There is a close link between precariousness and mental health. Living on the streets exposes people to social exclusion, insecurity and numerous traumas, which can aggravate or trigger mental disorders. On the other hand, suffering from a mental disorder can also lead to living on the streets, if not properly treated. Depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, addiction... these problems are particularly common among the homeless.
In the course of our work, we have observed that access to stable housing plays an important role in improving mental health. Being on the street can make you more vulnerable, whereas being at home is more favorable to the stabilization and management of mental disorders. Yet these same disorders can make it difficult to find or maintain housing, creating a vicious circle. To meet these challenges, Street nurses has set up a team of psychologists to support the teams working in the field, both on the streets and in housing. Their mission? To integrate mental health into our support services, in order to better meet the needs of homeless people and those who have been rehoused.
Their work focuses on three main areas: :
→ Clinical support
in meetings and in the field, psychologists help social workers to better understand and support patients suffering from mental disorders. They analyse mental health risks, advise on appropriate approaches and facilitate adherence to care. However, they do not carry out therapeutic follow-up or diagnosis.
→ Networking
by collaborating with specialised partners, they facilitate referrals to appropriate care and raise professionals' awareness of the specific needs of homeless people.
→ Awareness-raising
through in-house training and the creation of tools, they equip our teams to better manage mental health issues. They also contribute to the advocacy of Street Nurses, so that these issues are better taken into account at the political level and in society.
Taking mental health into account also means fighting against homelessness. By helping people overcome their problems, regain self-confidence and maintain their housing, this approach promotes a lasting return to stability and prevents relapses.