May is Mental Health Awareness Month, which aims to fight stigma, provide support, educate the public, and advocate for policies that support the millions of people in the U.S. affected by mental illness. In 2021, one in five U.S. adults (or 22.3%) experienced mental illness, and one in twenty adults experienced serious mental illness. For certain demographic groups, that rate is even higher. A 2020 survey revealed that more than half of lesbian, gay, and bisexual adults in the U.S. report experiencing mental illness. According to the Health and Human Services Office of Minority Health, Black adults in the U.S. are more likely than white adults to report persistent symptoms of emotional distress, such as sadness and feeling like everything is an effort. While there are likely multiple reasons for this, it is important to note that racism, discrimination, and inequity have a significant impact on the mental health of Black Americans.
Additionally, research shows that rates of mental health disorders have increased during the pandemic. One study found that four in ten U.S. adults have reported experiencing symptoms of anxiety or depression during the pandemic. For some perspective, that rate was one in ten before the start of the pandemic.
Housing and mental health are inextricably linked.
Housing and mental health are closely connected. While a number of factors have contributed to the recent increase in mental health conditions, one particularly significant source of stress for many Americans has been the threat of housing insecurity. People living with mental health conditions may be at higher risk of experiencing housing discrimination, and may have more difficulty coping with housing problems. Mental health conditions can also be exacerbated by discrimination, eviction, housing instability, and homelessness. According to research, safe, fair, and affordable housing can have an incredibly positive impact on a person’s mental and physical health.
The lack of safe and affordable housing is one of the most powerful barriers to recovery [from mental health conditions]. When this basic need isn’t met, people cycle in and out of homelessness, jails, shelters and hospitals. Having a safe, appropriate place to live can provide stability to allow you to achieve your goals.
– NAMI Greater Cleveland
In a recent article framing the eviction crisis as a public health crisis, community health program manager and nurse Nitakuwa Barrett Orsak writes, “Though the symptoms are not as visible, eviction and the threat of eviction also sit at the intersection of housing and health.” The article goes on to explain that eviction, and even the threat of eviction, can worsen anxiety and depression, or trigger the onset of these conditions. While an eviction can affect the mental health of anyone living in the home, it may have a particularly significant impact on pregnant people and children. Additionally, it is important to note that unstable housing – including the experiences of discrimination, evictions, and homelessness – are traumatic events. A 2015 report found that mental illnesses related to these traumatic housing-related experiences have the potential to last for years beyond the eviction.
You have the right to fair housing.
The Fair Housing Act protects anyone living in the U.S. from discrimination or unfair treatment in housing based on a number of protected classes, including disability. The law defines people with a disability to mean “individuals with mental or physical impairments that substantially limit one or more major life activities.” While physical disabilities may first come to mind – and are certainly protected – it is important to know that people living with mental health conditions are also protected under this law. Whether you live with a disability that is visible and apparent, or you live with an “invisible illness,” such as anxiety or depression, your experience is valid and you deserve access to housing that meets your needs.
If you live with a mental health condition and need specific supports in your housing, you have the right to request a reasonable accommodation. That is, a “change, exception, or adjustment to a housing provider’s rule, policy, practice, or service that may be necessary for a person with a disability to have equal opportunity to use and enjoy a dwelling, including public and common use spaces.” Reasonable accommodations may include allowing a tenant to live with an assistance animal at no extra cost (regardless of the housing provider’s pet policy), providing a resident access to a reserved parking space, or allowing a tenant to move from one unit to another without a fee, just to name a few examples. The Fair Housing Center offers additional guidance on requesting and navigating reasonable accommodations in our fact sheet on mental health and your fair housing rights.
Equitable housing as a tool for addressing mental health concerns
America’s mental health crisis cannot be solved without also addressing the housing crisis. Access to equitable housing is an important, and necessary, step in addressing mental health concerns. When housing is equitable, a person’s access to housing opportunities is not limited by their race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, familial status, or disability. They are free to choose where they live, and communities are inclusive, accessible, fair, and affordable. While this may sound unattainable to some, there are steps that can be taken to create a reality where mental health is improved and housing is equitable.
One encouraging step that has already been taken is the Biden-Harris Administration’s introduction of a Blueprint for a Renters Bill of Rights. While the Blueprint is currently non-binding, it lays out best practices, which can help to inform how future housing policy could enhance renter protections and increase housing stability. According to the Blueprint, renters deserve access to: safe, quality, accessible and affordable housing; clear and fair leases; education, enforcement, and enhancement of renter rights; the right to organize; and eviction prevention, diversion, and relief. If implemented, these principles would be instrumental in improving renters’ overall health, wellbeing, and quality of life.
Additionally, fair housing education and advocacy services continue to help tenants exercise their rights and access equitable housing opportunities. Local fair housing agencies, like the Fair Housing Center for Rights & Research, exist to help folks understand their fair housing rights, and navigate situations when their fair housing rights have been violated. Fair housing advocates can also help folks with physical or mental impairments through the process of requesting a reasonable accommodation or modification, in order to afford them equal enjoyment of their housing. Exercising your fair housing rights can be an incredibly powerful tool in taking care of your mental health. If we can imagine a healthier, more equitable future, we can build it.