Nicaragua ranks among the countries in Latin America with low-income levels. Its population of 6.5 million faces challenges, with approximately 3.2% living on less than $1.90 per day and around 24.5% below the national poverty line. Widespread poverty in Nicaragua exacerbates mental health issues.

Living in poor conditions creates a challenging and unpredictable environment for families and communities in the area. It is widely known that poverty and socioeconomic disadvantages increase the chances of experiencing life events. In countries with development like Nicaragua, factors such as limited social connections, inadequate public services and insufficient public security contribute to these stress-inducing situations within these communities. Due to a struggling economy, access to health services is scarce for individuals, particularly the poorest. Consequently, they live in unsupportive environments, making it difficult for them to cultivate resilience or develop self-esteem.

The Impact of Poverty on Mental Health

Research indicates that individuals enduring poverty and social hardships often encounter a frequency and greater severity of life events (SLEs) compared to the general population from childhood and adolescence to adulthood. These SLEs have been linked to a range of mental health issues, ultimately diminishing the quality of life for those affected. In interviews conducted in León and Chinandega (Nicaragua), homeless women shared how their financial circumstances were influenced by the SLEs they experienced before reaching 18 years old and their age while experiencing them.

When asked about the life events that had an impact on their experience of homelessness, the women mentioned other factors. These included:

• Having difficulties with their family.
• Experiencing the loss of their mother and/or father.
• Facing unemployment.
• Enduring intimate partner violence.
• Struggling with poverty and economic challenges.

Moreover, some interviewed women believed that certain significant life events contributed significantly to their situation. These events included:

• The death of a partner.
• Separation or abandonment by a partner.
• Being abandoned by their children.
• Substance abuse issues.
• Lack of education opportunities.
• Dealing with illness or health problems.

Additionally, one woman in each case indicated that becoming homeless was due to an accident, debt, or mismanagement of assets, time spent in prison, being a victim of rape, engaging in sex work, experiencing the death of a child, lacking family support, struggling with self-esteem issues or having experienced violence.

Health Care and Support Initiatives in Nicaragua

Médecins sans Frontier (MSF, Doctors Without Borders) is an initiative that offers medical assistance. Each day, the dedicated teams of Doctors Without Borders provide health care to individuals facing crises undertaking endeavors across over 70 nations. Since its establishment in 1971, MSF has positively impacted millions of lives, expanding from a group of 13 doctors and journalists to a movement comprising more than 45,000 individuals.

In Nicaragua, they provide psychological and psychiatric assistance to individuals affected by political and social violence. MSF’s initial mission in 1972 took place in Managua, the capital and largest city of Nicaragua. During that time, an earthquake devastated most of the city, claiming the lives of 10,000 to 30,000 people. In 2018, MSF returned to Nicaragua to support those experiencing anxiety, adjustment disorder and post-traumatic stress due to their exposure or personal experiences with events linked to civil unrest and political turmoil. Additionally, MSF conducted training sessions on health care, psychological first aid and self-help for community leaders, groups and educators. This training empowered them to provide support during crises.

Conclusion

Nicaragua’s intersection of poverty and mental health poses difficulties for individuals and communities. The combination of resources and inadequate access to necessary services and support worsens mental health problems. Organizations such as Doctors Without Borders play a part in offering psychiatric aid along with training to tackle these challenges. They assist individuals affected by social violence find ways to recover and build resilience amid adversity.

– Aysu Usubova
Photo: Flickr