Poverty intersects with mental health and addiction in complex ways. People who have mental illnesses are often more likely to experience material poverty (Saraceno & Barbui, 1997). However, the experience of living in poverty also leads to mental health issues (Johnston & Kalinowski, 2017). Individuals report suffering from depression and anxiety due to not being able to find stable employment (Johnston & Kalinowski, 2017). Sometimes, individuals who appear to be in poverty because of an addiction are trying to cope with a more complex mental illness such as schizophrenia (Johnston & Kalinowski, 2017). The relationship between poverty and mental health/addiction is a complicated two-way street that requires innovative research and policy solutions.

 

Resources

Mental health impact of coronavirus pandemic hits marginalized groups hardest

Give Us a Chance to Succeed: Voices from the Margins - The report of the April 2016 Hamilton Social Audit

How do we Boost Employment Outcomes for Neurodiverse Albertans? (University of Calgary - School of Public Policy)

Psychology Matters Issue Brief: Poverty and Mental Health (2016)

Mental Illness and Addiction: Facts and Statistics

The Mental Health Strategy for Canada: A Youth Perspective

Mental Health and Well-Being of Recent Immigrants in Canada: Evidence from the Longitudinal Survey of Immigrants to Canada