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Historical policy context of mental health–substance use
Published in David B Cooper, Developing Services in Mental Health–Substance Use, 2018
The extent that this process has influenced the prevalence of mental health–substance use problems is debatable (see Mechanic27 for a discussion about wider social factors associated with homelessness and mental health and/or substance use problems). However, it seems a reasonable and common assumption that increasing the numbers of those with mental illness living in the community and exposed to illicit drugs and alcohol is likely to increase the number of individuals experiencing mental health–substance use problems.28,29
Service provision for homeless men
Published in David Conrad, Alan White, Alastair Campbell, Louis Appleby, Promoting Men’s Mental Health, 2018
The service is offered to all homeless men and is based on flexible definitions of ‘homelessness’ and ‘mental health’ in order to reduce barriers to access. Within a year, 79 homeless men utilised the service for a total of 6707 contacts. Their age ranged from 18 to 60 years, with an average of 42 years, and, in line with the population demography of Sefton, all described their ethnicity as White British. Key motivators to accessing the service were the provision of basic life needs – food, personal hygiene and shelter.
The health of single homeless people 1
Published in Roger Burrows, Nicholas Pleace, Deborah Quilgars, Homelessness and Social Policy, 2013
The physical and mental health of single homeless people was found to be considerably worse than that of the general population. While it is difficult to know the direction of cause and effect between homelessness and poor health, the findings in this chapter nevertheless confirm that there is a strong relationship between the two. Many of the health problems that were particularly prevalent among single homeless people, such as chest, skin and musculoskeletal problems, were those that could conceivably be caused or made worse by sleeping rough. Mental health problems were experienced by many more single homeless people, especially those sleeping rough, than the general population. Although the causes for this are unclear, the findings suggest that there is a relationship between homelessness and mental health problems. Many single homeless people came from difficult backgrounds, were unemployed, on low incomes and had alcohol problems. Even if homelessness is not directly to blame for their mental health problems, the existence of other related problems, together with being homeless, makes it hardly surprising that so many did report feelings of depression, anxiety and nerves. Furthermore, many of those who reported mental health problems had a previous psychiatric history which suggests a more complicated relationship with homelessness.
Insights from the shelter: Homeless shelter workers’ perceptions of homelessness and working with the homeless
Published in Journal of Progressive Human Services, 2021
Yok-Fong Paat, Jessica Morales, Aaron I. Escajeda, Ray Tullius
Poor mental health has been linked to cognitive and behavioral difficulties that made the maintenance of a stable livelihood and functional daily activities challenging for the residents. While mental illness increased propensity for homelessness, poor mental health could in turn exacerbate the state of homelessness. But mental illness of the residents ranged in severity and might fall on one end of the continuum that characterized mild disturbance in thinking or a psychiatric disability with visible signs of illness at the other end, as illustrated in the following quote: You got some homeless people that all they need is to accept their personal responsibility. … And then you’ve got other people that are so mentally ill [that] they can’t understand that they need to change their lifestyle to end their homelessness. (Male, 57-year-old, White)
A social enterprise model of housing first: lessons from Canada’s At Home Chez Soi homelessness project
Published in Journal of Social Distress and Homelessness, 2021
Jino Distasio, Marcie Snyder, Arthur Ladd
Housing First represents an enormous leap forward in addressing the complex needs of persons experiencing homelessness and mental health issues. It provides a pragmatic recovery-oriented approach, as well-being a rights-based intervention. HF has become the standard practice and philosophy throughout the Western world in providing access to safe, permanent housing that increases health, well-being, and community integration for persons experiencing homelessness and mental health challenges (Tsemberis et al., 2004). Furthermore, HF substantially reduces homelessness when implemented on a large scale, as was the case of AHCS (Gaetz et al., 2014).
Mental Ill Health in Homeless Women: A Review
Published in Issues in Mental Health Nursing, 2019
Finally, many studies indicate the need for further research into homelessness and mental health so that national strategies can be developed. The current results have applicability for Australian nursing practice and on a broader level can be used to guide policy and legislation in improving health care to this vulnerable group globally. Furthermore, research is needed into the role of the mental health nurse in caring for homeless women with mental illness, particularly around assessment and therapeutic intervention.