No matter where you grew up, how you were raised or what jobs you’ve had, finances have probably been the source of your issues at some point or another. However, not having money to cover your bills, lack of access to basic living necessities, and going to bed hungry can have a significant impact on your overall quality of life, including your mental health.

Poverty goes beyond a lack of income. People who are living in poverty struggle to have consistent clothing, food and shelter. It can lead to issues such as malnutrition and unsafe living conditions. Approximately 11.5% of people in the U.S. live in poverty, which is more than 37 million people. There are also nearly 60 million adults in the U.S. who experienced mental health condition symptoms in the past year.

With such large portions of the U.S. population being affected by poverty and mental health conditions, it’s important to take a closer look at how they may be connected. 

5 ways that poverty may be a root cause for mental health condition symptoms

 With regard to how people’s mental health can be affected by poverty, it’s about recognizing the negative effects it can have on their emotional, behavioral and mental patterns that can be improved with the right support and treatment. 

Here are five ways that poverty can trigger mental health challenges:

• Persistent stress and anxiety — When a person is living in poverty, every day is filled with uncertainty and fear — worry about what food they can afford that day, when the next bill is due and how they can make more money to survive. Poverty can bring excessive stress that consumes your every thought. It can potentially cause generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). One of the symptoms of GAD is an impending sense of doom, even if there isn’t an upcoming threat. Poverty can make a person feel like there is only negativity coming.
• Difficulty finding hope for the future — Branching off the previous point, poverty can make it difficult for people to stay optimistic when they’re faced with repeated struggles. While having hope for the future can help people stay motivated, poverty can interfere with their mindset and self-esteem, making it hard to think that things can get better. Feelings of hopelessness are also one of the most prevalent symptoms of major depressive disorder.
• Lack of access to resources — People living in poverty are often struggling to gain access to the daily resources they need, such as food, shelter, water and transportation. It can also be difficult to receive the health care resources they need for both their physical and psychological well-being. If a person isn’t able to seek health care assistance, then they aren’t able to receive help for their mental health challenges. This can mean anything from being unable to afford therapy to a lack of transportation to mental wellness workshops, such as yoga at a community center. Poverty and mental health can reinforce each other. For example, poor mental health can affect a person’s capacity to work or seek better opportunities, which can perpetuate poverty.

• Prejudice and social expectations — People’s brains may make assumptions and judgments about other people. However, it’s important not to let those unfair thoughts or preconceived beliefs impact how a person treats others. When a person is living under the poverty line, other people might think, talk or act in a way toward them that’s negative, leading to that person’s emotional and mental distress. For instance, a person who looks unkept may be looked down upon as they walk by others. It can bring self-consciousness, sadness and anger.
• Physical issues — People who live in poverty often experience physical health issues that can either stem from mental health issues or be the cause of them. For example, chronic stress from trying to receive resources can lead to high blood pressure. On the other side, depression from poor living circumstances can cause muscle aches and digestive issues. Since many people in poverty don’t have access to adequate medication and health care, these issues can worsen in severity over time.

Lightfully can help when poverty is the source of mental health conditions

As we’ve said, it’s not always easy to access health care if you’re living in poverty, whether it be due to lack of local facilities, transportation or insurance. However, your mental health should always be a priority. It’s important to seek out accessible resources that can help you work toward a fulfilling future, such as nonprofit organizations and local initiatives. The right resources will work to get you the help you need, regardless of finances.

At Lightfully Behavioral Health, we want to make sure that every single person has the ability to move along their mental health journey with the proper support and treatment. Not only is our treatment in network with an extensive list of insurance providers, but we also offer free mental health resources, including an online support group. 

Change is possible. When you’re ready to take the first step, reach out to our Admissions Concierge Team. We’ll take the next steps together, toward the fullest, brightest version of you.