Only recently did people begin talking openly about mental health. Celebrity suicides have brought the issue to the media, increased awareness, and we are just now beginning to see the undeniable gravity of this epidemic and the urgency in finding new solutions.
Apprehensive still due to its stigma, many suffering with mental health issues are reluctant to come forward and ask for help. All too often, we are unaware of our loved ones’ struggles until it is too late. Because victims of depression are masters at hiding their pain behind false smiles, it tragically can take a failed suicide attempt or worse, a successful one, to gain the attention of those that are in the position to help.
No demographic is immune. The rates of children and adolescents dealing with some sort of emotional health issue is growing at an alarming rate. Teen depression is continually on the rise, no doubt from today’s lifestyle along with the social media pressures teens face today.
Veterans are perhaps at most risk and we are way behind the eight ball in addressing their needs. PTSD is a recognizable condition today and while we are still in our infancy in combating it, we now have the medical and insurance companies at least acknowledging it. But is it enough?
Addressing the imperfections of a broken system is as good a place as any to begin the process of positive change. At present, social service programs available to address the needs of PTSD are limited, and statistically there are more patients than the system can handle.
Just last month, a personal friend of mine lost her son, a decorated marine, to suicide; I find it so tragic that he leaves behind a mother, a daughter and countless others he has touched in his life, simply because he was not offered the help he so desperately needed. The system put into place to help these people is simply overburdened and as a result, inadequate.
What does all of this have to do with ECO Villages for the Homeless? First, many with mental health issues not being appropriately cared for are ending up on the street. Because they are having a hard time coping, holding down a job, and their struggles are grossly misunderstood by family, friends and professionals alike, their lives become unmanageable and the street becomes their only option. Once homeless, the stress of the situation and challenges of being on the street only further aggravate the mental health of the individual. This cycle perpetuates and makes it difficult if not impossible to recover from.
ECO Villages for the Homeless includes in its’ mission to help not only those ON the street, but those that are facing homelessness.
We at ECO Villages plan to work in conjunction with existing programs with the goal of helping residents to re-build their self-esteem, gain independence and again become active members of society.