Homelessness, mental health, and housing interventions
Written by Nicholas Harriott, HSHE Research Assistant
Housing is an essential part of our well-being, it provides us with economic stability, emotional security, and a space that provides our families with privacy or comfort. For this reason, a temporary lack of housing can pose a greater risk of mental adversity and an increased association with psychopathologies, with increased concern about both them and their child. Research shows that extended exposure to homelessness is associated with a greater likelihood of reporting a mental health condition.
Housing instability can have negative impacts on mental health. In particular, barriers to housing, such as prolonged exposure to difficulties affording rent, are associated with worse psychological well-being. While the relationship between mental health and housing is well-established, research on mental health adversity as a predictor for future housing issues is sparse. However, research does show that a history of mental illness may serve as a predictor of homelessness. With many struggling with unmet mental health needs, the compounding impact of low wages, economic insecurity, and housing instability, how can the mental health field better support those at risk of homelessness? Through housing interventions.
Research has shown that providing housing interventions for families and communities can improve physical and mental health. Additionally, housing interventions for those experiencing homelessness can promote more consistent access to care in addition to some improvements in recovery outcomes if they are navigating a severe mental health condition, with findings showing success related to substance use or abuse.
Addressing the root of the problem through housing interventions may prevent re-exposure and re-victimization to trauma, in turn reducing negative mental health outcomes for patients. Given the risk of PTSD symptoms and trauma reoccurring among survivors, homelessness as a traumatic experience may follow these same patterns with similar effects. Conversely, treating mental health challenges, especially substance use and abuse, may reduce the risk of homelessness, ensuring that communities have the mental health tools necessary to acquire and retain housing. Treating root causes of mental adversity by providing housing can have compounding effects by improving mental health treatment adherence in schizophrenic patients, a common challenge. For example, patients’ self-concept with the introduction of housing allows for decreased illness identity, which can tend to produce self-stigma and worsen outcomes. Housing stability can improve mental health status and adherence to recommended treatment through consistency of the environment.
The central takeaway from this body of work is that care must first provide a foundation for those experiencing homelessness to live and thrive. Given the cyclical nature of housing instability, it is increasingly important to prevent and address the factors that cause adverse mental health challenges. As trauma-informed care is considered effective, particularly within healthcare settings, focusing on addressing housing instability may play a role in preventing both mental illness and repeat housing insecurity.
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