are major risk factors for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other trauma-related disorders and contribute to chronic stress, increased susceptibility to depression and anxiety (World Health Organization [WHO], 2021).
Despite growing awareness, Ontario’s mental health care system does not clearly address gender-specific needs. The Canadian Women’s Health Network identified the lack of trauma-informed care, which is critical for women who have experienced violence. Accessible and affordable mental health care for marginalized communities remains especially limited (Canadian Mental Health Association [CMHA], Ontario, 2023).
Ontario’s Mental Health Act (MHA) does not effectively address modern crises, including homelessness, opioid addiction, and the unique challenges faced by women accessing mental health care. Current legislation restricts the use of involuntary treatment for individuals with severe mental health and addiction issues resulting in many women cycling through temporary care without receiving the long-term support needed for recovery. Misuse of extended involuntary admission periods, with potential risk for women to be held against their will requires safeguards to prevent abuse and ensure the ethical application of extended admission periods. Balancing the need for effective interventions with protections for vulnerable individuals must be addressed explicitly in any reforms. Advocacy groups and Ontario mayors have called for reforms to the MHA and the Health Care Consent Act to expand involuntary treatment options and improve access to trauma-informed, gender-specific care. These reforms must also prioritize addressing systemic inequities and societal factors that disproportionately impact women’s mental health, particularly those from marginalized communities who are most at risk (Canadian Mental Health Association, Ontario, 2023). References
American Psychiatric Association. (2022). Depression and anxiety: Overview and statistics. https://www.psychiatry.org
Canadian Mental Health Association, Ontario. (2023). Advocating for mental health care reform. https://www.ontario.cmha.ca
Canadian Women’s Foundation. (2021). The Gendered Impacts of COVID-19 on Women and Girls in Canada. https://canadianwomen.org/the-gendered-impacts-of-covid-19-on-women-and-girls-in-canada/
Centre for Addiction and Mental Health. (2022). Impact of COVID-19 on women’s mental health. https://www.camh.ca
McLean Hospital. (2023). Eating disorders and co-occurring mental health challenges in women. https://www.mcleanhospital.org
Ontario Psychiatric Association. (2023). Mental health law reform campaign. https://eopa.ca/
World Economic Forum. (2023). Global Gender Gap Report 2023. World Economic Forum. https://www.weforum.org/reports/global-gender-gap-report-2023
World Health Organization. (2021). Gender disparities in mental health. Retrieved from https://www.who.int
