Mental Health and Homelessness

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 Mental Health and Homelessness: The Effects, Obstacles in overcoming, and Potential of Stability



Society’s view of the homeless has historically been filled with blame and short on compassion with true understanding. The many obstacles in achieving financial security are not unknown, but it seems that when some achieve stability it becomes harder to understand why others can not. Many different factors are in play leading a person to homelessness and the challenges can seem to feed off of one another, creating cyclical homelessness. In working towards eliminating as much homelessness as possible it will be necessary to reshape the way the houseless are perceived. One of the most important matters to consider in understanding what leads to and contributes to homelessness is the effect of such instability on mental health.



PREVALENCE of mental health issues among homeless community

Not only have people with mental health disorders been found disproportionately more likely to struggle with homelessness, but homelessness has great potential to contribute to a worsening state. The National Library of Medicine ‘makes the connection’ between homelessness, housing instability, and mental health, reporting, “...comparing homeless persons with their domiciled counterparts, found that depression and suicidal thoughts were far more prevalent, along with symptoms of trauma and substance misuse…interviews with street homeless persons bring to life the daily struggles and emotional toll of exposure not only to the elements but to scorn and harassment from passers-by and the police” (Padgett, 2020). Living without the stability of housing is a considerable risk to all people but especially with mental health disorders and the disparity dates back to deinstitutionalization.


EFFECTS of Society/Stigma

Changing the perspective on homelessness could mean freeing people from stigmas which are likely only contributing to the battle. Homeless people are often treated inhumanely, looked down upon and often completely ignored. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, addresses the ‘Social Determinants of Health Among Individuals Experiencing Homelessness’ acknowledging, “Individuals experiencing homelessness are erroneously stereotyped as lazy, dangerous, and solely responsible for their homelessness… The intersectional stigma surrounding homelessness and mental and substance use disorders worsens health and well-being by creating barriers that prevent recovery. Addressing stigma within healthcare and the general public is vital to ending discrimination and supporting individuals experiencing homelessness,” (SAMHSA, 2023). In order to allow progression in eliminating this inequality, it is vital to eliminate the stigma towards homelessness and allow people a solid ground to work off of. In working towards housing stability we must consider the potential of giving people the benefit of the doubt, of practicing true compassion. 


STABILITY of housing, potential for positive effects on mental health

When an individual can not count on stability in their daily life, the maintenance of mental wellness is at risk. Homelessness does not only create an unstable daily life, dealing with constant unknowns, but is very likely to contribute to mental health struggles. The Urban Institute Initiative, Housing Matters accredits the effect of housing stability on mental health stating, “...stable and affordable housing is one evidence-based way to support people’s mental health—regardless of the severity of their mental health challenges or illness—throughout the life course,” (Fallon, 2023). Working to eliminate homelessness is not only about ‘cleaning up city streets’ or providing a roof over as many heads as possible. Supporting an end to homelessness has the power to make an immense difference in the mental wellness of society.



To be a part of the change, programs like RentWell are available to aid homeless people in finding stable housing. RentWell provides tenant educational courses and helps people to navigate the renting process. Assistance is provided in creating a plan, budgeting and sources of security are offered. Whether you may be in need of assistance, ready to help or looking to learn more, follow this link for more information: https://rentwell.org/ 





Resources:

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7525583/ 


https://www.samhsa.gov/blog/addressing-social-determinants-health-among-individuals-experiencing-homelessness 


https://housingmatters.urban.org/articles/how-does-housing-stability-affect-mental-health



Attention: The Portland State University senior capstone for multimedia would love to hear from you. If you have the time, please click here to fill out a survey about your experience with housing.

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