Special Issue - Housing and mental health

Abstract

It is well documented that mental health impairments can affect anyone, rich or poor, young or old. Indeed one in four of us will experience a mental health problem at some point in our lives. The effects of mental health problems on both individuals and people close to them can be debilitating and very destructive. Each year more than 250,000 people are admitted to psychiatric hospitals and over 4,000 people take their own lives (Mind, 2002). These facts make uncomfortable reading. However, despite the compelling evidence of the widespread prevalence of mental health problems, all too often the impact of such impairments on accessing and maintaining suitable, secure, and appropriate housing are either minimised or simply rendered invisible.