The homeless mentality ill are becoming increasingly visible on the streets. Their needs are complex and far ranging. These are often complicated by sociocultural and gender structures within present mental health services.
Such problems range from the threat of being attacked, difficulty in meeting basic needs such as food and shelter and problems gaining access to mental health services. These factors and many others make reaching this group through existing mental health services particularly difficult.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Mental Illness and Homelessness
- Psychosocial Interventions
- The Lived Experience of Homeless Mentally Ill/Drug Dependent Men
- Coping Mechanisms
- Social Support Groups
- Outreach Workers
- Mental Health Services and Public Attitude
- Outreach Services and Consumer Care Workers
- Training and Supervision of Homeless Workers
- The Homeless Population
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This research paper aims to explore the complex needs of homeless individuals with mental illness, highlighting the challenges they face in accessing and engaging with existing mental health services. It investigates the specific psychosocial interventions that may be effective in addressing their unique difficulties and explores the role of outreach workers in bridging the gap between these individuals and traditional healthcare systems.
- The challenges faced by homeless individuals with mental illness in accessing and engaging with mental health services
- The impact of homelessness on mental health and well-being
- The effectiveness of psychosocial interventions for homeless individuals with mental illness
- The role of outreach workers in supporting this population
- The need for tailored services and approaches to address the diverse needs of this heterogeneous group
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
- Mental Illness and Homelessness: This chapter introduces the topic of mental illness and homelessness, highlighting the complex needs and challenges faced by this population. It discusses the specific difficulties they encounter, including the threat of violence, basic needs deprivation, and barriers to accessing mental health services. This chapter also explores the role of psychosocial interventions and the impact of social disaffiliation and learned helplessness on their well-being.
- Psychosocial Interventions: This chapter examines the potential of psychosocial interventions to address the psychological trauma experienced by homeless individuals with mental illness. It highlights the importance of adult-adult relationships in providing a sense of meaning and self-worth, and explores the role of social support in mitigating the negative effects of isolation and mistrust.
- The Lived Experience of Homeless Mentally Ill/Drug Dependent Men: This section explores the lived experiences of homeless men with mental illness and drug dependence, focusing on their fears and challenges. It reveals that the most significant difficulties relate to physical safety, meeting basic needs, and navigating interactions with shelter staff and the general public.
- Coping Mechanisms: This chapter examines the coping mechanisms used by homeless individuals with mental illness. It highlights the prevalence of substance abuse and aggressive behavior as ways of managing their situation and explores the impact of homelessness on their mental health. This section also discusses the potential for ineffective coping strategies to exacerbate mental disabilities over time.
- Social Support Groups: This chapter delves into the potential benefits of social support groups within hostels for homeless individuals with mental illness. It explores how these groups can promote a sense of belonging, increase trust, and enhance self-esteem. The chapter also discusses the role of outreach workers in supporting the establishment and facilitation of these groups.
- Outreach Workers: This section examines the role of outreach workers in supporting homeless individuals with mental illness. It highlights their importance in bridging the gap between individuals and services, promoting community engagement, and reducing the stigma associated with seeking help.
- Mental Health Services and Public Attitude: This chapter explores the public's attitude towards mental health services and their potential impact on outreach efforts. It discusses the challenges posed by public mistrust and the paternalistic nature of some services. This section also considers the impact of recent legislation and the need for outreach workers to be sensitive to users' fears of being monitored and controlled.
- Outreach Services and Consumer Care Workers: This section examines a model of outreach services that utilizes consumer care workers alongside mental health professionals. It discusses the benefits of this approach in terms of reducing stigma, building rapport with clients, and providing a less threatening environment for engagement.
- Training and Supervision of Homeless Workers: This chapter highlights the importance of training and supervision for outreach workers who engage with homeless individuals with mental illness. It recognizes the challenges of aligning their role, tasks, and abilities with existing mental health services, and discusses the importance of fostering respect and understanding from other agencies.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
This research paper focuses on the intersection of homelessness and mental illness. Key terms and concepts include homeless mental health, psychosocial interventions, social support, outreach services, consumer care workers, stigma, public attitudes, and the effectiveness of mental health services for a diverse population.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Eugene Ravenell (Autor:in), 2015, Mental Illness and Homelessness, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.hausarbeiten.de/document/428485
