Have you ever been “hangry”? It may not be an official diagnosis, but research shows that it’s easier for people to get angry or irritable when they’re hungry.
Anger isn’t the only emotion people can feel when they need food and don’t have access to it. In a recent study published in Frontiers in Public Health, the University of Hawaii at Manoa found that nearly 40% of adults living in Hawaii reported symptoms of depression, and food insecurity was a key factor. Ruben Juarez, Ph.D., a co-author of the study and the UHERO-HMSA Distinguished Professor in Health Economics at UH Manoa, explains how improving economic stability, food access, and community trust can help Hawaii’s mental health.
High cost of living
Living in paradise comes at a price: Hawaii is the most expensive state to live in the U.S. For families struggling to make ends meet, it can be a significant challenge.
“When families are forced to choose between paying for housing, utilities, or groceries, it creates chronic stress and uncertainty,” explains Juarez. “This stress isn’t just financial; it directly impacts mental well-being.”
Nearly 1 in 3 households experienced food insecurity in 2023 because they couldn’t afford enough food. Since most of our food needs to be imported, grocery bills are higher here than on the Mainland. Families who live paycheck to paycheck feel the burden financially, physically, and emotionally.
The study found that food insecurity was associated with a 21% higher probability of experiencing depressive symptoms and a notable increase in suicidal thoughts. Rates were even higher in people with pre-existing health conditions.
“It’s important to understand that economic crises affect mental health,” says Juarez. “Hawaii’s high cost of living isn’t just about affordability – it’s about people’s sense of security.”
The importance of trust
The study found that economic hardship is a major driver of mental health, but having strong social support networks, job security, health care access, and healthy lifestyle choices can help buffer the effects.
“Protective factors matter,” says Juarez. “Being employed and feeling safe in one’s community were linked to lower rates of depression and suicidal ideation.”
There’s also the importance of being able to trust official information, including that from doctors, health care providers, news sources, and governments. When people know who to turn to, it can help ease their mental distress.
“Local interventions are often more nimble and culturally attuned to their community’s needs,” says Juarez. “Programs led by trusted community organizations can help people feel comfortable seeking assistance, reduce stigma, and ensure resources reach the most vulnerable populations.”
Push for integrated solutions
The goal of the study was to show that addressing food insecurity must be a public health priority, not just an economic one.
“Policymakers, community organizations, and health systems need to view mental health as inseparable from economic stability,” says Juarez. “This is clear evidence that improving food insecurity and community safety can improve mental health outcomes.”
He suggests:
- Expanding access to food assistance programs and making eligibility simpler and less stigmatizing.
- Supporting local agriculture to reduce dependence on imported foods and help keep costs stable.
- Investing in community-based food hubs and distribution networks that can get healthy, affordable food directly to residents.
Juarez emphasizes that the solution isn’t about individualized treatment, but communities and government supporting and working alongside each other.
“By addressing food insecurity, economic stress, and community safety together,” Juarez says, “we can improve Hawaii’s health outcomes across the board.”
This is part I of our series on food insecurity in Hawaii. Read part II, da mobile market, to learn about the Maui Food Bank’s unique solution to reaching survivors of the 2023 Lahaina wildfires.
Improving mental health
Taking care of your mind is just as important as taking care of your body. Check out the stories below to learn how you can prioritize good mental health.
a step-by-step guide to help you find a therapist
There are so many reasons to seek therapy. No matter the reason, we’re here to support you on your mental health journey and help you find the right therapist for you.
how pets can improve your health
Imagine a dog happily wagging its tail the moment you open the door or a cat purring by your ear as you watch TV. Our furry four-legged friends aren’t just pets; they’re a mood booster! Learn how pets are the perfect antidote to loneliness, can help you get some exercise, and even boost your immune system.
national depression education and awareness month
Depression can sneak up on you – the feeling of a dark cloud, an existential sense of dread, drowning in a spiral of negative thoughts, and feeling sad, numb, or hopeless. It’s one of the most common mental disorders in the U.S., and it can take a major toll. Andrea Plasko, a licensed therapist and social worker in Honolulu, explains how depression can affect a person’s life and what can be done to heal.
school counselors on a mental health mission
The COVID-19 pandemic changed the way the world works, including the role of school counselors. Malia Kau, a college and career counselor at Radford High School in Honolulu, shares how she’s now helping her students outside the classroom.
