Category Archives: Mental Illness Housing

How Does Shared Housing Impact Mental Health Today

Group Homes, Halfway Homes, Mental Illness Housing, Shared Housing

House sharing is very popular these days. Why? It’s economical and socially viable for young adults. However, there needs to be a broader understanding of the effects of shared housing on mental health. 

The Study on House Sharing & Mental Health

A survey was conducted in Seoul, Korea, wherein 834 young, single adults living in shared houses and non-shared housing participated. The study found two results. The first one is that those in shared housing have a more positive attitude and show improvements in their mental health. Next, young adults that were forced to live in shared housing are more at risk of social dysfunction. 

Health Benefits of Shared Housing

Living in shared housing can potentially improve your mental health if you have a positive mindset. A positive mindset can affect our physical and mental health. Some of the health benefits include:

  • A sense of social support that can help reduce depression and anxiety
  • Networking and more opportunities to form new relationships
  • Better acclimatization to the outside world
  • Learning social skills
  • Learning to live with other people
  • Learning to share, compromise and communicate
  • Learning time management and self-discipline

On the other hand, living in shared housing can also be a risk factor for mental health if you have a negative attitude. More specifically, it can be a risk factor for social dysfunction. Some of the negative attitude risks include:

  • Hostility, aggression, and anti-social behavior
  • Less social support
  • Lack of interest in social activities
  • More conflict with your housemates

The Importance of Being Okay with Shared Housing

Living with other people can be a good thing if that’s what you want. Therefore, it all comes down to your preferences and how you view them.

The following are some positive ways to look at shared housing:

  • Shared housing is a stepping stone to success
  • You learn to live with other people and be more understanding
  • You have more freedom to do what you want when you want
  • You can save money and have more disposable income
  • You get to learn to compromise and live with other people
  • Shared housing is fun
  • You learn to appreciate other people
  • You get a new perspective on life

One of the most important things to keep in mind is that shared housing is not for everyone. It’s for people that don’t want to live alone. If you prefer to live alone, it’s much better to be honest about it and move on.

As long as you have a positive attitude, living in shared housing should be beneficial to your health.

How to Find Shared Housing in the US

When looking for shared housing, consider the following:

  • Make sure you have a private room
  • Ask to see the room before committing
  • Have a roommate agreement
  • Look for an affordable place
  • Use social media and online forums to research the house and surrounding area
  • Ask the landlord if you can get a picture of the surrounding area

Share a Living Space Today

Overall, shared housing is the best option for young adults because it gives them the benefit of living on their own without the financial burden that comes with it and the burden of other adult responsibilities. It allows young adults to learn to interact with people from all walks of life.

Are you looking for room sharing in Stanislaus County, CA and Modesto, CA? Stayhaven Homes offers affordable and specialized housing. Get started now!

How Loneliness Can Hamper Your Journey to Sobriety

Depression Housing, Group Homes, Halfway Homes, Mental Illness Housing, Shared Housing, Sober Home, Sober Living

Many of you may not know this but loneliness can get in the way of sobriety. This is alarming as this can be a real hindrance to an individual’s journey to sobriety. Because of this, we thought it would be useful to have a brief discussion on this subject. If this is something that you want to learn more about, read on as we discuss how loneliness can hamper your journey to sobriety.

Understanding the Difference Between Loneliness and Being Alone

It’s important to understand that there is a difference between loneliness and being alone. In sobriety, alone time is often needed as a restorative period that makes socializing more enjoyable in the long run. However, being alone does not always mean feeling lonely. In fact, you can be lonely even if you are with other people.

Instead of looking at loneliness as an emotion caused by being alone, it’s better to view it as a state of mind. Loneliness is the perception of being disconnected from everyone else whether or not you are in close proximity with other people. 

People who feel lonely often have low self-esteem. Factors such as feeling worthless, feeling guilty, being mentally distressed, and having poor coping skills can cause someone to feel lonely.

Loneliness and Sobriety

It may not seem like loneliness is a potential trigger for relapse, but isolation can be extremely impactful. Loneliness has long been tied to high-risk behavior like substance abuse. As a result, people in recovery may succumb to the temptation of old behaviors in these moments of weakness.

For example, you could be separated from family members while you are going through treatment, or you could be living on your own after rehabilitation, and you don’t have a community of friends or supportive individuals to help you through the tough times. You might feel like you’re facing life’s challenges alone, but this isn’t the case.

The earliest steps of recovery from addiction can be especially painful, as you begin to face up to the way you have hurt those close to you by your addiction and the damage to your relationships. It is easy, in the midst of these emotions, to feel lonely and try to soothe the pain with something false, such as alcohol or drugs. This is why loneliness plays a big role when it comes to people living in sobriety to relapse.

Best Ways to Deal With Loneliness In Sobriety

Although loneliness can be difficult in sobriety, it can be combated in many positive ways. To help make things easier for you, here are a couple of ways to deal with loneliness in sobriety.

