Relationship between Low Socioeconomic Status and Mental Health

Vulnerable Populations

There are various factors that can make a person or population vulnerable or historically marginalized. Some of these factors include socioeconomic status, race and ethnicity, gender and sexuality, age, and disabilities. People who are low-income or living in poverty may have limited access to resources and opportunities, including healthcare, education, and employment. Minorities and people of color may experience discrimination, racism, and unequal treatment, which can lead to a lack of access to resources and opportunities. Women, members of the LGBTQ+ community, and other gender and sexual minorities may experience discrimination, violence, and harassment. Older adults and children may be vulnerable due to physical and cognitive limitations, as well as limited access to resources and opportunities. People with disabilities may experience discrimination, lack of access to resources and services, and social isolation.

As a nurse, some vulnerable or historically marginalized populations I have worked with include homeless individuals and families, people with mental illness and substance use disorders, people living with HIV/AIDS, immigrants and refugees, and victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. I would like to learn more about lower socioeconomic people with mental illnesses, so that I could explore topics such as how poverty and lack of access to resources can impact mental health, the prevalence of mental illness in low-income populations, the challenges of accessing mental health care for low-income individuals, and the impact of social determinants of health on mental health outcomes (Reiss et al., 2019).

To support patients in need of social support, psychiatric mental health, suicide hotline, domestic violence supports, shelters, food pantries, etc., here are some local agencies and community referrals that could be helpful:

1. Local food pantries

2. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)

3. National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)

4. Local homeless shelters

5. Local mental health clinics

6. Local substance abuse treatment centers

7. Local community health centers