A therapist could be the key to helping them identify the underlying cause of their issues.
Therapist assistance might seem the most evident solution, but it proves to be more arduous to motivate a homeless individual to seek mental support.
They frequently perceive themselves as being treated as mentally unstable.
That was my initial reaction when they suggested therapy to me while I was homeless.
“If someone had warned me about the severe consequences of addiction, I might have had a greater chance of mitigating the impact of homelessness on my life.“
The street provided an environment where I could act without fear of judgment.
My addiction’s insatiable hunger became uncontrollable until I reached a point where I desperately needed professional help.
However, the question arises: when is the most appropriate time to suggest professional assistance to a homeless individual?
I recommend offering help as soon as they arrive at a homeless shelter.
The current system prioritizes accommodating many needy people rather than providing personalized assistance.
Consequently, the dire circumstances faced by homeless individuals are left unaddressed.
The initial relief from stress comes from cigarettes and alcohol, but the worst is yet to come.
Homeless individuals, under the influence of alcohol, begin accepting whatever is offered to them, leading them down a dangerous path. They transition from using lighter drugs like marijuana to heavier substances like fentanyl, heroin, and crack cocaine. This downward spiral results in complete mental decay.
The consequences of this situation are deeply troubling and unacceptable in society.
We witness homeless individuals using drugs in public, writhing in ecstasy, their lives spiraling out of control.
At this point, reversing the situation becomes highly challenging. There is no clear path forward. Should we attempt to address the current crisis or hand them over to the authorities to handle the situation?
This problem is not as complex as the chicken and egg dilemma. Authorities and institutions are determined to confront this chronic issue as humanely as possible, avoiding the embarrassment of the devastating outcomes.
What will become of our cities in the next decade or two?
Will they become the haunts of the living dead, or will they face even greater peril—the self-destruction of our entire society?
The situation is rapidly spreading nationwide, and we must act now to address this crisis. The best course of action is to identify the root cause of the problem before it spirals out of control and becomes an insurmountable challenge.
A therapist can serve as an excellent starting point in this endeavor.
We still have the opportunity to redirect our path as a species and ensure a brighter future for our cities and society.
If you know someone going through emotional problems who lacks control over addictive substances, that person may be on the brink of losing their home and falling into the abyss of homelessness and addictions. Please call a helpline.