Is Mental Health a Priority for Housing?
Mental health is a broad concept that encompasses emotional, psychological and social well-being. It influences cognition, perception and behavior and determines how we handle stress, interpersonal relationships and decision-making.
People with serious mental illness often struggle to find stable housing and access the help they need. When this basic need isn’t met, people may cycle in and out of homelessness, jails, shelters and hospitals.
Stability
Stability is the capacity to resist sudden and dramatic change. It is often used figuratively for a safe environment or a healthy mental state.
People build social stability by establishing systems and norms to resolve disagreements. This includes using diplomacy to reach a common goal.
The word stability is also used in science and engineering to denote a system that is in equilibrium. This means it resists changes such as earthquakes, wind, and other forces and returns to normal over time.
Stability is important because it is the basis of a stable society. However, people have a tendency to defend the status quo in an irrational way. This can lead to stagnation, decline, or neglect of serious risks.
Independence
There are many ways to improve mental health and prevent mental illness. These include prevention efforts, expanding mental health services and training first responders.
Housing can play a big role in this process. It can help people stay healthy, support their recovery and help them live independently.
Ideally, housing should be affordable to you and meet your physical needs like being close to treatment providers and community resources. It should also be safe and be free from discrimination based on your disability.
Housing is an important part of the mental health system and should be a priority for policy makers, service providers and recipients. Government, community-based agencies and advocates should work together to develop a recovery-oriented housing model.
Community
The lack of stable housing is one of the most common barriers to recovery from mental illness. When people with mental health conditions do not have a permanent place to live, they cycle in and out of homeless shelters, jails and hospitals.
There are a number of options for housing that meet mental health needs, including supported housing and sheltered housing (which is usually for older people). It may be possible to find a short-term placement in a hostel, too.
Community is a critical part of any housing program. It should be based on mutual support, social connections and shared interests. It should be located near treatment providers and community resources, and have accessible facilities like ramps. It should also be discrimination-free.
Support
Mental health is a state of well-being characterized by emotional and behavioral adjustment, good functioning in social, work or family activities, and a capacity to form constructive relationships. Some mental illnesses may interfere with normal function in these areas but they are nothing to be ashamed of and recovery is possible.
Mental illness is caused by a number of factors, including genetics, medical conditions, hormone changes, stress, trauma or a negative childhood environment. It can also be triggered by some drugs or alcohol use, and even by some personality traits or physical health problems.
Getting good support for your mental health is important for you to have the best chance of recovery from a mental illness. This can include help to pay your rent, or getting services such as therapy or medication management.
During the past three decades, New York has built an impressive housing network that helps people with severe and persistent mental health challenges. This system is a model for others around the country and is a testament to the dedication of providers, recipients, families and advocates.
