Promoting and protecting mental wellbeing during times of economic change

History shows that economic shocks, whether boom or bust, can have profound effects on mental health and wellbeing. The magnitude of these effects, and the populations most affected, can vary considerably. In some contexts there may be adverse impacts on suicide rates and interpersonal violence, while stress, anxiety, and depressive disorders may be on the rise. In other contexts these impacts have been minimal. There are many potential explanatory factors. In all cases much can be learned from these past economic shocks as to potential mechanisms that can be used to strengthen resilience and protect mental health and wellbeing. This chapter outlines a range of measures that can safeguard and support mental health and wellbeing during economic shocks. It emphasizes that the promotion and protection of wellbeing cannot be achieved by the health sector alone. The determinants of mental health often lie outside of the remits of the health system and all sectors of society have to be involved in the promotion of mental health.