Housing
Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful. -William Morris
Providing sheltered housing in the community for the long-term mentally ill patients of the old asylums was one of the first steps in the process of deinstitutionalization in the 1960’s and 1970’s. Today, even most long-stay patients can successfully leave psychiatric hospitals and live in community settings.
Ideally, a residential continuum with different housing options should be provided by your hospital or mental health team. This ranges from round-the-clock staffed sheltered homes to more independent persons and less staffed sheltered apartments which eventually allow individuals moving into independent housing in the community. Research finds that once in supported housing, the majority of persons living with psychiatric illness stay in housing and are less likely to become hospitalized.
Your housing situation likely depends on your health and independent living abilities, but also your financial resources. Are you living on a Social Security disability program? If so, your income may be low and you’ll probably need some kind of affordable housing choice. Perhaps living in a one-bedroom, studio/efficiency, or single-room occupancy (SRO) apartment is most affordable. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development has rental assistance programs for persons with disabilities. This protects most of your income — like 70 percent — for your other living expenses. Your psychiatrist, social worker, or other psychiatric services provider should be able to assist you or connect you with resources.
So that’s all the serious stuff. Now what makes your housing a “home?” Your home is where you spend most of your time, relax and unwind, keep your belongings, eat and sleep and shower. Your home is very important. Think about what else you use your home to do. Is it big enough to entertain people? Do you work from home? Is it decorated the way you want it to look? Do you feel comfortable and protected there?
Does your home meet all of your basic needs and support what you want to do in your life? If you live as a minimalist, your home only contains what you need and use and what you find beautiful. Is your bed comfortable? Do you have enough table space? Do you have a place to sit? Is it’s location convenient to what you need and where you go? Do you feel safe? Is it convenient to your doctor’s office, the grocery store, public transit, work, family and friends, and recreational activities? Are you even in the right town?
Think about how you can make your home life wonderful. It should meet your needs and give you a fun and comfortable place to spend much of your time.
Resource Links
Where Should I Live? 14 Important Factors When Deciding the Best Place to Live (Money Crashers)
Study Examines the Best and Worst Cities for People with Disabilities
How to Create a Living Space That Lights You Up (Huffington Post)
Seeking Simplicity: How to Start Living a More Minimal Lifestyle

