HOMELESS AT MIND ESSAY:
homelessatmindfinal-revised.pdf | |
File Size: | 127 kb |
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Works cited:
works_cited.pdf | |
File Size: | 140 kb |
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Annotated Bibliography
anotatedbib-finished.pdf | |
File Size: | 158 kb |
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Aguilar, Rose. “Old, Female and Homeless.” The Nation. 296. 6 (Feb 2013): 24-26. Academic Search Elite. Web. 7.May. 2013.
This article describes the life of a fifty six year old homeless woman named Marcia who lives in San Francisco, California. It describes her daily struggles. Just finding a bed to sleep in at night sometimes feels extremely difficult due to the lack of beds in the shelters. I did not include this article in my essay because it did not provide me with concrete evidence to support my argument.
This article describes the life of a fifty six year old homeless woman named Marcia who lives in San Francisco, California. It describes her daily struggles. Just finding a bed to sleep in at night sometimes feels extremely difficult due to the lack of beds in the shelters. I did not include this article in my essay because it did not provide me with concrete evidence to support my argument.
Doney, Amy M., Wright, James d. “Safer Outside: A Qualitative Exploration of Homeless People’s Risistance to Homeless Shelters.’Journal of Forensic Psychology Practice. 12. 4 (2012): 288-306. Academic Search Elite. Web. 15. April. 2013.
This article described studies about “street” homeless people and why they do not want to seek shelter in a shelter. It describes the certain need of these homeless individuals. These individuals require different assistance and needs than
“sheltered” homeless individuals. I chose not to include this in my essay because I changed my opinion on my argument and realized I did not believe homelessness is a life that is chosen.
This article described studies about “street” homeless people and why they do not want to seek shelter in a shelter. It describes the certain need of these homeless individuals. These individuals require different assistance and needs than
“sheltered” homeless individuals. I chose not to include this in my essay because I changed my opinion on my argument and realized I did not believe homelessness is a life that is chosen.
Fischer, Pamela J., Breakey, William R. “The Epidemiology of Alcohol, Drug, and Mental Disorders among Homeless
Persons.”American Psychologist. 46. 11 (1991): 1115-1128. 13. April. 2013.
This article focused on the psychiatric point of view of a homeless life. It provides statistics as well as examples of
mental disorders. Also, discusses the correlation between addictions and mental illnesses. I chose to include this source in
my essay because it grasped my attention while I was reading and I found it interesting. The information in this article provided me with evidence for my essay.
Persons.”American Psychologist. 46. 11 (1991): 1115-1128. 13. April. 2013.
This article focused on the psychiatric point of view of a homeless life. It provides statistics as well as examples of
mental disorders. Also, discusses the correlation between addictions and mental illnesses. I chose to include this source in
my essay because it grasped my attention while I was reading and I found it interesting. The information in this article provided me with evidence for my essay.
Hill, Ronald P. “Surviving in a Material World: Evidence from Ethnographic Consumer Research on People in Poverty.” Journal of Contemporary Ethnography. 30. (2001): 364-391. 4. May. 2013.
This article contained six stories about the consumer poverty cycle. It compares a person’s who lives in poverty, material life to others. Also the difficulties they have such as illiteracy, and hunger. I chose not to use this source in my essay because I did not find the information useful for my argument.
This article contained six stories about the consumer poverty cycle. It compares a person’s who lives in poverty, material life to others. Also the difficulties they have such as illiteracy, and hunger. I chose not to use this source in my essay because I did not find the information useful for my argument.
Peressini, Tracy. "Perceived Reasons for Homelessness in Canada: Testing the Heterogeneity Hypothesis."Canadian Journal of Urban Research. 16.1 (2007): 112. General OneFile. Web. 15. Apr. 2013.
This article was testing results about the reasons why most homeless individuals have ended up in the streets. The testing narrowed it down to seven key risk factors. It provides statistics about homeless common risk factors, such as unemployment, mental illness, criminal behaviors and other various factors. I chose to include this source in my essay because it provided me with supporting details to include in my essay.
This article was testing results about the reasons why most homeless individuals have ended up in the streets. The testing narrowed it down to seven key risk factors. It provides statistics about homeless common risk factors, such as unemployment, mental illness, criminal behaviors and other various factors. I chose to include this source in my essay because it provided me with supporting details to include in my essay.
