The Impact of Poverty on Mental Health


The Impact of Poverty on Mental Health
Poverty affects every aspect of life, including mental health. The stress of financial instability, lack of access to resources, and social stigma can lead to mental health challenges, making it a critical issue to address during Poverty Awareness Month.

How Poverty Affects Mental Health:

  1. Chronic Stress: Constant worry about basic needs creates long-term stress, increasing the risk of anxiety and depression.
  2. Limited Resources: Poverty often means limited access to mental health care, leaving struggles unaddressed.
  3. Stigma: The shame and isolation associated with poverty can exacerbate feelings of hopelessness.

Community Solutions:

  1. Increase Access to Care: Support programs that provide affordable mental health services.
  2. Raise Awareness: Break the stigma by talking openly about the connection between poverty and mental health.
  3. Provide Support Systems: Build community networks that offer emotional and practical help to those in need.

Understanding the intersection of poverty and mental health is essential to creating meaningful change. This month, let’s work together to ensure that no one has to face these challenges alone.


"Their entire team is FABULOUS. They have always treated me with dignity and respect. I have watched them with other clients as well and I see their genuine compassion for everyone that walks thru the door. I initially went to them because I moved to CO in late 2017 and they were the first place that had an opening. I needed a psychiatrist to keep me on my Rx. I was surprised when Dr Park spent more than 15 mins going over my past Rx history with me, as has been my experience for many years. Not only did we discuss Rx, he then spent another 45 mins talking to me as a counselor. I had never had a psychiatrist/counselor combo before and was amazed at how effective it is when your Dr hears more about what's going in your life than just the effects of your current Rx. This treatment model is not practiced by someone that doesn't care about his patients. He could offer the basics that most psychiatrists offer and still bill insurance the same amount but he wants his patients to succeed and is invested in their progress. He also doesn't believe in keeping someone in therapy forever. Even if it means less income for him, when you stabilize to the point that you have better things to do than spend 30 mins with him, it's a sign that you may be ready to engage in therapy less often and he will tell you that. Dr Park has been a life and marriage saver for me and he is amazingly efficient. He gets done in 1-2 sessions what would take 6 months for another counselor because he doesn't dance around the issues. To do this, he may be more blunt with you than you might have experienced before and that may be off putting to some. If you are ready to do the hard work to make your life enjoyable again, Dr Park is your man! He also got me hooked up with TMS. If you are someone that has struggled with depression for a long time and taken Rx that hasn't been effective, talk to someone about TMS. It's a game changer. It may sound like hokey fake science. It's not. It works and works fast. THANK YOU!"

– E.M.