Stefani Coric is a Vienna-based psychotherapist, couples therapist, and psychoanalyst specialising in human relationships and emotional dynamics. With experience across diverse cultures and academic settings, her work focuses on understanding and navigating psychological complexity with clarity and compassion.
Last Updated on March 20, 2025 by It’s Complicated
The link between poverty and mental health is well established, but what about the other end of the spectrum? Financial privilege can often obscure mental health struggles — not just from society, but even from trained professionals. One study highlights a troubling bias: clients perceived as having a higher social class are often rated by mental health practitioners as having fewer symptoms and greater well-being compared to those perceived as having a lower social class. (Thompson et al., 2019) This bias suggests that individuals with greater resources may have their mental health needs underestimated, as societal assumptions of stability mask deeper distress.
Outward appearances, shaped by financial means, can complicate the recognition and treatment of mental health challenges. For instance, individuals managing depression might rely on housekeepers or personal assistants to maintain daily routines, giving the impression of high functionality. Similarly, physical symptoms of stress, insomnia, or substance misuse might be concealed through wellness treatments or cosmetic procedures, further hiding signs of underlying struggles.
Social perceptions of behavior often vary depending on class. For instance, drinking alcohol in the morning might be perceived as a sign of dependency or concern for someone in financial hardship. In contrast, the same behavior — such as sipping mimosas at brunch in an upscale setting — is often framed as a lighthearted indulgence, normalized with playful phrases like “It’s five o’clock somewhere.” These differing interpretations can obscure underlying challenges, making it more difficult to identify when individuals with greater financial means are grappling with similar struggles.
High-paying roles often mask the exploitation and mental health struggles of those who hold them. Individuals working 60 to 80 hours a week in demanding jobs frequently endure burnout and chronic stress, while the prestige and financial rewards tied to these positions obscure their toll. These environments function as “fancy sweatshops,” demanding unsustainable labor under the guise of success. The societal expectation to appear thriving traps individuals, making it harder to acknowledge their struggles or seek support, perpetuating a cycle of exploitation and silence.
Moreover, access to resources such as high-quality legal representation can sometimes shield individuals with financial privilege from the consequences of impulsive behaviors. While this can offer protection, it may also delay the interventions that could encourage them to address their struggles. In this way, privilege can inadvertently create barriers to recognizing and addressing mental health needs.
Suffering and pain are universal human experiences, unbound by wealth or status. Mental health professionals must resist being dazzled by outward displays of success or stability and instead look deeper, understanding that no amount of financial privilege can shield someone from emotional struggles. By recognizing the shared humanity in all forms of distress, practitioners can better connect with their clients and ensure that everyone receives the care and support they truly need.
References
Thompson, M. N., Chin, M. Y., & Kring, M. (2019, Jun). Examining mental health practitioners’ perceptions of clients based on social class and sexual orientation. Psychotherapy (Chic), 56(2), 217-228. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/. 10.1037/pst0000222
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