Individuals without health insurance are more likely to face which mental health issue?

Individuals without health insurance are more likely to face major depressive disorder due to several interconnected factors. Lack of health insurance often correlates with limited access to mental health services, which can exacerbate feelings of hopelessness, isolation, and stress that contribute to depression. Furthermore, financial burdens and instability faced by uninsured individuals can lead to increased life stressors, further heightening the likelihood of developing major depressive symptoms.

Inadequate access to treatment means that conditions like major depressive disorder may go unaddressed, allowing them to worsen over time. The absence of preventive care and early intervention strategies, which are often accessible through health insurance, is particularly detrimental for those at risk. Thus, the link between health insurance access and the prevalence of major depressive disorder underscores the significant role that social determinants of health play in mental well-being.