There are many health concerns that are associated with homelessness. People who are homeless often have mental and physical health problems, which can be exacerbated by their living conditions. Homelessness can also lead to substance abuse and addiction, as people turn to drugs or alcohol to cope with their situation.
What can Homelessness Cause?
Mental Health
Mental illness is common among the homeless population and can be caused or exacerbated by homelessness itself. Homelessness can lead to isolation and loneliness, which can trigger or worsen mental health problems. People who are homeless often have trouble getting access to mental healthcare, as they may not have insurance or the money to pay for it. This can result in a spiral of mental illness and homelessness, as people become too sick to work or take care of themselves.
Physical Health
Living on the streets can take a toll on your physical health. People who are homeless often don’t have access to clean water or food, which can lead to malnutrition and disease. They may also be more likely to suffer from injuries, as they are often sleeping in unsafe places. Homelessness can also make it difficult to get medical care, as people may not have insurance or the money to pay for it. This can result in serious health problems, or even death.
Substance Abuse and Addiction
Many people who are homeless turn to drugs or alcohol to cope with their situation. This can lead to addiction, which can make it even harder to find a job or a place to live. Addiction can also lead to health problems, such as liver disease or HIV/AIDS. If you are struggling with addiction, there are many resources available to help you get treatment and get back on your feet.
Limited access to health care
One of the biggest obstacles to good health for the homeless population is limited access to care. People who are homeless often don’t have insurance, which means they can’t go to the doctor or get prescriptions filled. They may also not have the money to pay for medical care, or even basic necessities like food and shelter. This can lead to a vicious cycle of illness and homelessness, as people become too sick to work or take care of themselves.
Not Enough Food or Water
Another major concern for the homeless population is not having enough food or water. People who are homeless often don’t have access to clean water or nutritious food, which can lead to malnutrition and disease. They may also be more likely to suffer from dehydration, as they may not have enough money to buy water or may not have access to clean water sources.
Unsanitary living conditions
Homelessness can also lead to unsanitary living conditions, which can put people at risk for disease. People who are homeless often have to sleep in places that are not clean or safe, such as on the streets or in shelters. This can lead to injuries or exposure to dangerous substances, as well as illness.
Exposure to Harsh Weather
Another risk factor for the homeless population is exposure to harsh weather. People who are homeless often don’t have access to shelter, which means they are exposed to extreme temperatures and weather conditions. This can lead to health problems, such as hypothermia or heat stroke.
Violence
Sadly, violence is also common among the homeless population. People who are homeless often become targets of violence, as they are seen as easy prey. This can lead to serious injuries or even death. If you are homeless, it is important to be aware of your surroundings and take steps to protect yourself from violence.
Stress
Finally, it is important to mention that homelessness itself is a major source of stress. People who are homeless often have to worry about where they will sleep, what they will eat, and how they will stay safe. This can lead to serious mental health problems, such as anxiety or depression. If you are experiencing stress, there are many resources available to help you cope with it.
Difficulty Staying Safe
One of the biggest concerns for homeless people is staying safe. People who are homeless often become targets of violence, as they are seen as easy prey. This can lead to serious injuries or even death. If you are homeless, it is important to be aware of your surroundings and take steps to protect yourself from violence. You may also want to consider staying in a shelter, as this can provide you with a safe place to sleep and access to resources like food and medical care.
Common Health Problems associated to Homelessness
Malnutrition
In comparison to housed Americans, many homeless people have fewer meals daily, go without food more frequently, and are more likely to have inferior diets and nutritional status. However, a large number of homeless persons who qualify for food stamps do not get them.
Mental Illness
As many as one in three homeless persons has a serious mental illness, such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. This is six times the rate of serious mental illness among the general population. In addition, many homeless people suffer from depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
Substance Abuse
Substance abuse is also a common problem among the homeless population. A study of homeless adults in New York City found that nearly half had used drugs within the past year, and one-quarter had used them within the past month. Alcohol abuse is also common among homeless people, and it is estimated that as many as one-third of the homeless population suffers from alcoholism.
Lung Diseases
Obstructive lung disease (OLD), a primary cause of death and disability in the US, may be more common among the homeless. The prevalence of self-reported OLD, such as asthma, chronic bronchitis, and emphysema, is higher among the homeless population than it is among those who are housed. Homeless people are also at increased risk for lung diseases, such as pneumonia and tuberculosis. This is due to a number of factors, including exposure to cold weather, poor nutrition, and crowded living conditions.
Chronic Diseases
Heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, and asthma are chronic conditions that disproportionately affect the homeless. A study of veterans found that nearly half had at least one chronic condition, and almost one-quarter had three or more. Homeless people are also more likely to suffer from mental health problems, such as depression and anxiety.
Infectious Diseases
The most commonly reported infectious diseases among homeless persons are tuberculosis, hepatitis, HIV/AIDS, and sexually transmitted infections. Homeless people are at increased risk for these diseases due to a number of factors, including crowded living conditions, poor nutrition, and substance abuse. Homelessness takes a toll on the physical and mental health of those who experience it. People who are homeless often have to worry about where they will sleep, what they will eat, and how they will stay safe. This can lead to serious mental health problems, such as anxiety or depression. If you are experiencing stress, there are many resources available to help you cope with it.
How to Help?
If you are interested in helping the homeless, there are a number of ways you can do so. You can donate money or supplies to local shelters or organizations that work with the homeless. You can also volunteer your time to help with meals, clothing drives, or other activities at shelters. Shelters provide homeless people with a safe place to stay and access to resources like food and medical care. If you are interested in helping the homeless, consider donating money or supplies to local shelters.
You can also volunteer your time to help with meals, clothing drives, or other activities at shelters. Organizations that work with the homeless can always use volunteers. Volunteers can help with a variety of tasks, from providing meals to helping with fundraising efforts. If you are interested in volunteering, contact a local homeless shelter or organization to find out how you can help.
You can help the homeless by donating money or supplies to local shelters such as Community Reach, volunteering your time to help with meals or other activities, or by donating to organizations that work with the homeless.
