"Silver Sirens acknowledges the growing number of women over 50 at risk of homelessness and seeks to align with individuals and organisations working to reduce this trend."
Last week, I had the privilege of participating as a speaker at the Housing Insecurity Roundtable, an event hosted by PrimeLife Partners. This esteemed gathering brought together experts and stakeholders to discuss the pressing issues surrounding homelessness and housing insecurity. My contribution focused on the impact on mental health.
The fear of becoming a "bag lady'' is one I hear from many women in my private practice, even those who are relatively well-off. The fear of homelessness can have far-reaching consequences on mental health.
Research shows that homelessness significantly impacts mental health due to the precarious nature of living situations and safety. As Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs suggests, fulfilling basic physiological needs, such as shelter and safety, is crucial before individuals can focus on higher-order needs like self-actualization. Without these fundamental needs met, mental health can suffer
and lack of security.
Ageing homeless women may struggle to achieve psychosocial milestones associated with later life stages, exacerbating feelings of despair, helplessness, and low self-worth. This can lead to several mental health issues, including anxiety, stress, depression, low self-esteem, and panic attacks. Feelings of isolation, disconnection, and loneliness may further intensify mental health challenges and hinder the healing process for pre-existing conditions.
Homelessness often leads to addiction as a coping mechanism for highly stressful situations. Women may self-medicate with drugs and alcohol to cope with the despair of homelessness or housing insecurity. Additionally, homeless women are more likely to experience sexual trauma, increasing substance use and suicide attempts.
The role of stigma in perpetuating shame among these women cannot be overlooked. Society's harsh judgment of homelessness can lead to internalised negative beliefs about their worthiness and potential for change. Shame is a significant reason women may live in their cars without asking for help or disclosing their situation to close friends and family. This emotion can paralyse decision-making and problem-solving abilities, further entrenching the cycle of homelessness.
The loss of social networks and support systems accompanying homelessness contributes to feelings of isolation, loneliness, and decreased resilience. To promote overall well-being and resilience among ageing homeless women, we must prioritize their mental health and provide practical support in the following ways:
Accessible Mental Health Services: Offering affordable, culturally sensitive, and trauma-informed mental health services can help women manage anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges.
Safe and Stable Housing: Providing secure and affordable housing options helps women regain a sense of stability, safety, and belonging, reducing stress and improving mental health outcomes.
Community Support Systems: Developing programs and initiatives that foster social connections, support networks, and self-worth can empower women to overcome feelings of isolation and low self-esteem.
By addressing the mental health impact of homelessness on women and providing tangible solutions, we can work towards a more inclusive and compassionate society that uplifts and supports those facing housing insecurity.
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