Homelessness extends past mere homelessness as a shelter problem. The underlying psychological trauma that homelessness represents can have far-reaching temporal as well as spatial effects on the mental state of individuals and communities at large (Padgett, 2020). Homelessness is a brutal psychological trauma that makes discrimination in comprehending the problem to find a better way to address the challenging issue of society. The problem is going deep into the roots of its society. Economic imbalance and the shortage of mental health support services are indicators of this problem’s long history. The concept of homelessness is now widely understood to be much more than just a poverty issue. Subsequently, the development of a psychological perspective of people experiencing homelessness is now accepted (Padgett, 2020). Changing the angle of thinking is indispensable to encounter an actual scope and complexity.
Whether examined from the individual or societal level, it is evident that trauma and homelessness are closely intertwined. Poverty, unemployment, lack of access to nutritious food, poor transportation, and systems of social inequality, which pass on benefits to high-income areas but keep low-income neighborhoods, making the situation worse, are the “perfect storm” for the housing crisis. Across these indicators is the loss of even bare necessities but also the reduction of the inner psychological freedom, dignity, and self-worth, which all prepare the ground for psychological disorders. The loss of a home is more than the lack of physical sheltering; it is the loss of peace, safety, and sense of belonging – basic human needs that are the basis of emotional and psychological balance.
Homeless people suffer the psychological effects of trauma in lots of ways. Among the most common outcomes of combat experience are anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), drug and substance abuse, difficulties with relationship building and maintaining, and a general sense of helplessness and worthlessness (Padgett, 2020). These psychological scars can be a vicious circle damaging an individual’s chances of liberation from the clutches of homelessness and reconstruction of a meaningful life. The adverse effects of homelessness even transcend intergenerational periods, as children exposed to housing instability and the stress and disruption it brings are much more at risk of developing psychological problems that can persist into their adulthood.
Working with homelessness as a mental health tragedy requires the use of different approaches, including a mental health component, trauma-based therapy, housing stability, and support systems for the community (Padgett, 2020). Providing public shelters or social housing opportunities could achieve a reasonable degree of initial safety and stability, an excellent prerequisite for individuals to resume their healing journey (Padgett, 2020). However, providing housing is not a solitary solution; it would be followed by offering total mental health support services that take into account the diverse experiences and needs of those who have experienced homelessness.
Trauma-informed care is the critical element of this holistic model (Padgett, 2020). The framework is built around the understanding that trauma has far-reaching effects on an individual’s life and that services need to be carefully designed to consider these unique settings. Trauma-informed care takes for granted the fact that many homeless people witness and experience terrible things. So, it tries to provide such people with an environment of safety, trust, and empowerment, helping them to heal and overcome the trauma of their homelessness.
Mental health services and trauma-focused care go hand in hand with community support as key factors in alleviating the impact of homelessness on mental health (Padgett, 2020). These relationships can give people a sense of belonging, meaning, and social support, among the essential components of psychological health. Complementary organizations like community-based groups, faith-based groups, and peer support provide essential resources such as job training, life skills training, and social networks that assist in the overall healing process.
Sometimes, these approaches are practical. This is even though several obstacles like stigma and lack of funding and institutions prevent the easy implementation of solutions. The stigma around mental disorders and homelessness can be a considerable barrier to getting proper and accessible care. Also, inadequacies in funding mental health service providers and affordable housing programs pose challenges to the process. Systemic barriers, for instance, complex bureaucracies and disjointed service delivery systems, make the problems of the homeless and mentally ill even more difficult.
However, these challenges should not discourage us from acknowledging the importance of looking at homelessness as a psychological trauma as a critical matter. Recognizing the profound psychological consequences of this adverse experience will help us to direct our focus toward a more compassionate, trauma-informed, and practical problem-solving approach (Greenberg & Rosenheck, 2008). This is the time when we should transcend those limited economic or social perspectives, and the need of the hour is to adopt the holistic approach that prioritizes the mental health and wellness of homeless individuals and families.
It is a strong and very logical argument that homelessness is a psychological trauma, which has a lot of research and empirical data to confirm it. Numerous studies have shown a dual-directional relationship between homelessness and mental health, in the sense that pre-existing mental ailments heighten the risk of becoming homeless, and the experience of homelessness itself aggravates or brings out new psychological conditions (Padgett, 2020). A high percentage of people who are homeless suffer from mental illnesses, including depression, anxiety, PTSD, and substance abuse disorders, and the prevalence rate is much higher than among the general public.
The impact of homelessness on the soul is not limited to personal experiences. Communities grappling with high rates of homelessness often face increased social challenges, such as crime, public health concerns, and strained resources (A.B.C. et al.). The collective trauma inflicted by homelessness can erode the fabric of society, perpetuating cycles of marginalization and entrenching systemic inequalities.
Recognizing homelessness as a psychological trauma, we open the door to more empathetic and practical solutions. Trauma-informed approaches acknowledge the humanity and dignity of those experiencing homelessness, recognizing their resilience and strengths while also addressing the deep wounds that may have been inflicted (Padgett, 2020). These approaches emphasize safety, choice, and collaboration, empowering individuals to participate actively in their healing and recovery processes.
Moreover, addressing homelessness as a psychological trauma requires a fundamental shift in how we allocate resources and prioritize interventions (Padgett, 2020). Instead of relying solely on emergency shelters and temporary solutions, we must invest in permanent supportive housing, integrated mental health services, and comprehensive support networks that provide a continuum of care (Greenberg & Rosenheck, 2008). This approach not only addresses the immediate needs of those experiencing homelessness but also lays the foundation for long-term stability, healing, and personal growth.
While counterarguments may emphasize personal accountability, concerns about resource allocation, or skepticism about the appropriateness of mental health programs for people experiencing homelessness, the evidence overwhelmingly supports the need for a trauma-informed, holistic approach. Personal accountability and individual responsibility are important considerations, but they must be balanced with an understanding of the complex systemic factors and psychological challenges that contribute to homelessness. Adequate funding and resource allocation are critical, but investing in trauma-informed, evidence-based interventions can ultimately lead to long-term cost savings by reducing the strain on healthcare systems, social services, and criminal justice systems.
Padgett, D.K. (2020, October). Homelessness, housing instability, and Mental Health: Making The Connections. BJPsych bulletin. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7525583/
News, A.B.C. (n.d). Amount of homeless people with mental illness has increased slightly in recent years, but experts say they are more visible: Analysis. A.B.C. News. Retrieved February 8, 2024. https://abcnews.go.com/Health/amount-homeless-people-mental-illness-increased-slightly-recent/story?id=103751677.
Greenberg, G.A., & Rosenheck, R.A. (2008). Jail Incarceration, Homelessness, and Mental Health: A National Study. Psychiatric Services, 59(2), 170-177. https://doi.org/10.1176/ps.2008.59.2.170