Re: The cost of living crisis is harming mental health, partly because of previous cuts to social security
Dear Editor
Andersen and Reeves are correct to identify the harm to public mental health associated with cuts to benefits. I am indebted to Michael Marmot's longterm work on health inequalities, where there is a social gradient for common mental illnesses (e.g. depression). Faced with mounting financial worries and aware that compared to other people they are losing security and status, people may indeed become depressed.
Politicians need to see welfare benefits in a new way - not just a public expense to catch Society's "losers" in a flimsy safety net.... but an instrument to promote mental wellbeing. [1] Where destitution and desperation lead to "deaths of despair", support to think a little further ahead than "just today", to keep families warm and together, also keeps hope alive.
[1] Senior SL, Caan W, Gamsu M. Welfare and wellbeing: towards mental health promoting welfare systems. British Journal of Psychiatry 2020; 216: 4-5.
Competing interests:
No competing interests
27 May 2022
Woody Caan
Retired, was Editor of the Journal of Public Mental Health
Rapid Response:
Re: The cost of living crisis is harming mental health, partly because of previous cuts to social security
Dear Editor
Andersen and Reeves are correct to identify the harm to public mental health associated with cuts to benefits. I am indebted to Michael Marmot's longterm work on health inequalities, where there is a social gradient for common mental illnesses (e.g. depression). Faced with mounting financial worries and aware that compared to other people they are losing security and status, people may indeed become depressed.
Politicians need to see welfare benefits in a new way - not just a public expense to catch Society's "losers" in a flimsy safety net.... but an instrument to promote mental wellbeing. [1] Where destitution and desperation lead to "deaths of despair", support to think a little further ahead than "just today", to keep families warm and together, also keeps hope alive.
[1] Senior SL, Caan W, Gamsu M. Welfare and wellbeing: towards mental health promoting welfare systems. British Journal of Psychiatry 2020; 216: 4-5.
Competing interests: No competing interests