.png)
By: Fatima Saeed Khan
Introduction
The relationship between poverty and mental health is a complex issue that has gained increasing attention in recent years. Poverty is not merely a lack of financial resources; it encompasses a range of factors, including social exclusion, lack of access to education and healthcare, and exposure to violence and environmental stressors. These factors collectively contribute to the deterioration of mental health, creating a vicious cycle that is difficult to break.
The impact of poverty on mental health is pervasive.
Research has consistently shown that individuals living in poverty are at a higher risk of developing mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, and substance abuse. Financial stress, unemployment, and housing instability contribute to chronic stress, which in turn affects mental health. A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that individuals experiencing financial hardship were significantly more likely to suffer from severe mental health issues compared to those with stable financial conditions.
Moreover, poverty often limits access to mental health care. In many low-income communities, mental health services are either unavailable or unaffordable. According to the World Health Organization, the treatment gap for mental health disorders is particularly wide in low-income countries, where up to 85% of people with severe mental health conditions receive no treatment at all.
Exposure to poverty during childhood can lead to long-term psychological consequences. A longitudinal study by Costello et al. found that children who grow up in poverty are more likely to experience mental health issues in adulthood. Social determinants of health, such as education, employment, and housing, play a significant role in the mental health outcomes of individuals living in poverty.
Conclusion
Addressing the correlation between poverty and mental health requires a multidimensional approach. Policymakers must prioritise mental health services and ensure they are accessible and affordable for all individuals, regardless of their socio-economic status. Community-based programs that provide support and resources for those in poverty can help mitigate the impact of financial stress on mental health. Furthermore, efforts to reduce stigma and promote awareness about mental health are essential for encouraging individuals to seek help.
References
Costello, E. Jane, et al. "Relationships Between Poverty and Psychopathology: A Natural Experiment." JAMA, vol. 290, no. 15, 2003, pp. 2023-2029.
Marmot, Michael. "Social Determinants of Health Inequalities." The Lancet, vol. 365, no. 9464, 2005, pp. 1099-1104.
World Health Organization. "Mental Health Atlas 2021." WHO, 2021, https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240036703.
"Poverty and Mental Health." WHO, 2019, https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/mental-health-and-poverty.
Reiss, Franziska. "Socioeconomic Inequalities and Mental Health Problems in Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Review." Social Science & Medicine, vol. 90, 2013, pp. 24-31.
Comments