Rosenthal, Doreen, Rotheram-Borus, Mary Jane. “Young people and homelessness.” Journal of Adolescence. 28. 2 (April 2005): 167–169. Elsevier. 28. April. 2013
This source discussed factors that have lead the adolescent into homelessness. Such as society and their community
failing to provide them with a social safety net. The more vulnerability the teen has the more likely they will be introduced to drugs and alcohol. I chose not to include this source in my essay because it was going “back and forth” and I did not help my essay.
This source discussed factors that have lead the adolescent into homelessness. Such as society and their community
failing to provide them with a social safety net. The more vulnerability the teen has the more likely they will be introduced to drugs and alcohol. I chose not to include this source in my essay because it was going “back and forth” and I did not help my essay.
Sikich, Keri Weber. "Global Female Homelessness: A Multi-faceted Problem.” Gender Issues. 25.3 (2008): 147-156. General
OneFile. Web. 08 May 2013.
The article addressed female homelessness and its difficulties. Homelessness is not the same in all parts of the world (industrialized homelessness compared to it in a developing country or immigrant women). This is because women’s rights are extremely different in other places of the world. I chose not to include this source in my essay because it was to “worldwide” and I was looking for information not as broad. It also did not grab by attention while I read it, therefore, I did not want to base my essay on something that did not catch my attention.
OneFile. Web. 08 May 2013.
The article addressed female homelessness and its difficulties. Homelessness is not the same in all parts of the world (industrialized homelessness compared to it in a developing country or immigrant women). This is because women’s rights are extremely different in other places of the world. I chose not to include this source in my essay because it was to “worldwide” and I was looking for information not as broad. It also did not grab by attention while I read it, therefore, I did not want to base my essay on something that did not catch my attention.
Tobar, Hector. The Tattooed Solider. New York, 2000. Print.
The novel is about a Guatemalan refugee who flees his native country because they have killed his family and is now
being hunted as well. Due to the loss of his financial stability he is evicted and becomes homeless. He is faced with this unfortunate circumstance as well as with the emotional turmoil of finding his families killer. I included this source because it
was required. Also, it was a perfect example of homelessness to include in my essay.
The novel is about a Guatemalan refugee who flees his native country because they have killed his family and is now
being hunted as well. Due to the loss of his financial stability he is evicted and becomes homeless. He is faced with this unfortunate circumstance as well as with the emotional turmoil of finding his families killer. I included this source because it
was required. Also, it was a perfect example of homelessness to include in my essay.
Tyler, Kimberly A., Gervais, Sarah J., Davison, Meghan M. “The Relationship Between Victimization and Substance use among Homeless and Runaway Female Adolescents." Journal of Interpersonal Violence. 28. 3: 474-493. Web. 30. April. 2013.
This article focuses on runaway teenage females. It investigates the connection between street exposure, sexual abuse, marijuana, sex trade and other factors. I chose to include this in my essay because I found the information interesting while I read it and it also provide my essay with evidence.
This article focuses on runaway teenage females. It investigates the connection between street exposure, sexual abuse, marijuana, sex trade and other factors. I chose to include this in my essay because I found the information interesting while I read it and it also provide my essay with evidence.
Quote sheet:
The Quote: The Explanation:
“Recent studies estimate that about one half to three fourths of homeless adults have at least one ADM (mental) disorder: Between 12% and 39% have an alcohol problem only, from 5% to 40% are mentally ill without associated alcohol or drug problems” (Fischer 1).
