Addressing The Issue Of Veterans, Homelessness And Mental Illness
The connection between the issue of homelessness and mental health issue is a complex one, but research shows the existence of a connection between the two. While there is sometimes no connection to mental illness in all homeless veterans, the result of long term homelessness can begin to cause mental illness for some.
How many homeless veterans suffer from mental illness? About 45 percent of people who are homeless suffer from any mental illness, and only a quarter of veterans struggling with mental health issues are seeking treatment. A large number of veterans who are homeless have a mental health issues. The treatment of these mental disorders can help reduce the amount of homeless veterans potentially.
In addition is the fact that mental health issues can cause people to lose their housing, possibly due to problems with property managers or household members or because of long-term hospitalizations, which prevent individuals from signing leases. Mental health issues do not only cause homelessness but also could be a result of it. This begs for our effort to help in any way we can.
PTSD – Homelessness and Mental Illness
Veterans suffering from mental health issues that are consistent with the diagnosis of PTSD may be unable to manage the necessities in their lives, like paying for expenses, are often at risk of homelessness or have been homeless for a long time and do not know how to overcome it.
The issue that is exacerbated is the cyclical nature of mental illness and the treatment it requires. The main reason that a veteran is hesitant from seeking treatment could be the fear of losing a job or opportunity, which is why peer support from a friend or family member is so efficient in bringing motivation to seek help. The military’s various branches, as well as those of the VA, have tried to change this around by promoting the idea of mental illness isn’t a sign of weakness.
The increased incidence of PTSD among veterans could be a factor in determining the reason why they are overrepresented in the U.S. mental illness homeless soldier statistics. The homeless population of Veterans comprise somewhere around 9.7 percent of the total population; they make up approximately 12.3 percent of homeless people. Being homeless veterans is difficult enough.
The symptoms that they are re-experiencing can be similar to what is known as flashbacks. They can be physical manifestations like increased heart rate or sweating as well as bad dreams and terrifying thoughts. The person suffering from PTSD might feel at danger even though no real risk exists. The mood and cognitions suggest that the person suffering from PTSD is experiencing negative feelings regarding themselves and the world surrounding them. They may feel guilt or blame, and has difficulty recalling the main elements of the event that led to PTSD.
Offering A Helping Hand – Assisting Our Warriors To Get The Help They Need
This is why there are companies that are community-based and are aiming to meet the needs of homeless veterans all across the country. They do everything they can to work in conjunction with government agencies and seasoned service providers, and other groups that provide aid to homeless people. The most efficient programs allow an alternative to housing for veterans that is well-organized and free of substance abuse. This is the ideal option for veterans who are struggling to return to normal living and return to normal life. How does mental illness affect homeless veterans? It simply makes life harder to manage and can be a determining factor regarding their reintegration into society. It affects their loved ones and family as well as their self-esteem.
Many situations could lead to the need to be homeless. Certain Veterans are homeless because of the combination of real estate shortages as well as high unemployment. How many homeless veterans have mental illness is high, and it is our hope that more can be done to help our warriors in need. Others Veterans might be struggling with painful memories of their military service or health issues and are unable to access medical care or help from their relatives and friends. They may feel like they are in a bind and have no place to go other than the streets.
In other instances, Veterans who are homeless are forced to move from shelter to shelter because they don’t know what else to do. You may feel angry or overwhelmed and end with the idea of finding a home or cease looking after yourself.
Local businesses and communities across America have taken on the initiative to develop strategies to stop homelessness, but they shouldn’t be expected to take on this burden alone. As an active participant in this mission, Veteran Warrior Outreach has worked with a network of individuals and businesses to provide real assistance for homeless veterans whenever possible.
All Veterans who are at risk of homelessness or attempting to escape homeless, as well as their families and friends, have access to a range of benefits and resources, including shelter assistance, avoidance services, as well as task-based training and healthcare. Please reach out to us at Veteran Warrior Outreach if you or someone you know needs assistance, and we will do everything in our best effort to make sure something is done about it. Reach out by way of a phone call, text message or email, and we will be happy to assist you any way we can.
