ABSTRACT
This chapter explores some of the issues that surround sexuality, gender and sexual orientation, with a view to enabling mental health nurses to respond to people’s expressions of sexuality in a more informed and sensitive manner. Evidence indicates that the impact of gender is compounded by its interrelationship with social, structural and economic determinants of health, such as income, education, housing and employment. Many of the negative experiences that expose women to mental health issues arise from their unequal position and status within society, which has led to subjugation, discrimination and violations of their rights, including sexual and reproductive rights. Gender differences are not only present in the determinants of mental distress and type of diagnosis men and women receive, but are also evident in emotional expression and patterns of help-seeking. Studies reveal gender difference in the gendered nature of treatment and care offered to men and women.
