Posted06.08.24
The impact of homelessness on mental health
The impact of homelessness extends far beyond the immediate need for housing. One of the most profound and often overlooked aspects of homelessness is its detrimental effect on mental health.
The experience of homelessness is inherently stressful. The uncertainty of not knowing where you will sleep each night, coupled with the constant need to find food and safety, creates an environment of perpetual anxiety. This chronic stress can lead to severe anxiety disorders. The daily struggle for survival leaves little room for the stability and routine necessary for mental well-being.
Depression is another common mental health issue among people experiencing homelessness. The feeling of helplessness and the social stigma associated with homelessness can lead to deep feelings of worthlessness and hopelessness. Many people experiencing homelessness feel a loss of purpose and identity, which are important components of mental health. The lack of social support systems further exacerbates these feelings, making it challenging to find a way out of their situation.
Homelessness often exposes people to traumatic experiences such as violence, abuse, and exploitation. Many homeless people have already faced significant trauma before losing their homes, including domestic violence, childhood abuse, or military service. The constant exposure to danger and the need to be hyper-vigilant for personal safety can lead to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Symptoms of PTSD, such as flashbacks, nightmares, and severe anxiety, can make it incredibly difficult for individuals to regain stability in their lives.
The harsh realities of homelessness can drive individuals to use substances as a coping mechanism. Alcohol and drugs may provide temporary relief from the pain and stress of living on the streets. However, substance abuse can quickly become a dependency, leading to a cycle that is hard to break without proper support. Many people experiencing homelessness suffer from dual diagnosis, where mental health issues are compounded by substance abuse disorders. Treating these co-occurring conditions requires specialised, integrated care that addresses both issues simultaneously.
Despite the clear need for mental health services, people experiencing homelessness often face significant barriers to accessing care. These barriers include a lack of knowledge about available resources, limited access to transportation, and the stigma associated with both homelessness and mental illness. Additionally, the transient nature of homelessness can make it difficult to maintain consistent treatment plans and follow-up appointments.
Mental health support should be a key pillar of any response to homelessness. We must help people to work through past traumas, and we must provide the tools that they need to manage their emotional wellbeing. This is essential because if people do not feel that they can manage their mental health, they will find it very difficult to take steps towards the life they want like finding independent accommodation or employment.
Supported housing organisations are well placed to deliver mental health support because they can offer it in a readily accessible way, on site. Some of the main approaches that Evolve uses are:
- One-to-one counselling and therapeutic support.
- Remote counselling and consultations via phone or video call.
- Group workshops focused on particular mental health and wellbeing issues.
- Creative and artistic activities designed to offer relief and stimulate conversations and connections.
- Physical activities to improve physical health and by extension emotional wellbeing.
The impact of homelessness on mental health is profound and multifaceted, affecting every aspect of an individual’s well-being. To truly address homelessness, it is imperative to consider and tackle the mental health challenges that accompany it. Find out more about our health and wellbeing team here.
