News /Growing number of consumers living below poverty line
People with mental health issues make up 36 percent of Social
Security allocations — up from 24 percent two decades prior —
and possess a standard of living that often falls below federal
poverty guidelines, according to Alternatives presenters Donita
Diamata and Amy Zulich. With the federal poverty guideline set
at $10,890 per year and Social Security payments set at $8,064
annually, consumers relying solely on government income face a
deficit of more than $2,000 each year in meeting basic living
expenses, according to Diamata. In addition to not being able to
afford the basics of food, medical care, and shelter, consumers
find that their mental health conditions worsen with the stress
brought about by poverty, Diamata said. "The stress of poverty
can worsen symptoms and impair basic functioning," Diamata said.
"Mental health consumers are also more likely to engage in
behaviors that risk physical health when in upsetting
situations. These behaviors