Poverty and mental disorders: a terrible vicious circle

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Extract from the article: Il existe un lien entre la pauvreté et troubles psychologiques. En fait, ces deux éléments se renforcent mutuellement. Il est nécessaire de prendre des mesures concrètes, et ceci rapidement, parce que la vie chère accentue encore le problème.

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There is a link between poverty and psychological disorders. In fact, the two reinforce each other. Concrete measures need to be taken, and quickly, because the high cost of living makes the problem even worse.

The combination of financial difficulties and psychological problems can lead a person into a spiral from which it is very difficult to escape. « Poverty and mental disorders are two closely related problems. People living in poverty have an increased risk of developing mental disorders, while people with mental disorders are more likely to live in poverty », says Dr Bêkeyi Sogoyou, Expert in Clinical and Health Psychology.

Poverty and mental disorders

According to a WHO study, people living in poverty are three times more likely to develop mental disorders than those with higher incomes. In addition, a 2018 study by the National Institute of Mental Health in the US found that poverty was a significant risk factor for mental disorders, particularly depression and anxiety.

Stressors associated with poverty can have a significant impact on mental health. According to a study published in the « British Medical Journal », people living in poverty have high levels of stress, low self-esteem and feelings of hopelessness about their situation. « These factors can contribute to the development of mental disorders, such as depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder. In addition, poverty can also lead to physical health problems, such as malnutrition and illness, which can have an impact on a person's mental health », says the clinical and health psychology expert.

Poverty is detrimental to mental and physical health for various reasons. Obviously, the lack of financial stability is a source of great anxiety and uncertainty.

Bad for productivity

Psychological disorders can also, among other things, lead to severe concentration problems and fatigue, which affects productivity. The stigma associated with mental disorders reduces opportunities in the labour market. In addition, anxiety and depression can have a negative influence on buying behaviour and investment decisions. According to Dr Bêkeyi Sogoyou, « mental disorders can make it difficult to maintain a stable job or work full time, which can lead to reduced income and financial difficulties. In addition, mental health care can be expensive, and people without adequate health insurance may have difficulty accessing it ». Finally, she says, the social stigma and prejudice associated with mental disorders can lead to discrimination in the workplace and in other aspects of life. This can also lead to persistent poverty.

What can be done?

The expert believes that « anti-poverty programmes can include affordable and accessible mental health services for those who need them. Mental health programmes can also include financial assistance to help people with mental health problems maintain employment and move out of poverty ». Finally, « public awareness and education about mental health problems can help reduce the stigma and prejudice associated with these disorders, which in turn can help improve employment prospects and reduce poverty », she recommends.

The mental health and quality of life of millions of people living in poverty can be improved.

William O.