“Although psychiatric diagnosis is generally accepted as the “gold standard,” the psychiatric examination procedure is difficult to standardize; thus reliability may be reduced in the absence of strict standards. Moreover, assessment by clinicians is expensive and time consuming and, constantly, not well-adapted to large-scale population surveys. As a result, clinical assessments are infrequently used” (Fischer 2). “Standardized instruments have generally not been normalized in homeless populations and may lack applicability” (Fischer, 2). “Not all persons with ADM problems seek help, and those who enter care may not be typical.” 2 “Homeless alcohol-dependent persons have substantially higher prevalence of other psychiatric disorders and were more impaired in their social and vocational functioning” (Fischer 3) “There are some indicators that they may have had difficulties in childhood and adolescence” (Fischer 3). “The dependent variables were created by factor analyzing the following reasons for homelessness identified by the study participants: no money, no job (unemployed)…evicted or asked to leave last place of residence…” (Fischer 3). “The more frequent a person has been homeless the more likely they are to report the following reasons: interpersonal-conflict, health problems, and social safety net failure” (Canadian Journal of Urban Research 3). “Voy a ser uno de los “homeless.” It did not seem right to him that a man who had loved to read, a man with Crimen y Castigo and El Idiota and the countless other works of real literature scattered on the floor of his apartment, would be called this ugly word” (Tobar 5). “But no, he could only blame himself for this fiasco, for having failed at the mathematics of his finances…But now Mr. Hwang was threatening to call the marshals, the police of eviction.” (Tobar 5). |
This shows that even though, yes, some homeless adults are
alcoholics, this may not be the main cause of their homelessness. This is because there are also homeless adults who do not suffer from this or other addictions, but however, are mentally ill So even though the diagnosis is greatly accepted among our society, it is difficult to test the homeless adults. Also because theses examinations are costly and require plenty amount of time as well as cooperation these assessments are not usually used. Since there are no results, one is unable to identify if a person is homeless because they are mentally ill. This can lead to a person remaining homeless because they cannot help themselves. Therefore, there will be little corporation from the homeless adult to realize if they have a mental illness and help themselves out of the streets. This can lead to a homeless person to remain homeless because they are unable to understand that they have an illness. This shows that alcohol-dependent persons are in a higher risk of becoming or remaining homeless because they are unable to function in the outside world. This provides us with evidence that not all alcoholic homeless are in the streets because they simply have a drinking problem. Some might have a deeper reason to their alcoholism. With the a person can conclude that a person does not choose to be homeless, but rather is placed in this position due to one or multiple hardships in their life such as those listed above. A person does not choose the difficult life of being homeless. This is due to outside or inside factors that the person was unable to prevent during that time. Antonio, the protagonist in the novel The Tattooed Soldier, is ashamed to be considered homeless and just the thought and sound of this idea fills his body with embarrassment and disgust. This provides us with the evidence that no one chooses to be homeless. It it’s the outcome of stressful events that pulls a person into the darkness of homelessness. Eviction, the lack of financial funds and having nowhere else to go is a factor that can lead to homelessness. |
quotesheet-finaldraft.pdf | |
File Size: | 198 kb |
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Professor's Feedback/comments:
peer review workshop:
Rosie Lopez
Professor Wingate
English 114B
April 30th, 2013
Peer Review Workshop
For my last essay I got prompt number three and the prompt was to argue if I believed that homelessness and/or poverty
is a way of life one chooses or if it is caused by circumstantial events in a person’s life and use scholarly sources to support my position. I decided to write about how I believe no one chooses this life and that it is a result of circumstances. I tried to incorporate the novel we read, The Tattooed Soldier, Hector Tobar as well as some outside sources.
Discussion was a lot better than the other peer reviews we have over the year, in my opinion. I think it was because the members in my group were all righting about the same topic and we researched similar cases and information. After reading part of my essay, my peer’s comments were all the same. I realized I was very repetitive in my writing. I did not notice after writing
my essay that I repeated myself a lot in a sentence. For example, Grisel pointed out where I was repeating myself. She pointed
out how in my first sentence I used mind twice and I should look for a different word. This way I would avoid being to repetitive.
Now that I have seen my repetitiveness I will try to avoid this in my next draft. My group also pointed out that I could shorten my thesis by taking out a part. I think I am going to take it out because my thesis sounds a lot better without it. My group agreed that I provided good explanations for everything I read to them. I also provided evidence to my arguments and position. However I think that I should broaden it a bit more by including other different sources.
Word count: 310
Professor Wingate
English 114B
April 30th, 2013
Peer Review Workshop
For my last essay I got prompt number three and the prompt was to argue if I believed that homelessness and/or poverty
is a way of life one chooses or if it is caused by circumstantial events in a person’s life and use scholarly sources to support my position. I decided to write about how I believe no one chooses this life and that it is a result of circumstances. I tried to incorporate the novel we read, The Tattooed Soldier, Hector Tobar as well as some outside sources.
