To see how sport could be used as a catalyst to solve youth homelessness, statistical research was conducted to see what benefits it has on physical and mental health. From the research found, it seems that mental health has a massive impact on the homeless population, and a lack of motivation or depression can be the reason behind their position in the first place. Through my project, I hope to tackle homelessness by propelling sport and activity into the lives of the homeless population.
As you can see from the chart, many of the ranges are rather sizeable and this can be due to a number of sampling and study conditions. It may also be due to the nature of mental illness in the homeless; with suggestions from South African researchers suggesting that those with mental illness may not remember their diagnosis or may have been unable to access services for a diagnosis. There is also the issue of reaching a diagnosable level and what level each study uses. It is generally accepted that there is also a great deal of sub-clinical symptoms seen in the homeless population which may bias some study results. Regardless of these potential limitations it is clear that mental illness in the homeless is a global problem. Unfortunately, one study out of the USA suggests that it is a problem which has been getting worse since 1970. In some areas, the homeless population with mental illness increased by 363% between 1987 and 2007.
It can be di cult to visualise the extent of an issue when just considering percentages, so it can be useful to have some gures to represent the number of people that are a ected. For example, American studies suggest that at any time there are, at minimum, 200,000 homeless people suffering from mental illness. Indian researchers have found even more startling figures, suggesting in their study that there are over 15 million homeless people suffering from a form of mental illness.
Without comparisons to the general population it can be di cult to truly appreciate how much of a problem mental illness is in the homeless population and how much more at risk these already
vulnerable people are. In the UK and USA, estimates suggest that common mental health problems are twice as likely in the homeless. This level of risk is also seen in homeless young people in Australia who are also twice as likely as their securely housed.
Research shows the many benefits of exercise on the body and mind, it is an important component to a daily routine that many homeless people are missing out on. It not only strengthens your body but also has amazing effects on our brain which can help to get the homeless population happier, motivated and fulfilled.
https://www.helpguide.org/articles/healthy-living/the-mental-health-benefits-of-exercise.htm
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