Mental Health and Homelessness

The relationship between poverty and mental health has been studied for decades and the results have been disheartening, to say the least. People who are homeless are twice as likely to experience mental illness compared to the general population, and the criteria to be diagnosed with a major depressive disorder is found in 47% of homeless women. An estimated 20 - 25% people who are homeless suffer from severe mental illness.

Research has suggested that poverty and poor mental health affect each other in a cyclical fashion. Stressful living conditions brought on by living in poverty can create a higher risk of developing mental illness, and those who suffer from mental illness may lose their jobs, or be systematically denied opportunities to work. Lack of access to healthy and nutritious food negatively affects both physical and mental health. Fundamentally, being in poverty increases the likelihood of poor mental health, and poor mental health increases the likelihood of becoming impoverished.

The landscape of mental health care in America is not kind to those who can’t afford to pay. In a 2018 study done by the National Council for Mental Wellbeing, 25% of participants stated that they had to choose between paying for necessities and receiving mental health treatment. A survey on mood disorders conducted by the National Alliance on Mental Illness resulted in over half of the participants answering that cost can prevent them from trying new treatments. Even without cost in mind, many people are unsure of where to go and how to access mental health services. Furthermore, the same NAMI survey resulted in 61% of participants stating that people treat them differently after finding out they have a mood disorder. Stigma against mental illness and homelessness can prove to be yet another hurdle in accessing care or community programs.

The cycle of poverty and poor mental health is an issue that affects people all over the world. Here in the United States, lack of accessible mental healthcare and stigma regarding mental illness and homelessness can make this struggle even more intense. If you are interested in reading more for yourself, both the American Psychological Association and National Coalition for the Homeless offer fact sheets on this topic. Working together to spread awareness and reduce stigma is one small way that we can help, both as individuals and as a community.