Search results for ‘Subject term:"mental health problems"’ Sort:
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“Nuts, schiz, psycho”: an exploration of young homeless people's perceptions and dilemmas of defining mental health
- Authors:
- O'REILLY Michelle, TAYLOR Helen C., VOSTANIS Panos
- Journal article citation:
- Social Science and Medicine, 68(9), May 2009, pp.1737-1744.
- Publisher:
- Elsevier
This research explores the term ‘mental health’ as articulated by a group of young people living in homeless shelters utilising staff in a mental health service. This mental health service was offered in 5 large geographical areas (urban, semi-urban and rural) in England to 18 homeless shelters and we interviewed 25 homeless young people, 5 Mental Health Coordinators and 12 homeless shelter staff. Using discourse analysis of semi-structured interviews, the ideological dilemmas presented by the young people were investigated. They report negative and stigmatising descriptions of mental health despite their involvement with a mental health service. Four key interpretative repertoires are identified; denial of problems, mental health as negative, the need to talk, and challenging prejudice. It is concluded that the term ‘mental health’, which appears in the title of the service (of which they are clients), presents barriers for usage but works to challenge prejudice and educate young people. Discussion of the implications of naming services and the importance of shared meanings are considered.
Mental health problems of homeless children and families: longitudinal study
- Authors:
- VOSTANIS Panos, GRATTAN Eleanor, CUMELLA Stuart
- Journal article citation:
- British Medical Journal, 21.3.98, 1998, pp.899-902.
- Publisher:
- British Medical Association
Presents the results of research aiming to establish the mental health needs of homeless children and families before and after rehousing. The main outcome measures used were children's mental health problems and social support one year after rehousing. Concludes that homeless families have a high level of complex needs that cannot be met by conventional health services and arrangements. Highlights an need for local strategies for rapid rehousing into permanent accommodation, effective social support and health care for parents and children, and protection from violence and intimidation to be developed and implemented.
The mental health of children in homeless families and their contact with health, education and social services
- Authors:
- CUMELLA Stuart, GRATTAN Eleanor, VOSTANIS Panos
- Journal article citation:
- Health and Social Care in the Community, 6(5), September 1998, pp.331-342.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
Previous research indicates that children in homeless families have a high risk of physical and mental illness. This study reports the initial stage of a longitudinal research programme to measure the prevalence of psychiatric disorders among parents and children in homeless families. A sample of parents in homeless families were interviewed within two weeks of admission to seven homeless centres in the City of Birmingham, and compared with a sample of low-income families who were not homeless. Considers the effects on the children in such families and looks at what is required of the different agencies in providing services for this client group.