Diana Grimaldos, MLCE’s Post

Across Australia, there are dual crises in our housing and mental health systems. We know housing and mental health are interlinked: social factors including housing contribute to 80 per cent of health outcomes, while housing instability can trigger and exacerbate poor mental health. Policymakers have long identified this relationship, but few have been able to solve the problem. In this article, Nous’ Holly N. and Steven Bothwell, PhD examine the evidence, explore the problem and identify pragmatic responses. This draws on their recent conversations with teams from WentWest Primary Health Network and Youth Off The Streets. Read more on our website. #Housing #Homelessness #MentalHealth

Ending 2023 with a new article from Holly N. and myself, calling for a joined response to Australia's dual mental health and housing crises. In our case for change we outline evidence that shows: 🏚 Experiences of unstable housing and homelessness hinder the effectiveness of mental health supports, making safe and secure housing a crucial factor in empowering individuals in their mental health care journey. 👩⚕️ Shortages of housing supply and community mental health services in Australia pose significant challenges for people experiencing mental ill health, resulting in limited access to the right care at the right time. 💲 Shortages of stable housing lead to longer stays in acute mental health units, increased emergency department visits, and higher contact with the justice system, resulting in significant community costs. Our article calls for innovative person-centred responses, which break down service system siloes, and use data to drive decision making, and commissioning. Some nice holiday reading over the break 😉

The homelessness crisis in California is about so much more than “the failure of the county behavioral health system” ….however, it is no doubt that the growing crisis of people becoming unhoused in California is certainly contributing to greater needs for public behavioral health care… The majority of people don’t become homeless because of a mental health condition or addiction, BUT it is true that living unhoused, unsafe, vulnerable, the lack of appropriate sleep and poor nutrition and/or limited options for nourishment all contribute to the possible development of mental health conditions and addiction once someone finds themself without a stable living environment—no doubt!! Having established that, effective solutions and lasting change are best achieved when whomever is affected by the problem reflects on, acknowledges, and owns their piece of it—AND then goes on to take responsibility to be a part of the solution. Strategies to appropriately and more sustainably solve for California’s growing numbers of people living unhoused will ONLY be achieved once ALL those connected to the multiple reasons why homelessness in California has surged take responsibility for their part in it and then come together, in authentic partnership, and strategically focus on healing the consequent results— Behavioral Health welcomes and always stands ready to do its part in the work and do whatever it takes to help people stabilize, overcome, succeed and thrive. As a behavioral health director, I look forward to the day when treatment requests are way down because ALL Californians will have easy access to affordable, safe, and sustainable housing and no longer suffer the mental, emotional, and physical impacts of being evicted and/or living in overcrowded and/or sub-standard conditions and/or being on streets because they: 1) are children whose parents field of work has wages that are overwhelmingly below what it takes to pay for housing in most of California; 2) are a person paying 60-80% of their income to simply have a roof over their head; 3) are a youth who has no family support and no way to manage the stark and overwhelming transition from being a child to becoming an adult; 4) are an older adult whose partner or spouse or roommate has died and they can no longer make rent/mortgage alone; 5) a Californian who happens to suffer a moderate to major health issue that renders them unable to work—either ever again or even for some length of time —-and disability coverage doesn’t exist for them OR doesn’t even begin to cover the cost of their housing and their daily needs; 6) are a member of a BIPOC community whose housing/rental application is always pushed down the list, or worse not even considered, because of implicit bias or straight up racism… To bring this full circle: Homelessness in California is about SO much more than “the failure of the county behavioral health system”……

Anyone working at CMHA want to explain this to me. The application for housing says "WHO'S IT FOR Individuals 16+ living with a mental illness, who are homeless or at immediate risk of being homeless." My concern and is clarity needs to be made on this. It say a mental illness however from talking to an intake if I mention I have been diagnosed with depression and are on meds I will automatically get disqualified so if mentioned it needs to be downplayed and other things like anxiety and constant thoughts of suicide being featured. However if I said I had say schizophrenia and I put that on the application it would be a qualifier no questions asked. I understand if you say you would qualify but priorities are given based on the severity of the condition. For example, if you go to the hospital and are having a heart attack that is more severe than a broken leg. Both get treated but heart attack takes priority. That I understand but if you say the heart attack qualifies for help but the broken leg does not because who needs to walk anyways. You would probably correct yourself or get corrected quickly but for mental health it is not the same. I noticed that on the application you did not mention it maybe you don't want to face backlash about your feelings about depression. I feel you are concerned about people with mental health issues getting housing but only if they match certain mental health conditions you feel are "real". I could be wrong which is why I am posting this I need someone to explain. I have faced discrimination since I fell into depression which first appeared as anger and thoughts of suicide and eventually led to attempts. If I don't get an answer then I will take the silence as a sign that what I feel is truth. That CMHA doesn't think clinical depression is real that "everybody gets angry an sad."

