Poverty and Mental Illnes

I believe that there is a strong connection between poverty and an individuals state of mind. While not universal, those who struggle in poverty experience mental illness at more frequent and acute rates than average. The most interesting aspect of this idea is the question of cause and effect. Does mental illness cause increased likelihood of poverty? Or is poverty the precursor to higher rates of mental illness? Also, is the frequency and acuteness simply the result of a lack of available treatment to the impoverished? Or is there truly an increased number of those with mental illness among those in poverty? There seems to be a complex relationship between the two.

A psychologist may be involved in researching and studying the rates of mental illness among those in poverty in comparison to both those with an average and above average income. The psychologist may work to resolve this issue by providing affordable or volunteer services to institutions in place to help those in poverty. For example, offering counselling services at shelters, supporting employment support programs, and participating in other endeavours to improve the mental health of the impoverished.

For more information and statistics see below link:
Poverty and Mental Illness - Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA)

Thanks for reading!!
Kathleen (Katie) Roller