Discussion was a lot better than the other peer reviews we have over the year, in my opinion. I think it was because the members in my group were all righting about the same topic and we researched similar cases and information. After reading part of my essay, my peer’s comments were all the same. I realized I was very repetitive in my writing. I did not notice after writing
my essay that I repeated myself a lot in a sentence. For example, Grisel pointed out where I was repeating myself. She pointed
out how in my first sentence I used mind twice and I should look for a different word. This way I would avoid being to repetitive.
Now that I have seen my repetitiveness I will try to avoid this in my next draft. My group also pointed out that I could shorten my thesis by taking out a part. I think I am going to take it out because my thesis sounds a lot better without it. My group agreed that I provided good explanations for everything I read to them. I also provided evidence to my arguments and position. However I think that I should broaden it a bit more by including other different sources.
Word count: 310
peerreviewcomments-final.pdf | |
File Size: | 139 kb |
File Type: |
Writing consultation RECEIPT (LRC):
project text essay Draft One:
Rosie Lopez
Professor Wingate
English 114B
April 21st, 2013
Homeless at Mind
When the thought of homelessness enters one’s mind, the initial image portrayed in one’s mind is “alcoholic men
clustered on skid rows” (Breakey, Fischer 1). However, we have been blinded and raised to believe that homelessness is a way of life one has chosen or a punishment for ones wrongful actions. There are numerous reasons to why a person had been lead to
the darkness and emptiness of what society has now titled homelessness; however, it is unlikely that one has willingly chosen
this ruthful way of life. Homelessness is a result of hardships one was unable to overcome due to the situation and circumstances. Homelessness is never a way of life someone in their right mind would choose for themselves and or family, it is the outcome of various hardships and circumstances that someone in a point of their life was unable to overcome and also could not help themselves out of the darkness of homelessness.
To begin with, homelessness is the product of stressful circumstances brought upon an individual who is incapacitated to manage them. In the novel, The Tattooed Soldier by Hector Tobar, the protagonist, Antonio Bernal, a Guatemalan refugee who
was once surrounded by intellectual people and financial stability, has fled from his native country that has murder the ones he has loved the most, has now been lead into the emptiness of homelessness. After Antonio’s apartment manager, Mr. Hwang, evicts Antonio and his roommate, Jose Juan, Antonio believes, “...he could only blame himself for this fiasco, for having failed at the mathematics of his finances” (Tobar 5). The drastic change from being an educated man to overnight becoming a simple busboy prevents him to manage his new life and finances. Eviction, the lack of financial funds and having nowhere else to go is a factor that can lead to homelessness and the outcome of this stressful event has pulled Antonio as well as Jose Juan into the emptiness of homelessness. Since Antonio and Jose Juan do not have any friends or relative in Los Angeles, they had no other option but to set camp on the streets of Los Angeles.
As demonstrated in the novel, no one willingly chooses to be homeless; on the contrary, being homeless is unwanted
and degrading. After the threat of eviction, Antonio thought to himself, “Voy a ser uno de los “homeless” It did not seem right to him
that a man who had loved to read, a man with Crimen y Castigo and El Idiota and the countless other works of real literature scattered on the floor of his apartment, would be called this ugly word” (Tobar 5). With this statement, Antonio makes it clear
that he is ashamed to be considered homeless and just the thought and sound of this idea fills his soul with embarrassment and disgust. Antonio’s life became difficult after the murder of his family. This event created turning points which eventually lead him into homelessness. He lost his financial stability which resulted in eviction, and with nowhere else to go, homelessness. Antonio provides a demonstration that homelessness is not a way of life one chooses, but rather it is due to circumstances an individual
is unable to maneuver themselves out of this situation.
Many people may also see the effect of the almost financial depression our country has been facing, but no one knows exactly the harmful effects it has brought to some. Many people lost their homes due to bank foreclosure as well as their jobs. Many of the people who become laid off are the undocumented immigrants. It is extremely difficult to hold employment without
a workings permit in the United States. Without finding other employment, an individual or family can only live on their savings for so long. Without a home and employment an individual is most likely to be guided into homelessness. According to Tracy Peressini’s report, Perceived Reasons for Homelessness in Canada, there are seven common risk factors that cause or are a
roadway to homelessness: “poverty, interpersonal conflict/violence, health (mental & physical), housing loss/affordability, addictions, deinstitutionalization and social safety net failure (lack or public/social support)” (3-4). These factors can vary throughout an individual. These are paths to homelessness because an individual only need one hardship they are unable to overcome to begin a domino effect. One thing lead to another and unfortunately leading many to homelessness they would
have never wanted.
