Mental Health is not often discussed. It is treated like a band-aid, simply covering the wound so it does not have to be acknowledged. Why? Most people do not know how to communicate and offer support. As a nation who changes socially every few years, inquiring about Mental Health is seen as rude, offensive and uncompassionate behavior. However, talking with people, getting to know them, and offer compassionate understanding is one of the many things we can do as a community to assist with the increase of mental health, regardless of age and gender.

Inner Circle Billing and the facilities we work with, provide care that not only helps patients get back on their feet in a healthy environment, but tools patients can utilize to give themselves a better outlook because the best begins inside the mind.

In this article, the relationship between mental health and the homeless population of California will be correlated. If anyone is currently suffering from a mental health issue, Inner Circle Billing would like to help you in getting treatment. Or call 1-800-662-4357 to the National Substance Abuse and Mental Health hotline.

Los Angeles began a homelessness housing program to benefit the surging amount of homeless people in the area known as Step-Up. This is a bi-partisan coalition works to eliminate poverty in Santa Monica, California. Step-Up offers counseling, substance abuse and mental health treatment, along with other skills to get people back on their feet. Housing and groups such as these, truly benefit those who are suffering in a large state of over 38 million people. With these programs that work, it takes those suffering from homelessness and mental health issues off the streets and out of prisons and jails, where they would not be treated.

Darrell Steinburg who was a part of California’s State Legislature proposed a bill titled “No Place Like Home” to give housing to the homeless, but more than that, mental health access, along with substance abuse and other issues. Today, it is estimated that nearly 130,000 Californians are homeless. The housing issue that is apparent is limited to space and access, which makes treating this crisis even more difficult.

As we dig deep into why there are homeless people and why there is a crisis of housing, first we need to acknowledge there is a mental health issue as well. Over half of the homeless use substances to curb their mental health issues to cope, to take the pain out of their head. In San Francisco, homeless citizens run into the street and yell at people. Instead of focusing on getting the population the mental health facilities these people need to be functioning, resources are expedited on housing issues. People who suffer from mental health disabilities are not always able to get the funding they need via welfare or federal funding. Thus, these deprived citizens are forced to the street, their mental health unnurtured, uncared for and untreated. In order to more effectively help the homeless population, there needs to be better access to mental health facilities and care. It is an imperative need amongst our peoples.

Homelessness and mental health do not walk hand in hand, but side by side. Having access to treatment facilities will assist those suffering and keep them off the streets. Let’s strive together for solutions. In the meantime, let’s take a moment to reach out to family, friends and others, to check in and make certain they are doing all right. Mental Health is a joint effort we all need to acknowledge and offer compassionate understanding to those who suffer in silence.

Posted in 2019 News