poverty and mental health
breaking the cycle of hardship starts with tackling the link between poverty and mental health
Poverty significantly impacts mental health, often creating a cycle where financial hardship worsens emotional difficulties. Addressing the relationship between poverty and mental health is crucial for better wellbeing.
People living in poverty frequently experience higher levels of stress, anxiety and depression due to financial uncertainty, limited access to resources and social isolation. These factors can create a challenging environment where maintaining mental health becomes increasingly difficult. This is particularly concerning as almost a quarter of children in Scotland are living in relative poverty.
By understanding how financial difficulties influence mental wellbeing, society can better support those in need and provide them with access to appropriate care and resources.
Common myths about poverty and mental health
people in poverty can easily improve their mental health by working harder
Poverty creates numerous barriers, such as limited access to mental health services and the daily struggle to meet basic needs, which can make it difficult to manage mental health.
poverty only affects mental health in adults
Children and adolescents growing up in poverty are also at greater risk for mental health issues, including anxiety, eating disorders and depression.
mental health services are accessible to everyone,
regardless of income
Financial constraints, lack of safety nets and long waiting times often prevent people in poverty from accessing the mental health care they need.
How is poverty linked to mental health?
The connection between poverty and mental health is well-documented. Living in poverty exposes individuals to a variety of stressors, including food insecurity, homelessness, unemployment, coping with the end of work and lack of access to healthcare. These ongoing challenges place immense pressure on mental health and contribute to the development of mental health conditions like depression, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and anxiety.
Moreover, specific holidays like Christmas can amplify the financial strain on those already struggling. The pressure to spend on gifts, festive activities and social events can lead to feelings of inadequacy and increased stress.
The social exclusion often linked to poverty compounds mental health struggles. People may feel marginalised or stigmatised due to their financial circumstances, leading to feelings of low self-worth, isolation and hopelessness. Without adequate resources, many individuals in poverty cannot access the mental health support they need, allowing issues to worsen over time.
What is the emotional impact of poverty?
The emotional toll of poverty can be devastating. Constant pressure to provide for basic needs like food, housing and general day-to-day living can often lead to chronic stress and exhaustion.
This distress can leave individuals feeling overwhelmed and trapped in their circumstances. In addition to the immediate emotional challenges, poverty often leads to feelings of hopelessness and powerlessness, making it harder for individuals to believe that their situation can improve.
That is why recognising the stigma associated with poverty and mental health is also vital. Open conversations about the impact of poverty on mental wellbeing can help destigmatise the issue and encourage people to seek support when they need it most.
How to help yourself
There are ways to manage mental health despite the challenges of poverty:
- Seek support: Many organisations offer free or affordable mental health services and financial advice. Reaching out can help alleviate some of the emotional burden. We have provided a list of support options at the bottom of this page.
- Benefits: If you live in Scotland, you might be eligible for certain benefits if you are living in poverty. You can read more about it on the Social Security Scotland website or you can contact one of our advisers.
- Build a support network: Surround yourself with people who understand and care about your situation. Having a reliable support system can help reduce feelings of isolation.
- Focus on self-care: Prioritise small but meaningful acts of self-care, such as going for a walk, practising mindfulness or grounding techniques, or simply taking time for yourself. These habits can provide moments of relief and improve mental wellbeing over time.
Poverty and mental health are closely linked. However, by raising awareness and providing accessible support, it is possible to break this cycle and improve the mental wellbeing of individuals affected by poverty.
support
Asking for help can help relieve the burden of both financial difficulties and loneliness. Speak to family and friends if you haven’t done so already, as this can relieve stress and help with poor mental health.
Our Advice and Support Service can help with a free budget planner and a mental health and money toolkit, courtesy of Mental Health and Money Advice. It is open Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm closed for lunch between 12.30pm and 1.30pm), where advisers can signpost you to local support that most fits your needs, including our own Change Mental Health services. We offer initial advice on money worries and help to deal with emergencies.
Contact 0808 8010 515, email us at advice@changemh.org or fill out the enquiry form on the Advice and Support Service page.
Other support
StepChange is a charity specialising in helping people through debt and provide free debt advice.
The Poverty Alliance is a network working to combat poverty in Scotland.
Citizens Advice Scotland offers free advice on financial worries, housing and legal rights among other services.
