The Impact of Social Determinants on Mental Health

Mental health is "a state of well-being in which every individual realizes his or her own potential, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to her or his community."1 

Mental health and many common mental disorders are shaped to a great extent by social determinants including a person's social, economic, and physical environments; and the inequalities potentially therein.1-2 

With serious mental illnesses (SMI) such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major depressive disorder, the social determinants of health burden is high which affects quality of life, educational achievement, employment and economic status, medication adherence, and access to care.2•3 

Screening for social determinants that affect mental health may limit the adverse effects that something like food insecurity can have on a patient's life.2

National Population Estimates for Select Social Determinants of Health

Major Social Determinants of Mental Health9