Why Access to Affordable Housing is Key for Better Mental Health
Affordable housing is an essential component of a healthy community. It ensures that everyone, regardless of economic status, has access to safe and secure housing. However, the benefits of affordable housing go beyond providing a roof over one’s head; it also plays a crucial role in supporting better mental health.
Affordable Housing: A Pathway to Positive Mental Health
Living in safe and affordable housing is essential for a person’s overall mental wellbeing. A study conducted by the Mental Health Foundation found that those who lack stable housing and live in poor living conditions are at higher risk of experiencing mental health problems. This is because of the immense stressors that stem from unstable housing, such as the fear of eviction, living in high-crime areas, or unsafe living conditions.
When families live in substandard housing that lacks adequate space, amenities, and privacy, their stress levels increase. Such environments are conducive to feelings of anxiety, stress, and depression, which can lead to several long-term mental health issues. In contrast, access to affordable housing decreases stress levels and reduces the likelihood of developing mental health problems. Stable housing creates a foundation for mental wellness, allowing individuals to focus on personal growth and development.
Housing Insecurity and Its Impact on Mental Health
The importance of affordable housing is even more apparent in times of economic hardship. For instance, the COVID-19 pandemic caused an economic downturn that triggered a surge in the unemployment rate. This resulted in millions of people losing their homes, causing significant hardship to those affected. These individuals are at high risk of experiencing anxiety, depression, and substance abuse.
Moreover, affordable housing plays a significant role in breaking the cycle of poverty, which is a leading cause of housing insecurity. This can prevent individuals from accessing quality healthcare, limiting the opportunities for mental health interventions. The lack of access to affordable housing not only results in a higher risk of poverty but also contributes to a lack of access to healthy food, transportation, and medical care.
The Benefits of Affordable Housing for Mental Health
The provision of affordable housing can benefit individuals and communities in several ways that support better mental health. These benefits include:
- Increased community involvement: Living in affordable housing allows individuals to interact with their neighbors, fostering a sense of community and social connectedness that supports mental health.
- Better access to resources: Affordable housing is more likely to be situated in areas that provide access to quality healthcare, education, and job opportunities, leading to long-term positive outcomes for mental health.
- Affordability: Low-income individuals are often forced to allocate their financial resources to other essentials like food, healthcare, and utilities, which limits their ability to afford quality housing. Access to affordable housing means that individuals can allocate more resources to their mental wellbeing.
- Improved physical living conditions: Affordable housing is typically held to a higher standard of living conditions, which supports better physical and mental health for its occupants.
The Bottom Line
Access to affordable housing is a critical determinant of quality mental health. It plays a significant role in promoting stress-free environments, decreasing the chances of developing mental health problems, and increasing access to resources that support positive mental health. The provision of affordable housing is, therefore, crucial for individuals’ overall wellbeing and their respective communities. It is a public good that should be actively advocated by governments and other relevant stakeholders.
