Socioeconomic inequalities and mental health

‘Inequalities can have an impact on mental health and can even cause it.’

Socioeconomic status is a broad term with no universal definition. It has to do with social class, social status, occupational status, educational attainment, income, wealth, and living standards of individuals. People who come from a poorer social background and have a lower socioeconomic level are more prone to suffer from psychiatric illness. Depression and anxiety disorders are significantly connected with socioeconomic disadvantage. 

Those who are poor or have financial insecurity should be a top priority for preventative intervention. Stress and social problems associated with poverty and debt might not only cause mental health problems but can also exacerbate existing mental health issues and prevent rehabilitation.

Tackling socioeconomic inequalities to reduce mental health problems:

Action can be undertaken at three levels- structural measures, strengthening community assets and increasing individual and group resilience. 

Actions to alter the social and economic influences that can contribute to mental health disorders are referred to as structural measures. Initiatives to reduce income disparity, poverty, unemployment, domestic violence, discrimination, and homelessness are examples of such initiatives.

Activities that enhance social connectedness, improve communal surroundings, foster participation in community decision-making, and increase awareness of both risk factors and community resources to support mental health and wellbeing are among the measures to strengthen community assets.

 Individual-level interventions might include instruction about how to take care of one’s mental health, peer support, and demonstrating how people can contribute to the mental health of their communities and families.

We all have a part to play in pushing for change, as well as in our actions. We can all help to reduce the impact of social and economic inequality by being active participants in our communities, communicating the desire for resilient neighborhoods, and preserving connections with our friends and families. As a result, policies and actions supporting mental health can coincide with people’s objectives and activities, resulting in resilient communities where everyone can thrive equitably.

Importance of Professional Counseling: A friend or family member may listen to you, but they aren’t professionally, technically qualified or experienced to offer you professional advice. If you wish you can contact us at MindTribe to receive help from our team of expert psychologists.

About MindTribe.in.

MindTribe Founder Dr. Prerna Kohli, India’s eminent psychologist, established the company to leverage the strength of the online to make counseling affordable and accessible to everyone. MindTribe provides counseling, workshops, support groups, forums, and eLearning.

About the Author.

Deeksha Dureja is a psychologist at MindTribe.in. You can learn more about her by clicking here

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of MindTribe.in, the Founders, or management team.

Acknowledgement: All images used are open source and from Unsplash.

 

Nous vous invitons…

Nous vous invitons à prendre rendez-vous avec un de nos psychologues, psychothérapeutes et psychopraticiens afin de faire un premier pas vers le changement que vous désirez. Si vous désirez obtenir de plus amples informations ou si vous avez des questions, n’hésitez pas à nous téléphoner. Vous pouvez prendre un rendez-vous par téléphone ou en envoyant un email au cabinet des Psychologues de Paris 9 (à l’attention du psychologue ou psychothérapeute de votre choix).