Political Determinants Affecting Mental Health of Low-Income Women
“In general, the rate of depression is twice as high among women as compared to men.“
Depression is a preventable mental illness that should be treated as a public health concern. Within population health (defined as “the health outcomes of a group of individuals”), rates of depression can be assessed by measuring what proportion of a certain subpopulation test positive for depressive symptoms in order to prescribe counseling services. Depression is one of the leading causes of disability and premature mortality within America, and it is very costly to treat.
Dr. Eliseo J. Pérez-Stable, director of the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities (NIMHD), said, “Understanding the social and behavioral complexities associated with depression and unhealthy behaviors by race and ethnicity can help us understand how to best improve overall health.” Social determinants of health can be used as a framework to understand the effects of depression. This includes social, economic, and political inequalities that impact a population’s health outcomes.
Built environments, or the neighborhood in which populations reside, can be a determinant of mental health. Redlining (a practice involving denying people loans or other kinds of aid due to their coming from a “hazardous” living situation) is one reason why people face higher rates of depression. Racial segregation and discrimination are still present through housing policies via redlining and targeted zoning laws, which isolate minority populations while concurrently benefitting white populations. This contributes to the never-ending cycle of inequality and inequity. As homeownership became the key to building wealth, huge economic divides were created that impacted average incomes, incarceration rates, and teenage birth rates. These situations lead to downstream mental and physical health challenges. Additionally, areas negatively impacted by redlining or other zoning laws are oftentimes neglected and lack clean air, water, and sufficient facilities essential for a healthful life.
In general, the rate of depression is twice as high among women as compared to men. Furthermore, low-income, minority women are less likely to seek help for depression due to the cost of treatment. Low-income populations tend to live in neighborhoods that are not conducive to maintaining quality health, which can further exacerbate mental health conditions. A study conducted by the The Center for Epidemiologic Studies-Depression was the first to examine major depressive disorders (MDD) within low-income, Black, and uninsured women attending public clinics for mental health care. Results indicate that built environments and disparities within neighborhoods have a significant impact on marginalized women's health.
There is plenty of evidence to convince policymakers to consider political determinants of health and its impact on mental health. Academic literature has proven to us that we need to invest our resources to help low-income women build a sustainable future. The political structure in our country does not value all groups equally, let alone recognize the long-term effects of such actions on the wellbeing of its people. We can advance and discover ways to help vulnerable populations by comprehending the country's history and institutionalized politics.
