Psychological Effects of being Homeless

Introduction

America is a country of diversity. People from different cultures and traditions live in communities here. Since communities are diverse, so do their problems. In addition to the varied problems, there are some common problems that have disturbed these communities from a long time. Homelessness is one of such issues that pose huge challenges for the government.

Homeless is not only a social issue, but it also has significant psychological effects. Psychological problem is not rare in United States. More than 50% of the American population prefers consulting psychiatrist every week. People including Hispanics, Caucasians, Asians and African American tend to grow psychological and physiological problems due to homelessness. Depression, Anemia, Asthma, Ulcer, trauma and respiratory problems are some serious health problems that the homeless American faces. Sooner or later, these prolong health problems combine with various psychological problems to deteriorate the case.

Discussion

A person who dwells in lesser than specified smallest standard of accommodation is classified as homeless. The definition provides an important hint about their deprivation- the extent of poverty and disadvantages of an individual or a group of individuals relative to the society (Shaw et al, pp. 214).

As per the research of “Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration” (SAMHSA), more than 20% of the homeless Americans are psychologically damaged. Excessive use of alcohol is one the most common psychological effect of being homeless. Drug abuse is also very common in homeless Americans. The evaluation disclosed that 25-50% homeless communities misuse drugs as compared to the just 2% of the general public (Fischer et al, pp. 388).

Alcohol and drug abuse is a commonly cited risk factor for violent victimization for homeless persons. It has been suggested that this relationship is two-way: substance abuse increases the risks for violent victimization, and the experience of violent victimization increases the use/abuse of alcohol or other substances. The first part of this relationship is likely due to the increased vulnerability of drunk or high persons when they are in public, the second part to the use of substances as coping mechanisms. Some additional risk factors for violence for the homeless include mental illness and a criminal history. Mentally ill homeless persons are more vulnerable than other homeless persons and, therefore, suffer more violence. Regarding criminal history, about a quarter of homeless people have prior felony convictions. It is likely that those with criminal histories are at higher risk for experiencing violent victimizations, since that is the case in the general population and there is no reason to think it would be distinct for the homeless population.

The degree of psychological disorder in women and children is found more than that in men. Depression is prevalent in men while women are prone more towards psychosis. Studies in New York City displayed that contrary to older women's 42%, only 9% of the older men showed psychotic symptoms. On the other hand, 30% of the older women, as opposed to 37% of the older men, exhibited clinical depression (Cohen, pp. 648).

Homelessness has more detrimental ...