Financial Difficulties of Those in Poverty Facing a Mental Illness - Free Essay Example

Annie Harpers article, Relegated to Chronic Poverty: Financial Difficulties Faced by People with Mental Illness in the United States, brings awareness to the financial difficulties that people in poverty face, especially those that are diagnosed with mental illnesses. Along with difficulties from the mental illness itself, managing finances becomes a struggle for people in poverty. In Harpers study, research was conducted to discover more about the financial situation of those that are in poverty and have a mental illness. Research showed the people struggle with providing themselves with basic needs, along with financial resources to manage their mental illness symptoms. In response to these results, Harpers research team provided strategies that would help, not fix, the people with their financial difficulties. Harpers argument, which states that the fact that people that are in poverty and face a mental illness needs attention, is convincing and supported well by providing evidence of financial resources that are available to those in poverty, how impoverished people spend their money, and a way to help the people manage their finances. According to Harpers research, services for those in poverty focus mainly finding paid work; however, the people in poverty rarely hold a long-term job, which provides a disadvantage since a long-term job would provide some medical insurance to help their mental illness symptoms. This supports Harpers argument that people in poverty with a mental illness face financial difficulties that If a person in poverty that is diagnosed with a mental illness cannot hold a job that possibly provides medical insurance or a one that provides a steady income to pay for medical expenses, how is a person supposed to pay for their basic needs and treatment for their mental illness? It is often said that people in poverty have problems finding financial resources to support their basic needs, let alone the needs that are associated with a mental illness. When looking at how the research subjects dealt with their financial resources, it was discovered that most of the money they earned or received was spent on basic needs: bills, food, and water. This budget doesnt allow the people to pay for treatment of their mental illness. The research provides evidence for Harpers that impoverished people that are diagnosed with a mental illness face financial difficulties that are worth bringing brought to societys attention. As part of the research, Harper also wanted to provide some financial strategies that could help the people better manage their finances. As part of the program, the research subjects had to meet with a financial counselor to find more efficient ways of managing their financial resources. Although the project was able to help some way for some subjects, the overall need for more financial resources for these people is too great to solve their financial difficulties, which continues to support Harpers argument that the financial difficulties these people face need to be brought to the attention of society. The financial difficulties that people in poverty with a diagnosable mental illness face is an issue that needs to be brought to the attention of society. Harpers argument is supported by evidence of financial services that are offered to those that are in poverty, ways that the people use their financial resources, and ways that have helped some people with managing their financial resources, even though they havent completely solved their issues.