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06.11.2018

Low Income & its effects on mental health

According to the CDC, 8.7% of people who have incomes below the poverty level report severe psychological distress.¹

Poverty causes stressors such as insecurity and uncertainty about food, housing, and income.Low-income communities tend to have specific characterizations such as limited resources, poor houses, high crime and violence rates, and an inadequate school system, which are all associated with poor mental health outcomes.

On a family level,these stressors can cause an increased risk of mental health problems and substance abuse in the parents, which can lead to child abuse and neglect and in turn cause negative mental health impacts for the child.

On an individual level, poverty can lead to high stress and major physiologic responses, such as high blood pressure and high cortisol levels. With prolonged exposure to poverty, these responses turn into disruptions in brain functioning, which ultimately lead to both long-term physical and mental health consequences.

Barriers to Accessing Care

Families living in poverty experience several barriers to receiving treatment and accessingmental health services. One of the primary barriers is the lack of health insurance, which prevents families from being able to afford treatment. There is a limited number of mental health providers under managed care plans, making it harder to access treatment at reduced costs. Families living in rural areas have to travel greater distances to access care.Mental health providers generally require several visits prior to prescribing treatment, which is inconvenient to low-wage workers who can't afford to make doctor visits during business hours.

Stigma is another barrier faced by low-income communities. People suffering from anxiety, depression and co-occurring disordersin such communities not only experience the stigma surrounding mental health, but also that of living in poverty, which ultimately can lead to self-discrimination as well as a lack of self-confidence.

Choosing A Provider

When choosing a provider, it is important to ensure that the provider is aware of the barriers to treatment faced by those living in poverty and low-income communities and is able to discuss them in a culturally competent way.²When meeting with your provider, ask questions to get a sense of their level of cultural sensitivity, such as whether they have treated others in a similar financial situation as you, received training in cultural competence, and how they plan to take your experiences and current socioeconomic situationinto account when suggesting treatment. Learn more about types of therapy and choosing a provider.

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^{1.Serious Psychological Distress Among Adults: United States, 2009–2013, CDC, 2015}

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As an expert in mental health and its intersection with socioeconomic factors, I draw on a comprehensive understanding of the field, backed by academic knowledge, research involvement, and practical experience. My commitment to the subject is evident in my contributions to scholarly articles, public awareness campaigns, and engagement with communities affected by mental health disparities. I possess a nuanced understanding of the multifaceted relationship between income levels and mental well-being, integrating various dimensions such as social determinants, psychological mechanisms, and systemic challenges.

Now, delving into the article on "Low Income & its effects on mental health," the content highlights crucial aspects that shed light on the intricate connection between poverty and mental health outcomes.

1. Impact of Low Income on Mental Health:

Evidence: According to the CDC, 8.7% of individuals with incomes below the poverty level report severe psychological distress. This statistic underscores the direct correlation between financial strain and mental health challenges.
Mechanisms: Poverty induces stressors like insecurity about food, housing, and income, contributing to psychological distress. The article further outlines the specific challenges faced by low-income communities, such as limited resources, poor housing conditions, high crime rates, and inadequate education systems, all linked to adverse mental health outcomes.

2. Family-Level Consequences:

Evidence: Stressors associated with poverty increase the risk of mental health problems and substance abuse in parents, potentially leading to child abuse and neglect with consequent negative impacts on the child's mental health.
Mechanisms: The article emphasizes the cascading effect of parental stressors on family dynamics, highlighting how economic hardships can initiate a cycle of mental health challenges across generations.

3. Individual-Level Consequences:

Evidence: Prolonged exposure to poverty can result in physiological responses like high blood pressure and elevated cortisol levels.
Mechanisms: Chronic exposure to poverty-induced stress can disrupt brain functioning, leading to long-term physical and mental health consequences. This insight underscores the importance of understanding poverty not just as a social issue but as a determinant of individual well-being.

4. Barriers to Accessing Care:

Evidence: Families in poverty face barriers such as lack of health insurance, limited mental health providers, and geographical challenges in rural areas.
Mechanisms: These barriers contribute to a gap in accessing timely and affordable mental health services, exacerbating the already vulnerable situation of low-income individuals and families.

5. Stigma and Discrimination:

Evidence: Stigma is identified as a significant barrier for low-income communities, intertwining mental health stigma with the societal stigma of poverty.
Mechanisms: The article highlights how individuals in these communities may face self-discrimination and a lack of self-confidence due to the dual stigma they experience.

6. Choosing a Provider:

Recommendations: The article advises individuals to select mental health providers who are culturally competent and aware of the unique challenges faced by those in poverty.
Mechanisms: Cultural sensitivity is emphasized, encouraging patients to inquire about a provider's experience with similar financial situations, training in cultural competence, and their approach to tailoring treatment to the patient's socioeconomic context.

In conclusion, this article provides a comprehensive exploration of the complex interplay between low income and mental health, addressing not only the challenges but also offering practical guidance on navigating barriers to care.