Homelessness and Depressive Symptoms

Abstract

The present systematic review aimed to summarize data on the prevalence and treatment of depressive symptoms among homeless people. We referred to the PubMed and Google Scholar databases to identify relevant studies on the topic. Among the 43 included studies, we found great variability in the prevalence of depressive symptoms among homeless people (ranging from 9.9% to 77.5%). Comparative studies among the homeless versus nonhomeless population showed that rates of depressive symptoms are 5 to 14 times higher in the homeless population. Similar differences were also found for suicidal ideation. The lack of research and treatment plans for this specific population further encourages more evidence and special therapeutic intervention. Although little has been found in the literature, a substantial improvement in the quality of life and reduction in depressive symptoms was demonstrated when therapeutic interventions were performed among homeless people (i.e., housing, nursing, access to community care and effective services and supports programs, mindfulness, pharmacological treatment).

Impact of COVID-19 on the mental health of men experiencing homelessness: A cross-sectional study in Osaka, Japan

“…Prior to the pandemic, one of the few studies of mental health status among PEH in Japan reported that 41.3% had depression and 15% had anxiety symptoms [ 42 ]. In addition, previous review articles have shown that the rates of depressive and anxiety symptoms in pre-pandemic PEH were 46.7% and 17.6%, respectively [ 43 , 44 ], and, compared to the general population, the prevalence of depression was five to 14 times higher than in the general population [ 45 ]. Compared to studies conducted prior to the pandemic, there were no meaningful changes in the rates of depressive and anxiety symptoms among the participants in this study.…”

Two Left Shoes

“…Cold and wet isn't a great combination for the body or spirit. Regardless of the weather, depression rates are approximately 10 times greater in the homeless compared to the nonhomeless population (7). My initial optimism started to wane from the toll of constant pressure, sleepless nights, and the ever-present uncertainty.…”