Hunger & Homelessness Awareness Week

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Hunger & Homelessness Awareness Week

No one should have to worry about where their next meal is coming from or where they will sleep for the night, but unfortunately, it is a common reality for more than 500,000 Americans. When someone regularly goes without a meal or roof over their head, it can take a toll on their mental health.

Food insecurity and mental health

While hunger and food insecurity are closely related, they are distinct concepts. Hunger refers to a personal, physical sensation of discomfort, while food insecurity refers to a lack of available financial resources for food. The inability to adequately provide the nutrients and care that one needs can result in depression, isolation, and a decline in mental health and overall well-being.

Homelessness and mental health

Mental health conditions are prevalent in homeless populations because of a lack of access to healthcare and other resources. According to York University’s Homeless Hub, homelessness amplifies poor mental health. The stress of experiencing homelessness may exacerbate previous mental illness and create anxiety, fear, depression, sleeplessness, and substance use. The needs of people experiencing homelessness with mental illness are similar to those without mental illness: physical safety, education, transportation, affordable housing, and affordable medical care. It is important to recognize that while mental health care is important, it is equally as important to address the basic needs of someone experiencing homelessness.

Available resources

Life can impact you in ways you never expected, leading to challenges such as homelessness or food insecurity. As you look to overcome these challenges, there are resources to help.

Valley Oaks Health offers unique programming to provide support for those experiencing homelessness and/or food insecurity. The PATH program serves people who are experiencing homelessness in Tippecanoe County. The goal of the program is to make connections with individuals, assess their needs, and make needed referrals to address mental health, physical issues, housing, and entitlements. The Compass Program is a case management program for individuals who have previously been homeless but now have housing. The program works to connect individuals to needed services and maintain housing.

November 8, 2021

Perfectionism: Understanding the Hidden Mental Health Risk

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Conditions

Perfectionism is often seen as a positive trait that pushes us to achieve and excel. But when the pursuit of perfection becomes an obsession, it can have serious consequences for mental health. Perfectionism can lead to chronic stress, anxiety, depression, and a sense of inadequacy that’s hard to shake.

Beyond Physicals: How Regular Checkups Aid Mental Wellness

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Treatment

When we think of health screenings, we often consider them solely as a tool for catching physical illnesses early. However, regular checkups also play a significant role in supporting mental wellbeing. Beyond helping prevent and manage physical health conditions, screenings can reduce anxiety, provide peace of mind, and encourage a proactive approach to health that benefits both mind and body.

From Imposter Syndrome to Confidence: Overcoming Self-Doubt

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Self-Care

Have you ever felt like a fraud, worried that your achievements are just luck, and feared that others will eventually discover you’re not as competent as they think? If so, you’re not alone.

Perfectionism: Understanding the Hidden Mental Health Risk

•

Conditions

Beyond Physicals: How Regular Checkups Aid Mental Wellness

•

Treatment

From Imposter Syndrome to Confidence: Overcoming Self-Doubt

•

Self-Care

Have you ever felt like a fraud, worried that your achievements are just luck, and feared that others will eventually discover you’re not as competent as they think? If so, you’re not alone.

Your Body’s Warning Signals: When Physical Symptoms Indicate Mental Health Issues

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Self-Care

It’s easy to overlook physical symptoms when thinking about mental health. We often associate mental health with emotions or thoughts rather than the aches, pains, or discomforts that show up in the body. But the mind and body are linked, leading physical symptoms to sometimes be early indicators of underlying mental health issues.