When four-time Grand Slam singles champion Naomi Osaka abruptly withdrew from the French Open for her mental health, the world applauded her. Simone Biles, the most decorated gymnast of all time, pulled back in the Tokyo Olympics for the same reason: to take care of her mental health. Stepping down from the world stage when the odds are stacked in your favour is no less than an act of courage. While such stories are important as they inspire others to think about their mental health, they also unmask a different side of our society that is dark and concerning.
Not many can take a sabbatical to fulfil their personal wellbeing needs. Most people are less likely to have the financial support that would give them the freedom to do so. They must prioritise paying bills, putting food on the table, and earning their paycheques more than their mental health. This is the unfortunate reality of the world today. Some have the privilege of tending to their mental health, while the others have to focus on making their ends meet. It is this challenge behind the underlying disparity that the Oscar-winning Korean movie Parasite dared to underline.
The link between poverty and mental health
In countries like India, home to 1.39 billion people, mental health is not only a taboo subject but also a luxury only a privileged few can afford. Around 22% of its population lives under the poverty line. That’s 270 million people, the combined population of the UK, France, Germany, and Spain. The marginalised live in extreme conditions. They have only one choice – survive today and pray for tomorrow.
“We evolved to expect egalitarianism. With inequality, the more fortunate feel superior and easily take advantage of situations over others because they feel more deserving. The less fortunate can be plagued with self-doubt, anger and resentment. A sense of oneness with others, a component of mental health, is undermined,” says Dr Darcia Narvaez, Professor of Psychology at the University of Notre Dame.
The link between poverty and mental health is documented in several studies. A case-control study conducted in New Delhi from November 2011 to June 2012 found “that the intensity of multidimensional poverty increases for persons with severe mental illnesses (PSMI) compared to the rest of the population.” Poverty and mental health have a complex relationship. On one hand, the less fortunate can’t afford mental health support and services. On the other hand, mental health problems can nudge people into financial poverty on account of the challenges they face on a day to day basis.
Mental health can be considered a luxury for some people due to wealth disparity and financial constraints, which prioritize basic needs like food, shelter, and survival over mental well-being.
Poverty and mental health have a complex relationship. Poverty can limit access to mental health support and services, while mental health problems can lead to financial difficulties and further exacerbate poverty.
Marginalized communities, such as the LGBTQIA+ community, often face mental health challenges due to prejudice, discrimination, hate crimes, emotional abuse, and neglect.
Lack of education and limited employment opportunities can contribute to mental health problems.
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