Homelessness is not a choice; it is a lifestyle no one in their right mind would prefer over the safety of a warm home. The homeless skid rows could also be called “psychiatric dumping ground” (Breakey, Fischer 1). There have been studies conducted that shows the presence of ADM disorders (Mental health disorders) in homeless populations. Not only this, but there is also an emerging increase of comorbidity (having more than one disorder) within this “skid row” population. Many may argue that many homeless adults are in this position due to their alcohol addiction and are not willing to assume responsibility and take action.
However, according to studies listed in the article, The Epidemiology of Alcohol, drug, and Mental Disorders among Homeless
Persons, “Recent studies estimate that about one half to three fourths of homeless adults have at least one ADM disorder…5% to 40% are mentally ill without associated alcohol or drug problems” (Breakey and Fischer 1). This shows that even though yes,
some homeless adults are alcoholics, this may not be the main cause of their homelessness. This is because there are also homeless adults who do not suffer from this or other addictions, but are mentally ill. This can be the explanation to why the homeless individual is in the streets. If a homeless alcoholic is also suffering from a mental disorder this could prevent the individual to look for help. A great example is a homeless suffering from Alzheimer’s disease because a person is unable to remember many things and is unable to change the side effect of their Alzheimer’s. The homeless person may in reality have relatives or somewhere safe to go, however their illness does not allow him to remember where to go. Therefore, the individual
is unable to help himself, and takes shelter in the street and remains homeless even though he did not choose to live this way simply that the individual had no other option due to the circumstances.
Many homeless individuals are trapped in the emptiness of homelessness. Many unable to help themselves because they do not know there is something wrong with them. A great way to prevent homelessness is if a person and relatives are aware of any mental illnesses, therefore, providing assistance to the person and avoiding him to be homeless. However, that’s usually never the case. It is also extremely difficult to test the homeless and also, “assessment by clinicians is expensive and time consuming” (Fischer 2), because theses examinations are costly and require plenty amount of time as well as cooperation these assessments are not usually used. Since there are no results, one is unable to identify if a person is homeless because they are mentally ill. . This can lead to a person remaining homeless because they cannot help themselves. It is also known that many homeless adults suffer from several kinds of illness not only mental but physical as well. However, may not know where to go
for assistance and remain homeless. For example, an individual can be extremely injured in his workplace causing him to be permanently unable to work but be denied any help or compensation. Unable to work and without any financial help the person can lose everything and end up homeless.
Domestic violence, abusive parents, and other life wreaking events can lead to life on the streets. Evidence provided by
the HCH (Health Care for the Homeless) shows some signs that alcohol-dependent homeless people “may have had difficulties in childhood and adolescence” (Breakey, Fischer 4). This is an important key to the reasoning behind homelessness. For example if a person had a traumatic early life, those circumstances can the individual into alcoholism. When an individual becomes addicted
to consuming alcohol he is unable to properly function with the outside world because “homeless alcohol-dependent persons have substantially higher prevalence of other psychiatric disorders and are more impaired in their social and vocational functioning” (Breakey and Fischer, 3). This leads to poor social lives and not being able to keep a job. With the individual unemployed and with no outside support the individual is most likely to find themselves on the streets.
In conclusion, homelessness is not a way of life one willingly chooses. This life is due to the accumulation of stressful events an individual is incapable of overcoming. Even though, some may argue that it is the persons own fault for not looking for assistance, especially when they are suffering from an addiction. However, some may be incapable of reaching out for help because they may suffer from a mental disorder preventing them to help themselves out of the darkness of homelessness. The individual can have also gone through different difficulties in life to end up in the streets. For example, eviction, a mental illness, unemployment or violence could have been the key starter of their path into homelessness without them even expecting it.
