A Look at the Relationship between Housing Conditions and Mental Health
Beyond the image of the individual living in precarious situations and its impact on mental health, several realities emerge that highlight the direct influence between poor housing conditions and psychological well-being.
Varieties of Residential Exclusion Situations
Apart from the extreme situation of homelessness, other worrying contexts are also present today, highlighting the relationship between housing and mental health.
1) Migrant individuals who find barriers when finding accommodation due to hidden prejudices, hindering their integration and access to municipal services.
2) Women in abusive situations who avoid becoming homeless for fear of losing custody of their children, fighting to maintain their dignity and basic needs.
3) Young people under guardianship who live in inadequate conditions and with restrictions on services, affecting their socialization and emotional well-being.
Mental Health Consequences of Disadvantaged Housing Conditions
Instability and insecurity in the housing environment can lead to problems such as attention deficits, hyperactivity and social adaptation difficulties, especially in children and adolescents.
Expert reports stress that situations of residential exclusion have a significant impact on mental health, with levels of psychological disorders markedly higher than in the general population.
The Urgency of Actions to Improve the Housing Situation
It is crucial to address the structural issues that lead to poverty and residential exclusion, ensuring policies that promote equal access to decent housing and the basic needs of the population.
The collectivization of responsibility for social problems is essential to move towards a fairer and more equitable society, where the dignity of all people is recognized.
Community initiatives, such as the ‘Jo et cuidaré’ narrative, play a key role in supporting people affected by situations of poverty and lack of housing, but a continuous commitment is needed in the fight for inclusive and sustainable policies.
