Similarly, children who are chronically bullied by their neighbors, perpetually harassed by the local police or mall security, abused by child care workers, or subject to an anxious environment (malnutrition, chronic illness, unreliable/impoverished caretakers, war-time violence and social conditions) develop poor mental health into adulthood.

On the flip side, adults who are sleep deprived, impoverished, overworked, subject to harassment from police or debt collectors, terrified by social panics and media-driven hysterias, and deprived of basic health care for themselves or those in their care will show more signs of their own stress and mental well-being. That can often manifest in a short temper, angry outbursts, fits of depression or anxious sobbing, and emotional neglect towards those around them.

Stabilize the life and well-being of the caregivers and you can often radically improve the quality of life of the children in their care.