Not having a home weighs heavily on a person’s mind and heart. Being homeless is not only lacking physical essentials, it can also affect someone’s emotional, mental and spiritual well-being. Mental illness is heavily viewed within the homeless population and is a major barrier when attempting to remain off the streets. Being homeless is stressful for many because everyday continues the struggle of trying to find food, clothes and even a place to sleep at night. These stressful moments result in substance abuse or criminal acts. Homelessness is also isolating which leads to depression. Many people find themselves homeless after losing a loved one.
Not having a strong support system during traumatic events will lead to depression and even suicide. Being depressed can diminish someone’s confidence and self-esteem which prevent people from seeking help. There is support within communities that will assist homeless individuals by connecting them with different resources that provide housing. Different resources vary depending on the community. Not only will these resources assist with finding housing, they also provide emotional support to cope with the mental health.