Homelessness is often associated with mental health. There exists stereotype of the ‘crazy’ homeless individual. Many people seem to fear and avoid individuals who are homeless because of this particular stereotype.
Of course many individuals who are homeless do live with mental illnesses, with 20 to 25% living with severe mental illnesses. However, we need to look critically at the intersection of mental health.
How do the physically harsh conditions some individual who are homeless live in, combined with mental health, put them at greater risk?
How can mental health issues lead to homelessness?
How can the improvement of mental health resources help minimize the risk of homelessness?
I truly believe that in having a deeper understanding on the intersection between homelessness and mental health, we can both reduce the risk of homelessness and advocate for mental health destigmatization.
