Healing Through a Class Lens

Mental health struggles do not discriminate. Depression, anxiety, trauma, and other challenges can affect anyone, regardless of age, race, or gender. Yet, when it comes to accessing mental health care, resources, and support, where you fall on the socioeconomic ladder can profoundly shape your experience.

Mental health care in many countries, including the United States, is heavily tied to financial means. A 2023 report from the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) found that over 60% of low-income adults with mental health conditions did not receive treatment due to cost barriers, compared to only 20% of higher-income adults (nami.org).

Access isn’t just about money, necessarily. Insurance coverage often limits the types of therapy available or the number of sessions a person can afford. Out-of-pocket expenses for therapy, medication, and alternative treatments can be prohibitive, leaving many individuals relying on community resources or just going untreated.

Socioeconomic status also shapes how we talk about mental health. Research shows that in higher-income circles, mental health conversations often use clinical or self-help language: “I’m working on my coping strategies,” or “I need therapy for burnout.”

In contrast, communities with fewer resources may describe struggles differently: “I can’t sleep at night,” or “I feel worn down all the time.” These expressions reflect the lived reality of stress and trauma but are often overlooked by formal systems that expect standardized terminology.

Stigma can also be magnified by class. In some lower-income communities, seeking professional mental health care can be seen as a luxury or even a sign of weakness. Conversely, in some high-income communities, there is pressure to perform emotional wellness perfectly, creating a different kind of stress.

Economic disparities influence not just access to care, but how people cope.

• Higher-income individuals may afford therapy, wellness retreats, yoga, or other preventative measures.
• Lower-income individuals may rely on community support, faith-based practices, or self-guided resources.

This isn’t about right or wrong, it’s about different strategies shaped by circumstance. Understanding these differences is key to creating inclusive mental health support systems.