The concept of poverty is multidimensional; there are economic, social and political perspectives to it. From the economic point of view, poverty includes deprivation of basic necessities for living like food, clothing and shelter, unemployment, indebtedness, low educational status, low income and lack of access to quality health care. Poverty from the social perspective is a state of social marginalization, low self worth, inferiority complex and lack of dignity. Politically, poverty is observed as denied political rights and influence in political decision-making processes (Idakwoji, 2002). Poverty predisposes one to personal and environmental health risks. Being poor is related to little or no access to health care, making room for illnesses and disabilities including mental illnesses.
Mental health is a state of one’s psychological, emotional and social well-being. It is a robust determinant of how stress is handled, what choices are made and the way relationships are built and maintained. Good mental health promotes good physical health, productivity and a healthy lifestyle. On the contrary, poor mental health, otherwise called a state of mental illness, contributes to low levels of educational attainment, reduced productivity at work and poor physical health. Common mental illnesses include depression, schizophrenia and bipolar disorders. The symptoms of mental illnesses make it difficult for their victims to work, live independently and achieve a good quality of life particularly when they have little or no access to healthcare.
The mental health status of individuals is influenced by a variety of socio-economic factors. A number of these factors are inequality, unemployment levels, personal safety, relationships, parenting, economic status of the community, health and social care services. A strong link has been established between mental ill health and poverty or socio-economic disadvantage. People who are homeless, jobless or those who have to work with a slim budget to cater for family expenses have been identified to have higher risks of developing mental illnesses (Elliot, 2016). This is not to say that only the poor suffer mental illnesses. It is however worthy to note that poverty creates and thrives in environments that readily endanger one’s mental health.
Poverty may come as a consequence of mental ill health. A major challenge associated with mental illnesses within the present day society is stigmatization. Stigmatization results from misconceptions and negative attitudes towards mental illnesses. Many believe that the sole manifestations of mental illnesses include aggression, destructiveness, loquaciousness and eccentric behavior. Another wrong belief is that mental illnesses cannot be managed by the health system and therefore victims of such illnesses are considered a threat to social order and public safety. A good number of Nigerians wrongly believe that mental illnesses are a consequence of demonic possession or divine punishment. The extensive ignorance about the cause and treatments available for mental illnesses causes stigmatization. Victims of such discrimination and stigmatization suffer low self worth, inferiority complex, social isolation and marginalization. All these are attributed to social poverty.
Management of mental ill disorders attracts high health expenditure. Having to cope with symptoms and stigmatization that comes with them cumulatively reduces productivity at work. Under worse conditions, victims of mental illnesses find themselves unemployed. Their families and friends are also affected psychologically, financially and socially. This predisposes them to poverty also.
People living in poverty stand high risks of developing mental illnesses; when mentally ill, there are tendencies to drift into poverty; when poor and mentally ill, both conditions worsen each other and their negative implications are limitless. Having established this relationship, strategies to combat both conditions should revolve around preventing mental illnesses in people living in poverty, preventing poverty in people plagued by mental illnesses and helping poor people with mental illnesses to recover and to maneuver out of poverty. In other words, poverty alleviation schemes should be combined with mental health management schemes in order to make optimum impact. Some poverty alleviation schemes that can be employed include skill acquisition training, provision of loans and grants to start-up or expand businesses. These will help create job opportunities and generate income. Mental health awareness campaigns can be embarked upon for the purpose of sensitizing the general public on the peculiarities and treatment of mental illnesses. These interventions when combined will signify a better future for people living with poverty and mental illnesses.
REFERENCES
Elliot, I. (2016). Poverty and Mental Health. Mental Health Foundation.
Idakwoji, P.S. (2002). Introduction to Community Development. Available from www.caritasuni.edu.ng/pro/management/pa12.doc
Bio:
I am Ala Oluwapelumi Adebayo, a 4th year medical student at the University of Ibadan. I am passionate about bringing about a positive change in the society. This passion has inspired me to volunteer for a number of medical outreach programs where underserved communities are provided with basic medical care. It is my belief that greatness only comes with deliberate and progressive efforts. In my free time, I like to watch football, play video games and watch medical television series.
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