Income inequality is important because there are threefold differences in the proportion of the population suffering from mental illness between more and less equal countries. As well as, physical health is better, levels of trust higher and violence lower in societies where income is more equally distributed. Anxiety disorders, impulse–control disorders and severe illness are all strongly correlated with inequality, mood disorders less so. Rates of mental illness vary substantially between rich societies. The percentage of all mental illnesses that are anxiety disorders is itself significantly higher in more unequal countries.
Non-communicable illness is responsible for 88% of the burden of disease in England, with the majority falling most heavily on the poorest in society. Quantifying health inequalities can be difficult due to the complexities of comparing people with multiple different long-term conditions (multimorbidity) and assessing the implications for their health care needs.
People living in more deprived areas experience a higher level of diagnosed illness on average.
A 60-year-old women in the most deprived areas has the same level of diagnosed morbidity as a 76-year-old women in the least deprived areas. Men have lower levels of socioeconomic inequality in diagnosed ill health at the same age, with a 10-year disparity in diagnosed illness compared with 16 years for women.
Your socioeconomic status can significantly impact your physical and mental well-being. Poverty and ill health are not isolated issues; they are deeply intertwined, forming a vicious cycle that can be incredibly difficult to break.
The anxiety caused by financial poverty can affect your health.
Poverty creates an environment where ill health can thrive in numerous ways. Affordable food options are often high in processed ingredients, sugar, and unhealthy fats, leading to malnutrition, obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. Fresh fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins can be prohibitively expensive. Damp, overcrowded, and poorly insulated living conditions increase the risk of respiratory illnesses, infections, and mental health problems. Exposure to cold and mould can have long-lasting health consequences. Low-income communities are often located near sources of pollution, such as factories or busy roads, leading to higher rates of respiratory problems and other health issues. Lack of access to quality education can result in lower health literacy, making it harder for individuals to understand health information and make informed decisions about their well-being.
Illness can lead to sick leave, reduced productivity, and even job loss. This loss of income further exacerbates financial hardship and makes it harder to afford healthcare and other necessities. Managing chronic illnesses can lead to significant expenses. Children who experience frequent illness may miss school, hindering their educational attainment and future employment prospects. Caring for a sick family member can place significant emotional, physical, and financial burdens on individuals, potentially forcing them to leave work or reduce their working hours.
What can government do?
Provide adequate income support, affordable housing, and access to nutritious food to alleviate the immediate pressures of poverty and improve health outcomes.
Invest in education and employment, impart the knowledge and resources, ensure there is adequate education, to make healthy choices can prevent illness and improve overall well-being.
Reduce pollution and improve living conditions in low-income communities is crucial for protecting public health.
Improve education and employment to break the cycle of poverty and improve long-term health outcomes.
What can you do? You can ask your local government and MP what they are going to do to improve the income inequality and morbidity.