Social, emotional, psychological, and cognitive well-being all work together to comprise mental health. When it comes to mental health, however, different conditions and disorders can occur in anyone. Mental illness does not discriminate based on age, gender, race, socioeconomic status, or ability. 

Beyond that notion, people from marginalized communities such as minority women, low-income individuals, the elderly, and people with disabilities may face extraordinary challenges when it comes to mental health. People with backgrounds like these may struggle with mental illness or access to mental health care due to a myriad of factors. 

Why People in Certain Demographics Struggle with Mental Health

Minority Women

Minority women may struggle with mental health due to a combination of intersectional issues. Research suggests that Black women are more likely than white women to report feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or worthlessness. Moreover, Black women are at higher risk for depression and psychological stress due to limited economic mobility, lack of access to education, and exposure to trauma, violence, and racial discrimination.

Women are twice as likely to suffer major depressive episodes than men, and Black women are half as likely as their white counterparts to seek treatment for mental health. Part of the reason for this hesitancy is cultural stigma, linguistic prejudice, and a lack of representation and trust in the medical community. 

According to the American Psychiatric Association, Black clinicians only comprise 2% of registered psychiatrists and 4% of practicing psychologists. When stigma does not limit Black people from accessing adequate health care, the absence of a culturally competent physician-patient relationship can certainly hamper the quality of care with Black patients.

Low-Income Families

Individuals facing financial difficulties often encounter additional stressors that can impact their mental health. In 2014, more than 46 million people lived at or below the federal poverty level (a household income of less than $34,624 for a family of four). 

The link between poverty and mental health is well-documented, with studies showing a higher prevalence of mental illness in low-income households. However, research also suggests children under the age of 18 are disproportionately affected by poverty. Around 10% of children will spend half of their childhood in persistent poverty, further increasing their risk of adverse mental health outcomes later in life. 

Among children who are living in poverty, it is estimated that only 15% of them receive the treatment they need. Compared to urban areas, children in rural areas are less likely to receive mental health care, even when variables such as household income, health insurance, and family composition are accounted for. 

Evidence suggests low-income families in rural communities may be hesitant to seek mental health treatment due to several factors, such as communication barriers, bias and discrimination, or logistical challenges. Families in rural areas often have to travel long distances to access mental health services, and mental health clinics in underserved areas may also have long wait times for appointments or require more than one intake visit before starting a course of treatment.   

The Elderly

By 2050, there will be more than 2 million people aged 60 or older across the globe. Many older adults may require long-term supper or caregiving due to chronic pain, mobility issues, dementia, or other health problems, but they may also require care for mental health conditions like anxiety and depression.

Older adults may experience psychological distress due to adverse life events like bereavement or a lost sense of purpose with retirement, leading to feelings of social isolation and loneliness. They may also be caregivers to spouses with dementia or other chronic health conditions, an overwhelming responsibility may affect one’s mental health.

Despite their contributions to society, older adults are more likely to experience ageism, neglect, and abuse, whether it be sexual, physical, psychological, or verbal. An estimated one in six adults 60 or older experience abuse, even by their own caregivers. Older adults may also be at a higher risk for depression, anxiety, or other mental health conditions due to chronic illness, poor living conditions, or limited access to quality health care and support. 

Nearly 15% of adults aged 60 or older live with a mental health condition, with the most prominent conditions being depression and anxiety. According to the Global Health Estimates (GHE) 2019, individuals aged 60 years or over make up 27% of deaths from suicide globally, indicating the underrecognized and undertreated state of mental health in older adults.

People with Disabilities

Nearly one in four Americans live with a disability. While “disability” can be defined in a variety of ways, a person with a disability can be described as an individual with a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits their daily life and activities. A person with a disability may have a physical or mobility-related disability; a cognitive, developmental, or intellectual disability; or a sensory impairment, such as deafness or blindness. 

Those who have disabilities often face physical challenges due to pain or mobility issues and social obstacles like isolation due to being excluded from or barred access to activities and events intended for people without disabilities. On the other hand, people with disabilities also frequently encounter discrimination, ableism, and limited access to employment, housing, or medical care. 

While having a disability is already a risk factor for mental illness, the combination of physical and social obstacles, alongside discrimination and lack of access to support can significantly affect a person’s risk of developing anxiety, depression, or another mental health condition.

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), over 17 million Americans with disabilities surveyed in 2020 reported struggling with their mental health for at least two weeks in the past month. The CDC also said that adults with disabilities experience psychological distress five times more often than individuals without disabilities. 

The Bottom Line

In underserved and marginalized communities, many individuals’ mental health often takes a backseat to other needs and demands, typically due to a combination of intersectional factors. Minority women, low-income families, adults aged 60 and older, and people with disabilities all face similar obstacles in terms of discrimination and access to quality support. On the other hand, these communities also face unique, specific barriers that can affect their mental well-being. 

Within these populations, mental health conditions are frequently underdiagnosed and undertreated due to systemic challenges that bar access to care, which are then exacerbated by social factors like exclusion and stigma. It is essential to address these disparities, reduce stigma, and provide accessible and culturally competent mental health services to ensure equitable support for all individuals, regardless of their age, gender, race, economic standing, or ability.