Mental health and homelessness As Mental Health Awareness week comes to an end, we are putting the spotlight on mental health and homelessness. Led by the Mental Health Foundation, Mental Health Awareness Week brings together the UK to focus on getting good mental health. Poor mental health and homelessness are inextricably linked. The latest Unhealthy State of Homelessness report found that: ·        82% of people experiencing homelessness have a mental health diagnosis ·        the most frequently reported mental health conditions were: depression, anxiety disorder or phobia, and dual diagnosis with a drug or alcohol problem. ·        45% of respondents reported they are self-medicating with drugs or alcohol to help them cope with their mental health ·        Between 2018 - 2021 a total of 38% of respondents had been admitted to hospital in the 12 months before participating in a Homeless Health Needs Audit, of which 28% related to either a mental health condition, or self-harm or attempted suicide Access to local mental health services People experiencing homelessness or other vulnerable people are often intimidated or do not feel comfortable accessing mental health and care services through usual routes. Each individual who comes through our door has faced different life experiences and challenges, requiring different levels, and types of support according to their mental health needs. We work with local professional organisations to support people with their mental health within our building. Our partners include: ·        Riverside Medical Practice ·        SALUTE ·        Intuitive Recovery ·        Axis counselling ·        RESET Being able to access services which support mental health in a place where they feel safe is the first step towards making a positive change. Moving more for our mental health This year’s Mental Health Awareness week theme is ‘Movement: Moving more for our mental health’. Regular physical activity is known to improve mental health, quality of life, and wellbeing. It also helps prevent and treat heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and breast and colon cancer, and more. Despite these benefits being well established, over a third of UK adults do not meet the recommended amount of activity. However, studies have found people who are experiencing rough sleeping walk between 10 and 15 miles every day; furthermore, for some of the people who use our services, they are often malnourished, and are physically exhausted. But different types of physical activities can and do have a positive impact. For instance, through our networks, we encouraged Dave to enroll in a Bright Star Boxing course. The impact of this boxing programme, which includes mentoring, education and community support has been immense for Dave; as well as seeing a big improvement in mental health, his numeracy skills have improved too.

Mental Health Awareness with HBHM HBHM's Commitment to Mental Health Awareness Unveiling the Stigma Surrounding Mental Health Stigma around mental health is pervasive and can manifest in discrimination, social exclusion, and even self-stigmatization, where individuals internalize public stereotypes. HBHM confronts these issues head-on by promoting understanding and compassion through education and community outreach programs. By debunking myths and sharing real-life stories, HBHM fosters a more inclusive environment where those affected can seek help without fear of judgment. Addressing Homelessness and Poverty: The Intersection with Mental Health Homelessness and poverty are not only socioeconomic issues but also deeply intertwined with mental health. HBHM’s programs recognize and address this intersectionality by providing support that spans mental health services, housing solutions, and financial aid. Through a holistic approach, HBHM aims to lift individuals out of the cycle of mental health struggles and socioeconomic hardship, demonstrating the powerful link between financial stability and psychological well-being. How HBHM Facilitates Change Education and Outreach Programs HBHM runs several initiatives aimed at educating the public about mental health. These programs range from workshops in schools and communities to large-scale media campaigns, each designed to reach different demographics effectively. By educating the public, HBHM not only raises awareness but also equips individuals with the knowledge to support those around them, strengthening community bonds. Supportive Services and Resources In addition to educational efforts, HBHM provides direct support services such as counseling, therapy, and crisis intervention. These resources are crucial for immediate relief to those in distress and for ongoing support. Moreover, by making these services accessible, HBHM ensures that help is available to those who might otherwise be excluded due to financial constraints or social stigma. Personal Stories: The Heart of HBHM’s Mission Nothing speaks louder than personal experiences. By sharing stories of those who have battled and are battling mental health issues, HBHM puts a face to the statistics. These narratives not only humanize the struggle but also inspire others to come forward and share their journeys. The stories encourage a communal spirit of resilience and hope, which is fundamental in breaking the mental health stigma. Conclusion: Breaking the stigma attached to mental health requires collective effort. HBHM invites everyone to join in this noble cause: to spread awareness, to offer support, and to advocate for those who cannot do so for themselves. By understanding the crucial link between mental health, homelessness, and poverty, we can begin to dismantle the barriers to a... #BreakTheStigma #EndTheStigma #MentalHealthAwareness @MentalHealthAdvocates

