Energy Insecurity and Mental Health: Exploring the Links Between Energy Hardships and Anxiety and Depression

(1) Background: Millions of U.S. households experience energy insecurity, defined as the inability to adequately meet household energy needs. (2) Objectives: Examine the relationship between different dimensions of energy insecurity and adverse mental health (anxiety and depression) and assess whether these associations vary by household income. (3) Methods: This study investigates the relationship between energy insecurity, income, and mental health (anxiety and depression) using 2022 and 2023 data from the U.S. Census Bureau’s Household Pulse Survey. (4) Results: Adverse mental health is more closely related to behavioral responses to energy insecurity rather than the economic burden of energy insecurity and are on par with food insecurity. Adverse mental health associations with keeping the home at an unhealthy temperature and giving up basic necessities to pay an energy bill are particularly large compared to being unable to pay an energy bill in full. For those without energy insecurity, the probability of adverse mental health outcomes decreases as income increases. For those with energy insecurity, the probability of adverse mental health outcomes is high across all income groups. This study underscores the need to consider economic and behavioral dimensions of energy insecurity in discussions about mental health.