Homelessness and mental health

ABSTRACT

The contemporary definition of homelessness has to be seen as a multifaceted societal issue with specific factors at play in different settings. Relative poverty, insecure housing, unemployment, and insecure unemployment can all contribute to homelessness and it is worth noting that these factors will vary across cultures. Homelessness is often expressed as a crisis -a break in the typical, cultured means of civilizations. In addition, severe mental disorders have been noted and reported in homeless populations for a considerable period of time. Individuals with severe mental illness often experience a range of housing settings depending on their personal and financial conditions or the available rehabilitation programmes, which will depend upon healthcare systems (2), in addition to societal conditions and local policies on social care, employment housing, and so on. Whilst the number of people currently experiencing homelessness cannot be precisely estimated due to varying definitions across countries and cultures, the link between homelessness and mental health disorders is undeniable. Both are strongly affected by social and economic determinants such as poverty, migration, unemployment, access to healthcare, and urbanization and, as a result, providing optimal care in the community requires understanding of the cultural context. This unique resource provides an overview of the connection between homelessness and mental health around the globe. Over 27 chapters it offers up-to-date research and policy evidence with an emphasis on developing models of social care and rehabilitation at a local level that enable easy access to mental health services. Written and edited by experts drawn from different cultural and geographical perspectives, this unique resource covers key topics such as COVID-19, dental issues, and chronic pain, the experiences of specific vulnerable groups, as well as case studies from specific countries. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved)