Recent government policies aimed at economic growth have begun to have adverse effects on the mental health of people living in poverty. According to a new report presented by Olivier De Schutter, special rapporteur on extreme poverty and human rights, a concerning “tidal wave of poor mental health” is being triggered among the most vulnerable citizens due to the obsession with increasing gross domestic product (GDP).
The report reveals that around 970 million people worldwide, equivalent to 11% of the global population, suffer from some form of mental disorder. What is particularly alarming is that people with low incomes are up to three times more likely to suffer from mental health problems such as depression and anxiety compared to those with higher economic resources.
De Schutter emphasizes that while mental exhaustion is increasingly recognized as a problem in various professional sectors, the situation is even more critical for people living in poverty. This group is often employed in informal and precarious jobs, lacking the necessary resources to address the mental health crisis that affects them and is often overlooked.
During an interview, the rapporteur highlighted how existing inequalities generate constant anxiety in this segment of the population. The fear of losing what little they have produces a permanent state of stress that can lead to depression and other mental disorders.
Furthermore, the report emphasizes that labor flexibility, a strategy frequently used to promote economic growth, has had a negative impact on the quality of life of low-income workers. The elimination of stable contracts and the increase in part-time jobs have reduced job security and wages, thus increasing the mental suffering of these individuals.
De Schutter stressed that in the current economic structure, unemployment could sometimes be a healthier option than accepting precarious employment. Although being unemployed can also increase the risk of mental health problems, the stress of unstable work and adverse working conditions is often more damaging.
In a call to action, the special rapporteur urged governments to take urgent measures to combat precarious work, suggesting the implementation of legal protections that guarantee decent employment and adequate wages. He also recommended creating a system that provides workers with advance notice of their schedules and ensures a minimum number of working hours for those with part-time jobs.
The report also suggests that the implementation of a universal basic income could be an effective solution to improve the mental health of people living in poverty, providing them with unconditional economic support that would significantly contribute to their well-being.
In conclusion, De Schutter argues that the relentless pursuit of growth has resulted in an economy that, instead of eradicating poverty, has intensified extreme inequality and caused devastating consequences for the mental health of the population, affecting both the most disadvantaged sectors and the middle class. The rapporteur warns that to effectively address this situation, it is crucial to prioritize social needs and the well-being of people over unbridled economic growth.
Referrer: MiMub in Spanish
