Rough sleeping and mental health

No one should have to face a mental health problem alone but sadly for rough sleepers this is often the case.

Living on the streets can only exacerbate any mental health issue resulting in increased negative impacts on someone’s daily life. As an outreach worker I have come across people with serious mental health issues including bi-polar, borderline personality disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, psychosis and schizophrenia to name but a few. These individuals will on average remain on the streets for longer than others and as a result will be far more likely to die on the streets.

There is still insufficient recognition and prioritising of the mental health of rough sleepers and subsequently there is a significant lack of specific resources and specialist metal health supported accommodation. It is not enough to provide basic accommodation without the specialist ongoing support to ensure that people can recover their mental wellbeing.

If society fails to recognise these mental health needs, then people will simply continue to face their issues alone and to die on the streets.

#Mentalhealthawarenessday

#Worldhomelessday