Written by Julia Marvy

The conversation of mental health has been on the rise in recent years. More people are being consumed by mental illness and the stigma behind it has changed. Struggling mentally can have serious detrimental effects on any type of person. The effects of mental illness can affect people both short term and long term, and in every aspect of life. The emergence of mental health resources has increased as of late, however there is still a need for more. People of all ages can struggle with mental illness and the degree of severity can vary based on various factors. Struggling with mental illness needs to continue to become more normalized, as it is only on the rise. People from all different backgrounds, races, ethnicities, religions, genders, socioeconomic statuses struggle with mental health and it is important for all to be aware and cognisant of mental struggles. 

Mental health definitely falls into the overarching category of health. Homeless Entrepreneur works to help empower individuals living in social exclusion to get back on their feet and be on the right path to success and works to help these individuals in all aspects of life, one being health. Its health department aims to ensure a healthy lifestyle for all those living in social exclusion who have the drive and motivation to succeed in life. Health is a very broad term and a lot of issues fall into this category i.e. mental health. Any type of person can struggle with mental illness, but living in social exclusion can be a huge factor in one’s mental health. By promoting mental wellbeing and a healthy lifestyle, the health department at Homeless Entrepreneur can truly make a difference for the health of those living in social exclusion who want another chance at success. 

Serious mental health issues are higher among those who are homeless than those who are housed.

Mental health can truly affect anyone, but having to deal with it while also dealing with the other struggles of homelessness can truly be life changing and life threatening. Having to struggle with mental illness while also struggling with stable housing are two very big things to have to deal with and work through. There has been lots of discussion in terms of how to provide primary health care for mental health to the homeless population. The way that this healthcare should be distributed is a debate. A Canadian study found that primary healthcare services that specifically went to homeless shelters or other forms of housing for homeless people were more effective and convenient for those individuals. When it came to homeless people having the option to go to an office to see a doctor it was less effective because many did not have the drive or motivation to actually go somewhere. When a health professional came to them it was far more convenient to receive care. There are also several outreach programs that are set up to work with homeless individuals for a longer period of time to assist with mental health services and getting back on their feet in other parts of life. All in all, homeless people are at a larger risk of mental illness, however more often than not these are treatable illnesses. They are just less likely to use mental health services, which makes their illness prolonged and more severe. The different outreach groups try to bring services to the homeless people so it is convenient for them and so that the number of homeless people struggling with mental illness can be reduced (Perry, 2015). 

There is still a lot to be learned about homelessness and mental illness. There is a lot of debate about what factors truly affect homelessness and mental health. There are many factors that influence the wellbeing of those living with housing insecurity. The influences of mental health states are more severe for the homeless population, however several other factors play into the mental health state of the homeless. Substance abuse and criminal activity are two large factors and both impact the association between homelessness and mental health. Those living in poverty are at a greater risk for mental health problems, however several other factors are involved, such as substance abuse (Fox, 2016). There is still a lot to be learned about homeless and its relationship to mental illness, however it is important to note that those living in social exclusion do face greater risks of mental illness and less access to mental health services. 

Mental health is a very important concept and it needs to be recognized. It can be a very serious thing for people from any background. According to the World Health Organization, one in four people will be affected by mental illness at some point in their life. Currently, 450 million people suffer with mental illness and these people come from a variety of different backgrounds. People of all ages can suffer and the need for mental health services is ever growing. 

In talking with several college juniors, many expressed their own struggles with mental health. Many shared that mental health services are incredibly important for them and their ability to cope. Mental illness affects so many different parts of life and having it under control is incredibly important. Several college students shared how their mental health significantly impacts their academics because if they are not in the best head space, they cannot complete school work to the best of their ability.

These students shared that it is very hard to focus on other important parts of their lives when their mental well being is not at its best. Everyone deserves access to mental health services because poor mental health affects all areas of life. 

I asked one of the Homeless Entrepreneurs, Juan Jo, why mental health is important to him.

He talked about depression and said that a person’s thoughts are not always accurate and oftentimes are distorted. In terms of mental health resources in Spain, he talked about the lack of resources. People are given short therapy sessions once every two or three months, which is not helpful for anyone. He said, “because of the lack of efficacy of treatments for at least twenty years, economic crisis and the pandemic, many people have struggled but the system has failed and has become even more corrupt.” In terms of how the system sees the way to fix mental illness Juan said, “it is thought that by giving employment and money in order to obtain material goods, the patient improves. But giving work and money to a mind that is struggling without illusions and that does not know how to enjoy it is not entirely the solution. It is part of it, but what is essential is that the patient be able to understand their illness and the best ways to treat it.” He went on to say that “it is important to find calm and effective solutions to know how to deal with the effects of your illness in the best way at the right time.” Mental health is something that a lot of people struggle with and it is important for more people to recognize that so people can be treated. Mental health impacts a lot of different parts of life and if it is not treated, it is hard for people to excel in other areas of life. 

References

Fox, A. M., Mulvey, P., Katz, C. M., & Shafer, M. S. (2016). Untangling the relationship
between mental health and homelessness among a sample of arrestees. Crime &
Delinquency, 62(5), 592-613.

Perry, J., & Craig, T. K. (2015). Homelessness and mental health. Trends in Urology & Men's
Health, 6(2), 19-21.