Word Count: 1560
“Work Cited”
Fischer, Pamela J, Breakey, William R. “The Epidemiology of Alcohol, Drug, and Mental
Disorders among Homeless Persons.”American Psychologist. 46(11). 22. April. 2013.
Peressini, Tracy. "Perceived Reasons for Homelessness in Canada: Testing the Heterogeneity
Hypothesis."Canadian Journal of Urban Research. 16.1 (2007): 112+. General OneFile. Web. 15 Apr. 2013.
Tobar, Hector. The Tattooed Solider. New York, 2000. Print
Professor Wingate
English 114B
April 21st, 2013
Homeless at Mind
When the thought of homelessness enters one’s mind, the initial image portrayed in one’s mind is “alcoholic men
clustered on skid rows” (Breakey, Fischer 1). However, we have been blinded and raised to believe that homelessness is a way of life one has chosen or a punishment for ones wrongful actions. There are numerous reasons to why a person had been lead to
the darkness and emptiness of what society has now titled homelessness; however, it is unlikely that one has willingly chosen
this ruthful way of life. Homelessness is a result of hardships one was unable to overcome due to the situation and circumstances. Homelessness is never a way of life someone in their right mind would choose for themselves and or family, it is the outcome of various hardships and circumstances that someone in a point of their life was unable to overcome and also could not help themselves out of the darkness of homelessness.
To begin with, homelessness is the product of stressful circumstances brought upon an individual who is incapacitated to manage them. In the novel, The Tattooed Soldier by Hector Tobar, the protagonist, Antonio Bernal, a Guatemalan refugee who
was once surrounded by intellectual people and financial stability, has fled from his native country that has murder the ones he has loved the most, has now been lead into the emptiness of homelessness. After Antonio’s apartment manager, Mr. Hwang, evicts Antonio and his roommate, Jose Juan, Antonio believes, “...he could only blame himself for this fiasco, for having failed at the mathematics of his finances” (Tobar 5). The drastic change from being an educated man to overnight becoming a simple busboy prevents him to manage his new life and finances. Eviction, the lack of financial funds and having nowhere else to go is a factor that can lead to homelessness and the outcome of this stressful event has pulled Antonio as well as Jose Juan into the emptiness of homelessness. Since Antonio and Jose Juan do not have any friends or relative in Los Angeles, they had no other option but to set camp on the streets of Los Angeles.
As demonstrated in the novel, no one willingly chooses to be homeless; on the contrary, being homeless is unwanted
and degrading. After the threat of eviction, Antonio thought to himself, “Voy a ser uno de los “homeless” It did not seem right to him
that a man who had loved to read, a man with Crimen y Castigo and El Idiota and the countless other works of real literature scattered on the floor of his apartment, would be called this ugly word” (Tobar 5). With this statement, Antonio makes it clear
that he is ashamed to be considered homeless and just the thought and sound of this idea fills his soul with embarrassment and disgust. Antonio’s life became difficult after the murder of his family. This event created turning points which eventually lead him into homelessness. He lost his financial stability which resulted in eviction, and with nowhere else to go, homelessness. Antonio provides a demonstration that homelessness is not a way of life one chooses, but rather it is due to circumstances an individual
is unable to maneuver themselves out of this situation.
Many people may also see the effect of the almost financial depression our country has been facing, but no one knows exactly the harmful effects it has brought to some. Many people lost their homes due to bank foreclosure as well as their jobs. Many of the people who become laid off are the undocumented immigrants. It is extremely difficult to hold employment without
a workings permit in the United States. Without finding other employment, an individual or family can only live on their savings for so long. Without a home and employment an individual is most likely to be guided into homelessness. According to Tracy Peressini’s report, Perceived Reasons for Homelessness in Canada, there are seven common risk factors that cause or are a
roadway to homelessness: “poverty, interpersonal conflict/violence, health (mental & physical), housing loss/affordability, addictions, deinstitutionalization and social safety net failure (lack or public/social support)” (3-4). These factors can vary throughout an individual. These are paths to homelessness because an individual only need one hardship they are unable to overcome to begin a domino effect. One thing lead to another and unfortunately leading many to homelessness they would
have never wanted.
