by KC Kelly, Ph.D., LMHC

http://DOCintheBiz.com

What one of the best blogging social networks on the Internet, BlogCatolog, has reminded us all of is that this year marks the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights adopted by the United Nations. Bloggers around the world have been asked to draw attention to the challenges and successes of human rights issues.

Human rights refers to the “basic rights and freedoms to which all humans are entitled” and include civil and political rights, such as the right to life and liberty, freedom of expression, and equality before the law. Social, cultural and economic rights, include the right to participate in culture, the right to food, the right to work, and the right to education.

So, now we know what our basic human rights are as humans, however, for so many, external forces beyond personal control deny the reception of these rights!

Taking a look at poverty (specifically involving lack of food, right to work and right to education), my question is: how is emotional health affected by the demarcation of human rights: specifically poverty?

Let’s take a tour around the world where adults and children alike who live in economically developed countries (not even to mention third world countries) are lucky enough to be living with food on the table everyday, clothes to wear, and a solid roof over their heads. Of course, everyone has their issues, but those less economically fortunate might suffer just a bit more. Of course, this is all relative, as is everything and everyone who suffers with any kind of physical or mental deficit. Suffering with deficits, for the most part, aids in the suffering of low self image and/or low self-esteem. Let’s take a look at what poverty can do to the human mind and body, including self esteem.

Although a bit dated, the US Census Bureau estimated that there were 37.0 million people in America living in poverty (12.7 percent) in 2004, up from 35.9 million (12.5 percent) in 2003.Those living in poverty and lacking access to essential health services, suffering with hunger or even starvation, and experiencing mental and physical health problems which make it harder for them to improve their situation.

Moving worldwide, those living in poverty in developed countries, may suffer social isolation and rates of suicide may increase in conditions of poverty. An estimated 218 million children aged 5 to 17 are in child labor worldwide, excluding child domestic labor. Poor access to affordable public education can lead to low levels of literacy, further entrenching poverty and lowering self esteem and confidence.

Areas strongly affected by poverty tend to be more violent. In one survey, 67% of children from disadvantaged inner cities said they had witnessed a serious assault, and 33% reported witnessing a homicide. 51% of fifth graders from New Orleans (median income for a household: $27,133) have been found to be victims of violence, compared to 32% in Washington, DC (mean income for a household: $40,127). What do you believe this does to a child’s self esteem or even more importantly, their overall emotional health.

Poverty may also be understood as an aspect of unequal social status. This negatively impacts social relationships, leading to social exclusion, dependency, inability to develop meaningful connections with other people in society, lack of security, and possible abuse by those in power.

We might now have a bit more insight into the question:how is sour emotional health affected by the demarcation of human rights: specifically poverty?.

I just wish that afforded Americans, especially afforded youth would see what truly goes on out in the world, so they can appreciate what they have and perhaps attempt to give back to society what they have been so lucky to have been given to them.

Statistical Information was received from Wikipedia.

Please visit us at http://DOCintheBiz.com for our mental health self help links and the opportunity to email Dr. KC for professional and confidential help with any concerns you may be having! You are never alone!

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