Impact of housing on mental health

If you have a mental health problem and sometimes find it hard to deal with finding somewhere suitable to live, life can be a real pain.

Struggling with mental health only makes it harder to cope with housing problems, and it goes without saying that if you don’t feel safe, secure or comfortable where you live, it’s only going to make things seem more difficult.

You’re not alone. One in five of us experiences mental health issues because of housing problems. Compared with the general population, people with mental health conditions are one and a half times more likely to live in rented housing. They’re twice as likely to be unhappy with their home, and four times as likely to say that poor housing makes their health worse.

It only makes matters worse being stuck in poor housing with damp and mould problems, antisocial neighbours, an uncertain tenancy or overcrowded conditions.

How can housing problems affect mental health?

If you’re worried about being evicted, not being able to pay your rent, you’re living in unsafe or overcrowded housing, and possibly forced to put up with antisocial behaviour, it’s only natural that you’ll be feeling stressed, anxious or depressed. Anyone would.

You may well be having relationship problems too, and money problems on top of everything else because you have the same bills to pay as other people for cooking, food, travel, and any social life.

With all of this it’s almost inevitable that you’ll have sleep problems, which also affect your mental health. And when you’re down mentally, dealing with practical matters can just seem like a constant uphill struggle.

If you have a job that’s going to suffer as well. If not then you’ll probably find it hard to get one.

What can I do about housing problems?

When you’re trying to deal with housing problems as well as your mental health, there are people who can help you with advice, even if your mental health condition means you find it difficult to look after yourself.

For instance, your local council will be able to offer you help or advice. They must help you to either stay in your current home, or find you somewhere else to live. You have housing rights, whether you’re a tenant or homeowner. If you’re facing homelessness, the council must make reasonable steps to help stop this happening.

If you’ve had problems with your family, your neighbours or your landlord, the council might be able to arrange a way to correct a relationship breakdown and fix the situation that way.

If you’re behind with your rent, they may be able to help you claim benefits to pay back any arrears.

But if your mental health means that you find it difficult to make decisions about your housing needs, ask your local authority for a care needs assessment. From this they’ll be able to work out whether you’re eligible for support, and just what your care and support needs are.

Finding housing when you have a mental health problem.

There are a number of housing options available, but not all will be available in your area. Your local council or community mental health team will have more information on what your options are.

It depends on whether you’re able to live independently and take care of yourself, or if your mental health condition means you need extra support. This is what a care needs assessment can decide. It may be that you can get extra help at home, or in a supported housing scheme, but you may have to pay for this help if you have an income or savings.

Supported housing

This is a scheme that provides housing, care and support as a package, and the type of supported you’ll receive depends on what kind of help you need.

Shared Lives schemes

Here you live with an approved carer or you’ll be regularly visited by them. Your carer will be registered with the shared lives scheme, and support is short or long term.

Therapeutic communities

A therapeutic community is a place where a small group of people with long-term mental health conditions can stay for a while, interact with other residents and both support and learn from them.

Crisis houses

These support people experiencing a mental health crisis, and are a short-term alternative to hospital admission. They provide a brief period of intensive, practical and emotional help, but you do need to be referred by a mental health professional.

Useful resources and information:

• Centrepoint provides advice to anyone aged 16 to 25 who is homeless or at risk.
• Citizens Advice provides free help and advice on a range of subjects, including housing. They also have advice specific to Wales and Scotland.
• Crisis helps homeless people rebuild their lives through support, advice and courses.
• Housing Advice NI provides free housing advice and information to people in Northern Ireland.
• Shelter provides free, confidential advice about housing problems. In Wales, contact Shelter Cymru and in Scotland, contact Shelter Scotland.
• Stonewall Housing offers specialist housing advice to LGBTQIA+ people.
• Streetlink connects people sleeping rough with local services.