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A new report from the United Nations reveals that poverty significantly increases the risk of developing mental illnesses, such as depression and anxiety. According to the report released Thursday, individuals living in poverty are up to three times more likely to suffer from these conditions compared to their wealthier counterparts. The report, compiled by UN Special Rapporteur on Extreme Poverty and Human Rights, Olivier De Schutter, emphasizes the detrimental effects of competitive, consumption-driven modern life on mental health.
Entitled “The Burnout Economy: Poverty and Mental Health,” the report underlines the vicious cycle where poverty leads to mental health disorders, which, in turn, become barriers to escaping poverty. The report states that over 970 million people worldwide—roughly 11 percent of the global population—suffer from mental illnesses. Among them, 280 million are affected by depression, while 301 million grapple with anxiety.
The economic burden of untreated mental health conditions is immense. Globally, the annual financial toll of mental illness is estimated at $1 trillion, the report states. The authors also highlight the human cost: suicide claims the lives of 700,000 people annually, making it the fourth leading cause of death among individuals aged 15 to 29.
The pandemic has exacerbated the situation. During the first year of COVID-19, mental health disorders surged by 25 percent globally, further stressing an already fragile healthcare system. In countries belonging to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), mental health issues account for a significant portion of disability payments—between one-third and half of all cases, with the percentage climbing to 70 percent among young adults.
Olivier De Schutter’s report underscores that investing in mental health services, especially in low-income communities, could yield substantial returns by improving overall well-being and reducing the economic burden associated with mental illness. The findings call for urgent global action to break the link between poverty and mental health, offering hope for a healthier and more equitable future.
As the report is presented to the UN General Assembly, policymakers worldwide are being urged to take steps to address the deep-rooted connection between poverty and mental health to help millions break free from this detrimental cycle.
