Supporting mental health in low-income communities: Implications for justice and equity

Abstract

This chapter examines the paradox between growing equity in mental health diagnosis and treatment and the discontent and injustice experienced by those living with poverty-related distress. The chapter identifies two inter-related ways in which forms of injustice impact upon people in low-income communities: first, examining how experiences of poverty and engagement with the welfare system can engender and exacerbate underlying vulnerabilities to mental distress; and second, focusing on the well-being implications of medicalising poverty-related distress. Particular attention is given to the relevance, effectiveness and ethics of current treatment options and their implications for equitable service provision and support.