Psychological Problems of the Homeless

Posted 2022-12-30 20:46:40

Stable housing is the foundation for people to establish their lives. Having an ideal place to live in is necessary to realize one’s potential to the full. Availability and affordability of housing is a critical aspect that ensures an individual’s security, safety, peace, and dignity in life. Altogether, these factors greatly influence a person’s psychological status.

Housing is a basic human need just like food and clothing. Although the Constitution states no definite right to housing, the United Nations Covenant on Economic Social and Cultural Rights underlines the right of a person to proper standards of living, which implies housing (Downer, 2013). Indeed, the issues of homelessness and psychological problems are interrelated since having psychological problems may lead to homelessness. On the other hand, homelessness or poor housing may become a principal cause of psychological challenges. The United States Department of Housing and Urban Development indicted in its report that in 2017 there were more than 500,000 homeless individuals (Alexander, 2018). Besides, according to the research study by the National Institute of Mental Health in America, 45% of the homeless examined in 2017 were found to have higher rates of psychological problems than the rest of the population (Alexander, 2018). The revealed psychological issues include personality disorders, eating disorders, anxiety, and trauma thereby leading to substance abuse. Generally, homeless people who suffer from psychological disorders have poor physical health and are prone to respiratory diseases, sexual assault, diseases, and incarceration (Morewitz, 2016). As a result, government agencies and other relevant organizations should consider housing as a paramount need thereby taking measures to mitigate many psychological issues.

In conclusion, it is evident from the discussion that homelessness is a major causative factor of psychological problems and hence being a serious social and health problem. Persons with psychological problems face a higher risk to lose housing.

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References

Alexander, G. S. (2018). Homelessness and other systemic housing problems. Oxford Scholarship Online. doi:10.1093/oso/9780190860745.003.0010

Downer, T. R. (2013). Homelessness and its consequences: The impact on children's psychological well-being. Hoboken, NJ: Taylor and Francis.

Morewitz, S. J. (2016). Food insecurity and related problems among homeless and runaway youth. Runaway and Homeless Youth, 27-38. doi:10.1007/978-3-319-30863-0_3