Homelessness is not a choice; it is a lifestyle no one in their right mind would prefer over the safety of a warm home. The homeless skid rows could also be called “psychiatric dumping ground” (Breakey, Fischer 1). There have been studies conducted that shows the presence of ADM disorders (Mental health disorders) in homeless populations. Not only this, but there is also an emerging increase of comorbidity (having more than one disorder) within this “skid row” population. Many may argue that many homeless adults are in this position due to their alcohol addiction and are not willing to assume responsibility and take action.
However, according to studies listed in the article, The Epidemiology of Alcohol, drug, and Mental Disorders among Homeless
Persons, “Recent studies estimate that about one half to three fourths of homeless adults have at least one ADM disorder…5% to 40% are mentally ill without associated alcohol or drug problems” (Breakey and Fischer 1). This shows that even though yes,
some homeless adults are alcoholics, this may not be the main cause of their homelessness. This is because there are also homeless adults who do not suffer from this or other addictions, but are mentally ill. This can be the explanation to why the homeless individual is in the streets. If a homeless alcoholic is also suffering from a mental disorder this could prevent the individual to look for help. A great example is a homeless suffering from Alzheimer’s disease because a person is unable to remember many things and is unable to change the side effect of their Alzheimer’s. The homeless person may in reality have relatives or somewhere safe to go, however their illness does not allow him to remember where to go. Therefore, the individual
is unable to help himself, and takes shelter in the street and remains homeless even though he did not choose to live this way simply that the individual had no other option due to the circumstances.
Many homeless individuals are trapped in the emptiness of homelessness. Many unable to help themselves because they do not know there is something wrong with them. A great way to prevent homelessness is if a person and relatives are aware of any mental illnesses, therefore, providing assistance to the person and avoiding him to be homeless. However, that’s usually never the case. It is also extremely difficult to test the homeless and also, “assessment by clinicians is expensive and time consuming” (Fischer 2), because theses examinations are costly and require plenty amount of time as well as cooperation these assessments are not usually used. Since there are no results, one is unable to identify if a person is homeless because they are mentally ill. . This can lead to a person remaining homeless because they cannot help themselves. It is also known that many homeless adults suffer from several kinds of illness not only mental but physical as well. However, may not know where to go
for assistance and remain homeless. For example, an individual can be extremely injured in his workplace causing him to be permanently unable to work but be denied any help or compensation. Unable to work and without any financial help the person can lose everything and end up homeless.
Domestic violence, abusive parents, and other life wreaking events can lead to life on the streets. Evidence provided by
the HCH (Health Care for the Homeless) shows some signs that alcohol-dependent homeless people “may have had difficulties in childhood and adolescence” (Breakey, Fischer 4). This is an important key to the reasoning behind homelessness. For example if a person had a traumatic early life, those circumstances can the individual into alcoholism. When an individual becomes addicted
to consuming alcohol he is unable to properly function with the outside world because “homeless alcohol-dependent persons have substantially higher prevalence of other psychiatric disorders and are more impaired in their social and vocational functioning” (Breakey and Fischer, 3). This leads to poor social lives and not being able to keep a job. With the individual unemployed and with no outside support the individual is most likely to find themselves on the streets.
In conclusion, homelessness is not a way of life one willingly chooses. This life is due to the accumulation of stressful events an individual is incapable of overcoming. Even though, some may argue that it is the persons own fault for not looking for assistance, especially when they are suffering from an addiction. However, some may be incapable of reaching out for help because they may suffer from a mental disorder preventing them to help themselves out of the darkness of homelessness. The individual can have also gone through different difficulties in life to end up in the streets. For example, eviction, a mental illness, unemployment or violence could have been the key starter of their path into homelessness without them even expecting it.
Word Count: 1560
“Work Cited”
Fischer, Pamela J, Breakey, William R. “The Epidemiology of Alcohol, Drug, and Mental
Disorders among Homeless Persons.”American Psychologist. 46(11). 22. April. 2013.
Peressini, Tracy. "Perceived Reasons for Homelessness in Canada: Testing the Heterogeneity
Hypothesis."Canadian Journal of Urban Research. 16.1 (2007): 112+. General OneFile. Web. 15 Apr. 2013.
Tobar, Hector. The Tattooed Solider. New York, 2000. Print
homelessatmind-draft1.pdf | |
File Size: | 206 kb |
File Type: |