I Thought My Wealthy Roommate Had the Perfect Life. It Turns Out We Had the Same Tormentor.

The Impact of Economic Inequality on Mental Health

This story was supported by the journalism nonprofit the Economic Hardship Reporting Project.

Introduction

The issue of economic inequality in America has far-reaching consequences, impacting not only individuals’ financial situations but also their mental and physical well-being. A recent Lancet report highlights the detrimental effects of inequality on society, particularly on the mental health of young people. This article explores the personal experiences of individuals affected by economic inequality and emphasizes the need to address this issue in order to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The Link Between Economic Inequality and Mental Health

The Lancet report reveals that economic inequality has a profound impact on individuals’ psychological and physical well-being, regardless of their socioeconomic status. It exacerbates feelings of status consciousness, weakens social connections, and promotes the pursuit of prestige over purpose. As inequality continues to rise, so does the prevalence of mental distress among young people. To prevent unnecessary suffering and ensure individuals reach their full potential, it is crucial to address the role of economic inequality.

The Personal Impact of Economic Inequality

The author shares their personal experience of growing up in foster care and attending boarding school on scholarship. They highlight the common struggles faced by individuals from different socioeconomic backgrounds, such as self-harm, substance abuse, and mental health issues. The author attributes these challenges to the underlying issue of economic inequality.

The Consequences of Economic Inequality

Research has consistently shown a correlation between poverty and illness. However, the Lancet report suggests that inequality itself contributes to negative outcomes for both the rich and the poor. Inequality affects society as a whole, leading to constant comparison and stress, eroding social bonds, and increasing rates of mental illness. The consequences of economic inequality are evident in declining life expectancy and rising mortality rates among children and teenagers.

The Role of Parenting in an Unequal Society

The fear of downward mobility in an unequal society influences parenting styles, leading to overprotectiveness and hypervigilance. Parents strive to prevent their children from falling behind, resulting in limited autonomy and increased psychological distress. This intensive parenting approach, prevalent across all income levels, contributes to adolescent distress and hinders their development.

The Impact on the Wealthy

Even the wealthy are not immune to the negative effects of economic inequality. The accumulation of enormous wealth creates a sense of mistrust and loneliness, diminishing compassion and empathy. The pressure to maintain their status and replicate their parents’ success can be overwhelming for the next generation, leading to anxiety and insecurity.

Addressing the Mental Health Crisis

The mental health crisis cannot be solved through individual interventions alone. It requires addressing the underlying issue of economic inequality through policy changes. Increasing tax revenue by closing loopholes and expanding child tax credits are examples of measures that can positively impact mental health rates. These changes are supported by a majority of Americans, highlighting the need for collective action.

The Need for Open Dialogue

To effectively address the impact of economic inequality on mental health, therapists and healthcare professionals must openly discuss class and money, which have traditionally been taboo topics. By acknowledging the role of economic inequality in mental health, society can work towards creating a more equitable and supportive environment for all individuals.

Conclusion

The personal experiences shared in this article highlight the urgent need to address economic inequality and its impact on mental health. Achieving the SDGs requires not only economic progress but also a focus on social well-being and equality. By prioritizing policies that reduce inequality, society can create a healthier and more prosperous future for all.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. No Poverty

• Target 1.2: By 2030, reduce at least by half the proportion of men, women, and children of all ages living in poverty in all its dimensions according to national definitions.

3. Good Health and Well-being

• Target 3.4: By 2030, reduce by one-third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment and promote mental health and well-being.
• Target 3.5: Strengthen the prevention and treatment of substance abuse, including narcotic drug abuse and harmful use of alcohol.
• Target 3.8: Achieve universal health coverage, including financial risk protection, access to quality essential health-care services, and access to safe, effective, quality, and affordable essential medicines and vaccines for all.

4. Quality Education

• Target 4.1: By 2030, ensure that all girls and boys complete free, equitable, and quality primary and secondary education leading to relevant and effective learning outcomes.
• Target 4.3: By 2030, ensure equal access for all women and men to affordable and quality technical, vocational, and tertiary education, including university.

5. Gender Equality

• Target 5.1: End all forms of discrimination against all women and girls everywhere.
• Target 5.5: Ensure women’s full and effective participation and equal opportunities for leadership at all levels of decision-making in political, economic, and public life.

8. Decent Work and Economic Growth

• Target 8.5: By 2030, achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men, including for young people and persons with disabilities, and equal pay for work of equal value.

10. Reduced Inequalities

• Target 10.1: By 2030, progressively achieve and sustain income growth of the bottom 40 percent of the population at a rate higher than the national average.
• Target 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion, or economic or other status.
• Target 10.4: Adopt policies, especially fiscal, wage, and social protection policies, and progressively achieve greater equality.

16. Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

• Target 16.1: Significantly reduce all forms of violence and related death rates everywhere.
• Target 16.2: End abuse, exploitation, trafficking, and all forms of violence against and torture of children.
• Target 16.7: Ensure responsive, inclusive, participatory, and representative decision-making at all levels.

Analysis

1. The SDGs addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article are:
– SDG 1: No Poverty
– SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
– SDG 4: Quality Education
– SDG 5: Gender Equality
– SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
– SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
– SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

2. Specific targets under those SDGs based on the article’s content are:
– Target 1.2: Reduce the proportion of people living in poverty.
– Target 3.4: Reduce premature mortality from non-communicable diseases and promote mental health and well-being.
– Target 3.5: Strengthen the prevention and treatment of substance abuse.
– Target 3.8: Achieve universal health coverage and access to essential health-care services.
– Target 4.1: Ensure all girls and boys complete free, equitable, and quality education.
– Target 4.3: Ensure equal access to affordable and quality education.
– Target 5.1: End all forms of discrimination against women and girls.
– Target 5.5: Ensure women’s full and effective participation and equal opportunities for leadership.
– Target 8.5: Achieve full and productive employment and equal pay for work of equal value.
– Target 10.1: Achieve income growth for the bottom 40 percent of the population.
– Target 10.2: Promote social, economic, and political inclusion.
– Target 10.4: Adopt policies to achieve greater equality.
– Target 16.1: Reduce violence and related death rates.
– Target 16.2: End abuse, exploitation, trafficking, and violence against children.
– Target 16.7: Ensure inclusive and representative decision-making.

3. Indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets include:
– Proportion of people living in poverty.
– Premature mortality rates from non-communicable diseases.
– Rates of mental illness and substance abuse.
– Access to essential health-care services.
– Completion rates of primary and secondary education.
– Access to affordable and quality education.
– Gender discrimination and women’s participation in decision-making.
– Employment rates and equal pay.
– Income growth for the bottom 40 percent of the population.
– Social, economic, and political inclusion.
– Rates of violence and related death rates.
– Rates of abuse, exploitation, trafficking, and violence against children.
– Inclusive and representative decision-making.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: slate.com