If you’re still struggling with loneliness and need support, consider talking to a therapist. A licensed therapist can help you talk through your feelings of loneliness, as well as uncover any issues that may be contributing to this distressing emotion. Therapy can help you process these emotions in a safe and supportive environment.

Attending AA meetings is a great way to make new friends and meet people who are dedicated to their sobriety. The AA community encourages individuals to care deeply for their physical and emotional well-being, knowing that loneliness can be one of the primary causes of relapse.

Conclusion

We hope this article proves to be useful when it comes to helping you understand the effect that loneliness can have on sobriety. As you can see, loneliness can really get in the way of sobriety. Be sure to take everything you learned here and apply it to your life so you can best navigate sobriety.

Are you looking for affordable shared housing in Stanislaus County, CA? Stayhaven Homes is worth checking out. We offer specialized housing programs for populations with special needs, including seniors, veterans, disabled people, low-income individuals, sober-living persons, and other similar concerns. Contact us today to learn more.

5 Tips to Improving Mental Health For Seniors

Group Homes, Mental Illness Housing, Shared Housing

The world is becoming increasingly aware of the importance of mental health awareness, but while most focus on its impact on the younger generation and working class, not a lot pays attention to senior citizens’ cognitive and emotional state. Your elderly loved ones can struggle with mental and emotional afflictions for various reasons, including loneliness, grief, major changes in one’s lifestyle, and other pressures of getting older. 

Cognitive and Emotional Decline in Aging People

Several mental conditions can affect the elderly in greater numbers than younger people, and in most cases, they can have a major impact on their overall quality of life. Elderly people are often in more need of a stable and joyful life to retain their energy and stay productive, and it is upon us to ensure that this is not taken away from them too soon or because of our neglect to provide them with the appropriate care.

What to Do to Improve Mental Health in Seniors

Tip #1: Keep the Mind Active by Playing Games with Them 

The first thing to address when caring for your elderly parent with cognitive and emotional decline is to keep their mind active, as this helps them stay alert. You can engage in a number of activities with them or let them play games on their own, like crossword puzzles, chess, or card games. 

Try to ensure that you check with them if they want to play a particular game, or better yet, involve them in deciding on the activity you will do together. This way, keep them in charge of their own activity, boosting their self-esteem. 

Tip #2: Never Cut them Off from Social Interaction

Social connection is essential for good mental health for the elderly, and cutting them off from others can hit them hard. Instead, try to foster social connection with them, like a group of family and friends who visit them often and stay connected.

If they don’t have anyone visiting them, you can try to set them up with a meeting at a nearby senior center. When interacting with them, talk to them about their life, interests, and family to keep them engaged in the things that matter to them, as this can help immensely with their mental health.

Tip #3: Don’t Ignore their Emotional State

Despite being emotionally mature and in control, elderly people can suffer from emotional distress and display it in many ways. They may become reclusive, lose interest in their hobbies and usual activities, and may even express their distress through crying and anger.

While their emotions are valid, it is important to address them, as ignoring their emotional health is a major cause of stress. Be receptive to your parent’s emotions, and keep an open dialogue to help them cope with their feelings. Show them that you are willing to listen, and suggest different activities and ways to deal with the feelings they are experiencing.

Tip #4: Encourage Physical Activity

Elderly people can experience a number of changes in their physical health, especially when it comes to mobility limitations and pain. Studies have shown that moderate physical activity can help improve their mental health.

This does not have to mean exercise. You can encourage your parent to do some light exercise with you, like taking a walk during the day or gardening in their backyard. Light physical activity like this can help them burn the day’s stress and may even make them feel younger again.

Tip #5: Ensure Proper Sleep and Diet 

Insufficient sleep and poor nutrition can both contribute to mental and emotional decline. Your elderly parent may require longer sleep hours or frequent naps to feel well-rested. If they are not too uncomfortable with it, try to encourage them to take naps in the morning and before bed at night.

A healthy diet is also essential, and helps with overall mental health as well. Make sure that they are eating a balanced diet and are not skipping meals. Once you are sure that their diet is satisfactory, it may be beneficial to have their vitamin and mineral levels checked with their doctor.

The Bottom Line: Protecting and Improving Your Senior Family’s Mental Health 

When it comes to the care of your elderly loved ones, it is vital to not overlook their mental health, as it is just as important as their physical health. Address their mental health needs the same way you would address their physical health, and, if you notice any decline in their mental health, seek medical attention early rather than later.

Are You Looking for Shared Housing in Stanislaus County, CA?

Finding a comfortable living space is an expensive journey, but if you’re not ready to settle down into a home you can call your own or even an apartment, then it’s worth finding your temporary abode in rooms for rent.

Stayhaven Homes can give you a safe haven without breaking the bank with our shared housing services, so get in touch with us at 209-280-0776 and see how we can help you live in a community that strives to put an affordable roof above anyone’s head.