Mental health issues can be derived from many different experiences, and can impact a person for the rest of their lives. Whether their struggles are due to abuse or trauma, mental health can also be impacted by the environment you grow up in. Rich or poor, everyone is vulnerable to developing disorders, but is there a connection between poverty and mental health?
Life in Poverty
Of course many people can live happy lives and be grateful for what they have, but a poor economic situation can increase the development of depression or anxiety. Surviving requires income, which in turn provides food, shelter, and education. Without these resources, life can become very difficult. The stress of having somewhere to live and food to eat can put tension between family members, or cause them to become discouraged. Overtime, the build up of stress, anxiety, and depression can damage a person’s mental health tremendously. In comparison, living a life with available resources needed for basic survival and pleasures can improve the moods of people, decreasing their chances of developing depressive disorders. In this situation, there are less reasons to panic financially. Without these stressors those in poverty endure, their mental state is typically in a better condition.
Lack of Treatment
When living in poverty, the last thing on one’s mind is their mental health. They are so concerned with making ends meet, that they feel it isn’t necessary or cannot afford a proper diagnosis. Without a diagnosis, there is no way of receiving the specialized treatment they need. Therefore, the cycle continues, and the next generation will consider their mental health a last priority. These circumstances of living situations can greatly weigh on a person’s mind, causing them to feel hopeless and discouraged. Facing constant high levels of stress, fear, and sadness will indefinitely damage a person’s self-esteem and sanity.
Mental health can be impacted by almost any experience, but living in inhumane conditions can often be a leading factor. To schedule an appointment, give us a call or email us through the contact us page.