Ottawa's New Mental Health Crisis Response A groundbreaking initiative is set to reshape the response to mental health and substance use crises in downtown Ottawa next summer. With a $3-million budget, the "safer alternate response" pilot project is aimed at reducing police involvement in such situations. Centretown Community Health Centre and Somerset West Community Health Centre, in collaboration with the Ottawa Guiding Council on Mental Health and Addictions, will lead the charge. The project's goal is clear: decrease the number of mental well-being and substance use crisis cases handled by the police. Instead, crisis teams, trained in de-escalation, overdose response, and more, will provide comprehensive support not only in the moment but also in the long term. This initiative builds upon existing community response efforts, including a 24-hour crisis line and outreach to various settings, like encampments. Moreover, it emphasizes meeting individuals where they are, regardless of the location. The project also aims to address service gaps for Indigenous, Black, and racialized communities, seeking to improve their experiences during mental health crises. While challenges, such as building community trust and combating biases, are expected, this safer alternate response model has seen success in other Canadian cities. Toronto, Montreal, and Calgary have already implemented similar programs, which have diverted a significant portion of mental health and substance use calls away from the police. Ultimately, this initiative strives to provide compassionate and effective crisis support, available 24/7, to ensure that individuals in need receive the appropriate care and assistance during their most vulnerable moments. https://lnkd.in/ekQwhZ_K #ottawa #mentalhealth #mentalhealthawareness #mentalhealthsupport #psychiatry #psychiatrie

Global #homelessness and mental health are linked. When mental health needs are unaddressed, the ability to manage employment, relationships and daily life is impacted. Stigma surrounding mental health can also make it difficult for people to access support. Meanwhile, the isolation, fear and uncertainty experiencing homelessness brings can cause poor mental health, or exacerbate previous mental illness. It's something our Depaul teams across the globe see every day. As we mark #WorldHomelessDay and #WorldMentalHealthDay today, our Director of International Programmes Mark Robinson writes about why, in order to end homelessness globally, accessible mental health support must be available to all: https://lnkd.in/erhU-iHW

Being homeless on the streets significantly diminishes mental health for a normal everyday person never-mind someone who is already suffering from a serious mental health illness. No one should be dying prematurely on the streets of Australia - period. Having a shelter first approach - where no one is left outside would be both life saving and life changing. So many empty places can provide shelter, safety, security, services and sleep and can be ultimately used for transitioning people into longer term solutions. We can and should do better. #nooneleftoutside #shelterfirst #dyingonthestreets #advocatetoaccommodate

As we celebrate World Homeless Day and World Mental Health Day, I couldn’t be more disheartened by the events happening around the world. We’re fighting against a wave of climate change impacts, as well as the Russia-Ukraine and Israel-Gaza Conflicts. All events have not only shocked the world but lives have been significantly impacted. Millions of people by all three events have become displaced and I cannot even imagine the mental health impacts caused by these events. I am pleased to be a part of Depaul International Team and I want to echo the sentiments highlighted in this article. While mental health conditions can lead to homelessness I want to add that homelessness can lead mental health conditions also. Acknowledging the close relations to both issues I am saddened to know that we continue to feel and experience wars and climate change effects today. The longer these events continue to plague our society is the longer it takes to achieve our goals of addressing homelessness and mental health. Today I want to raise awareness to both issues and we can start by reading this article and showing acts of kindness to those we encounter not only today but beyond 😊 #WorldhomelessDay #WorldMentalHealthDay #homelessness #mentalhealth #kindness