Homelessness is a reality that affects millions of people around the world. Living on the streets, without a safe home, guaranteed food or access to basic services, has devastating consequences for the mental health of those who find themselves in this situation. Life in homelessness is marked by a series of traumatic and stressful experiences that can trigger a variety of psychopathological effects. In this article, we will explore the 8 most common psychopathological effects associated with homelessness.
1. Depression
Depression is one of the most common psychological disorders in homeless people. Lack of stability, social isolation, lack of resources, and the constant struggle to survive can lead to overwhelming feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and despair. Depression in homeless people can be even more complicated to treat due to difficulties in accessing appropriate mental health services.
Risk factors:
• Previous trauma
• Chronic stress
• Social isolation
• Lack of emotional support
2. Anxiety
Anxiety is another common psychological condition among homeless people. Constant uncertainty, fear of violence, chronic stress, and lack of control over your environment can lead to high levels of anxiety. Anxiety can manifest itself in various ways, such as panic attacks, phobias or post-traumatic stress disorder.
Risk factors:
• Constant insecurity
• Traumatic experiences
• Chronic stress
• Lack of resources to deal with stressful situations
3. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
PTSD is a psychological response to a traumatic event that threatens a person's life or physical integrity. Homeless people are at increased risk of experiencing trauma, such as street violence, physical assault and abuse. These experiences can trigger PTSD symptoms, such as flashbacks, nightmares, hypervigilance, and avoidance of situations that remind them of the trauma.
Risk factors:
• Traumatic experiences on the street
• Lack of personal security
• Feeling of helplessness
• Lack of emotional and psychological support
4. Substance Abuse
Substance abuse is a widespread problem among homeless people as a way of coping with the difficulties of life on the streets. Alcohol and drugs can be used as an escape route to deal with emotional pain, stress and despair. However, substance abuse only exacerbates the mental and physical health problems of those experiencing homelessness.
Risk factors:
• Chronic stress and trauma
• Difficulty coping with adverse situations
• Low self-esteem and feelings of hopelessness
• Lack of resources to get help
5. Psychosis
Psychosis is a serious mental disorder that can affect some homeless people. Prolonged exposure to traumatic experiences, social isolation, and lack of adequate care can trigger psychotic symptoms, such as hallucinations and delusions. Limited access to mental health services and the stigma associated with mental illness can make it difficult to identify and treat psychosis in homelessness.
Risk factors:
• Malnutrition and lack of sleep
• Exposure to violence and trauma
• Social isolation and loneliness
• Stigma and discrimination
6. Acute stress disorder
Acute stress disorder is an immediate psychological reaction to a traumatic event that can generate symptoms of intense anxiety, depersonalization, amnesia and dissociation. Homeless people, vulnerable to everyday traumatic experiences, can develop this disorder as a result of crisis situations such as street violence, eviction or domestic violence.
Risk factors:
• Recent traumatic experiences
• Lack of emotional support
• Acute and chronic stress
• Permanent insecurity
7. Reactive Attachment Disorder
Reactive attachment disorder is common in children who have experienced abandonment, abuse, or neglect in early childhood. Many homeless people have suffered significant childhood trauma that has affected their ability to form safe and healthy relationships. Reactive attachment disorder can manifest itself in difficulties trusting others, maintaining stable relationships, and regulating emotions appropriately.
Risk factors:
• Childhood traumas
• Lack of stable parental figures
• Insecurity and abandonment
• Self-esteem and self-image problems
8. Self-harm and suicideHomeless people are at increased risk of self-harm and suicide due to despair, social isolation, lack of emotional support, and exposure to trauma. Intense psychological suffering and feelings of worthlessness can lead to self-destructive behaviors such as cutting, burning, or suicide attempts. The lack of mental health resources and services to prevent and treat these problems increases the risk of serious consequences.Risk factors:
• Despair and hopelessness
• Social isolation and loneliness
• Exposure to trauma and violence
• Lack of access to mental health services
In conclusion, homelessness not only involves the lack of housing and material resources, but also has a significant impact on the mental health of those who experience it. The psychopathological effects of homelessness are severe and complex, requiring specialized care and a comprehensive approach to address underlying problems and provide emotional and psychological support to homeless people. It is essential to raise awareness about the importance of guaranteeing access to quality mental health services and promoting solidarity and empathy towards those living in poverty.