Low access to mental health care compounds the difficulties of navigating houselessness

Houselessness is a complex issue that affects millions of people around the world. According to the New York Times, it’s only getting worse. Unsheltered individuals face a variety of difficulties that are often compounded by issues such as low access to mental health care, substance abuse, and trauma. These problems not only make it difficult for unsheltered people to find stability, but they also put them at increased risk for physical and emotional harm.

One of the biggest challenges unsheltered individuals face is a lack of access to mental health care. Many unsheltered people struggle with mental health conditions that go untreated, leaving them vulnerable to self-harm and other dangerous behaviors. In fact, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, people experiencing homelessness are three to four times more likely to have a mental health condition than the general population. Furthermore, the lack of access to mental health care also exacerbates substance abuse problems, as people turn to drugs and alcohol as a way to self-medicate and cope with the trauma they've experienced.

In addition to low access to mental health care, unsheltered individuals also face high rates of trauma. Homelessness itself is a traumatic experience, but unsheltered people are also often exposed to physical and emotional abuse, as well as other dangerous and stressful situations such as camp sweeps by cities fed-up with the problem. This can lead to a cycle of trauma that is difficult to break, especially without access to proper care and support. Moreover, research has shown that trauma can have long-lasting effects on mental and physical health, making it even more important to address this issue in the homeless population.

To address these compounding issues, it's important to prioritize providing unsheltered individuals with access to mental health care and support for substance abuse and trauma. This can be done through supporting outreach programs, the expansion of existing services, and the development of partnerships between homeless service providers and mental health organizations. Additionally, providing stable, safe housing for unsheltered people is a critical step in breaking the cycle of trauma and helping people access the care and support they need to recover and thrive. By working together, we can help unsheltered people overcome the difficulties they face and find a path to stability and health.

Helpful resources:    SAMHSA's National Helpline - 1-800-6662-HELP

                                 Veteran's Crisis Line - Dial 988, then press 1 or TEXT: 838255

Donate:                    National Alliance on Mental Illness