Recognising shared struggles across socioeconomic extremes
21st November 2024 / Paul Lefever, Harbor London
Insights from Paul Lefever, Registered Mental Health Nurse
In my work with ultra-high-net-worth (UHNW) individuals, a thought-provoking perspective shared by a colleague has often resonated with me: “There are more similarities than differences between UHNW individuals and those experiencing homelessness.” At first, this comparison seems counterintuitive. But through years of working with UHNW clients, I’ve come to appreciate the surprising parallels between these two ends of the socioeconomic spectrum. Exploring these commonalities with clients often fosters a profound sense of empathy, illustrating that some struggles are universal, transcending wealth and status.
Mental health challenges and addiction: universally human issues
Mental health challenges and addiction don’t discriminate between wealth or poverty. Core drivers such as intergenerational neglect, social isolation, lack of purpose, and the need for genuine connection play significant roles in shaping mental health and behaviours across all backgrounds. For individuals experiencing homelessness, addiction often arises as a means of coping with trauma or adverse life events. Studies show that substance dependency can both cause and be a consequence of homelessness, creating a cycle of vulnerability that’s difficult to break, Fazel S, et al (2014).
Similarly, UHNW individuals face their own set of pressures. The high demands, societal expectations, and often relentless public scrutiny they experience can lead to mental health struggles and substance dependency. Wealth, while insulating in so many ways, does not protect individuals from stress or addiction; it can even intensify these issues as they turn to substances to cope with the pressures of status and isolation. Research by Deci and Ryan (2000) supports this, indicating that when a person’s life lacks alignment with core values and meaning and purpose, mental health struggles emerge, regardless of financial circumstances.
Social isolation and loneliness across the spectrum
Social isolation is another experience that crosses socioeconomic lines. Homeless individuals frequently report feeling invisible or alienated due to societal stigma and lack of resources, which profoundly impacts their mental health. Crisis UK (2016) highlights that social isolation among the homeless compounds their challenges, hindering access to support and fostering feelings of abandonment.
On the other end of the spectrum, UHNW individuals often find themselves isolated due to distrust and the fear of exploitation. Despite their wealth, they can struggle to build authentic connections, with some questioning the intentions of those around them. Research reveals that this lack of genuine relationships can lead to profound loneliness, highlighting that loneliness can be a universal constant across the human experience, affecting people all ends of society.
Treatment needs: a nuanced approach for each demographic
While the core struggles may be similar, the approach to treatment must be tailored to meet the specific needs of each demographic. Harbor’s approach to working with UHNW individuals is designed to address the unique pressures they face. For UHNW clients, treatment requires a high degree of privacy, flexibility, and discretion that allows them to confront their struggles without the fear of public exposure. Our whole-person approach acknowledges the specific environmental pressures, as well as the social, psychological, and personal wants and needs that are unique to the individual.
At Harbor, we focus on creating a safe, confidential space that allows clients to openly explore their challenges. This curated approach respects the complexities of their lives, providing them with support that aligns with their distinct experiences, from handling public scrutiny to managing the nuanced pressures of wealth and social expectations.
Recognising similarities while honouring differences in support
Reflecting on these parallels between the homeless and UHNW communities reinforces a powerful truth: mental health issues, addiction, and social isolation are human challenges that affect us all. The drivers – whether trauma, social exclusion, or lack of purpose – are universal. However, the treatment approach must be tailored to meet each demographic’s unique needs. For UHNW individuals, this means recognising and addressing the particular pressures tied to their wealth and social standing.
At Harbor, our mission is to deliver compassionate, authentic, personalised care that acknowledges both the common struggles and the unique needs of the UHNW demographic. By bridging understanding across socioeconomic divides, we create a foundation of empathy that enhances well-being and fosters resilience. Recognising the shared humanity that binds us all, we strive to offer support that resonates universally yet respects the individuality of each client’s journey.
References
Fazel, S., Geddes, J. R., & Kushel, M. (2014). The health of homeless people in high-income countries: Descriptive epidemiology, health consequences, and clinical and policy recommendations. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(14)61132-6
Deci, E. L., & Ryan, R. M. (2000). The “What” and “Why” of Goal Pursuits: Human Needs and the Self-Determination of Behavior. American Psychologist. Retrieved from https:// www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1207/S15327965PLI1104_01
Crisis UK. (2016). Experiences of loneliness and isolation amongst homeless people. Retrieved from https://www.crisis.org.uk/media/20504/crisis_i_was_all_on_my_own_2016.pdf
What are ‘bespoke mental health centers’? https://www.glion.edu/magazine/what-are-bespokemental-health-centers/
Are Rich People Lonely and Unhappy?–Research – LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/richpeople-lonely-unhappy-research-ray-williams
Are the Rich More Lonely? – Greater Good Science Center https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/ article/item/are_the_rich_more_lonely
Loneliness and Mental Health report – UK https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/our-work/research/loneliness-and-mental-health-report-uk
Kernis, M. H., & Goldman, B. M. (2006). A multicomponent conceptualization of authenticity: Theory and research. Journal of Counseling Psychology. Retrieved from https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2007-19538-006