Loss of income. Panic and uncertainty. Social isolation. Fear of serious illness. These stresses have become a reality for many of us during the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, imagine facing these stressors while also experiencing homelessness.
The mental health impact of this crisis on Horizons for Youth’s residents is alarming. Homeless youth are already more likely than housed youth to endure mental health distress. Approximately 63% of homeless youth have experienced childhood trauma, like parental abuse or neglect [1]. The reality of homelessness itself is also incredibly traumatic for youth. Consequently, many of Horizons for Youth’s residents have diagnoses of depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder and/or additions challenges. For the past few weeks, our residents have had to manage their existing mental health challenges while also coping with the new stresses of the COVID-19 outbreak.
Quarantine is especially difficult for individuals living in shelters. Our residents have no choice of whom they are stuck inside with. They have to balance their own needs and anxieties with the needs and anxieties of all of the other residents in a confined space for an indefinite amount of time.
Additionally, many of our residents are frustrated by their sudden unemployment. Understandably, they are angry that they will be homeless for longer than they hoped because of the economic crisis.
Horizons for Youth’s frontline workers have prioritized protecting and improving the mental wellness of our residents. Following health and safety guidelines, they have created safe ways to provide one-on-one counselling, psychiatric services and socially-distanced meditation and mindfulness programs. Many residents have also taken a leadership role in supporting each other during the pandemic and advocating for what they and their peers need.
Learn more about Horizons for Youth’s response to the COVID-19 Outbreak.
Find out how you can support our residents during this difficult time.
Written by Stacey Murie
References:
Gaetz, S., O’Grady, B., Kidd, S., & Schwan, K. (2016). Without a Home: The National Youth Homelessness Survey. Canadian Observatory on Homelessness Press. https://homelesshub.ca/sites/default/files/WithoutAHome-final.pdf