What to Do if You’re Going to Be Homeless and Thinking About Dying? (5+ No-Doubt Hacks)

In this article, we will look at a list of things to do ‘if you are going to be homeless and are thinking about dying’.  In addition, we also understand the relationship between mental health and homelessness. 

What to do if you are going to be homeless and thinking about dying? 

Here is a list of things you can do to prepare yourself if you are going to be homeless and thinking about dying. 

• Move Quickly: If you are going to be homeless, the right thing to do is move out quickly. You need to save every penny and therefore avoid falling into debt. Make quick decisions as well as implement them quickly. Move into a safer and cheaper neighbourhood. Try not to move into an expensive city. 

• Buy a shelter first: it is important to start with buying a shelter. You will rather live in a tent with some shelter than on the streets right below the open sky. A feasible option is a tent trailer. They are not expensive as assumed and can accommodate your family too. Further another advantage of a tenet trailer is you can pack up your belongings and move easily when needed. Avoid living in your car if you can afford it. It is no different than sleeping on park benches.

• Sell the things you do not need: In our luxurious lifestyle we happen to gather things that we can surely survive without. Hence keep all the essentials such as blankets, bed covers, sleeping bags, warm clothes, etc. nevertheless, sell your house furniture, most of your kitchen appliances that can be substituted, your CDs, books, etc. 

• Do not leave everything behind: try and photograph all the things that you want to remember. These happy memories will help you survive when needed. Do not leave your basic clothing. Take some professional clothing as well. 

• Be prepared to work extra: once you are homeless or living in a tent, it is important to realize that you will have to do most of your work. Invest in some small camping kitchen appliances. Make healthy food, instead of eating junk. This will keep your body in a good condition. Find a store selling fresh water to drink. Go the extra mile to save some cents. 

• Look out for a Job: it is very important that you tackle your situation practically. Try to earn money legally however possible. Do not think of any profession to be under you. Look for two jobs a day to sustain yourself. Be confident with your skills and abilities. Accept help when offered by a genuine source. Avoid falling into debt or under situations you cannot keep away from. Earn as much money as possible. 

• Spend money cautiously: even though you might be earning money, but saving money is the key to a successful future. Try to avoid buying unnecessary things until you are standing back on your two feet again. 

Throughout the last few years, the number of homeless people in England has increased by almost a third. As the release of these harsh statistics, Jon Sparkes, chief executive of the homeless charity Crisis, said that more needs to be done to stop people falling into homelessness in the first place.

Are you going to be homeless? Do you feel you are a burden on others? Does this make you want to die? All these feelings are quite normal in the given situation but are also avoidable. It is important to communicate. Look for a friend or confidante, tell them what you are going through. Do not feel embarrassed to share, because sharing can help you come with new ideas to deal with your situation. 

Being homeless is not easy. It is highly impossible to give up a good lifestyle. Although, if you are going to be homeless and thinking about dying, I want you to know that this is not the end of the world. It sure does feel like it, but there is always a good chance that things will work out. You need to plan and take quick action. 

If you are not willing to live by yourself, one can also get admitted to shelters for homeless people. Find out the nearest shelter home in your neighbourhood. Shelter homes help you survive by giving you the basic needs of survival- food, clothing, and shelter. 

Two formerly homeless people who got off the street. 

If you are going to be homeless and thinking about dying, there can be no better inspiration than a bunch of real-life examples.  

Here are two formerly homeless people who got off the street. Learn from them and let their stories inspire you. 

David Tovey, an HIV positive student unable to work, with no familial assistance ended up in debt to his landlord. The council denied him help as he was a student. This leads to a severe phase of extreme depression. When David returned from the hospital, he came to change lock doors to his house as a result of a lack of rent payment. David asked for the help of the council, but they were of the attitude that he could live in his car. He ended up living in his car for 6 months. The council did not help as he did not meet the criteria of paying the outstanding rent. He later moved into a homeless hostel and pulled some strings as he was an ex-army man. David says “I’m still rebuilding my life now, and it first started to fall apart in 2011. It takes a considerable amount of time and effort to get back to normal after a period of homelessness, but it isn’t impossible, and I’m definitely making good progress.”

Hugo Sugg left his father’s house after the age of 18 as a result of their unhealthy relationship. Hugo lived with a friend only to find out that he assaulted him. He spent more than a year sofa-surfing, with no permanent accommodation. Hugo asked for help from a local charity called Supported Housing for Young People’s Project (SHYPP). They helped him both physically and psychologically. There have been nights when Hugo has slept in the cold at the cashpoint lobby. He also was suicidal in nature. Fortunately for him,  SHYPP helped him with permanent accommodation and his difficult times. Hugo says “The horrors of being homeless still haunt me today, although I have grown stronger and more able to deal with them. I wouldn’t wish homelessness on anyone, as it was degrading and soul-destroying.”

Although these stories are heartbreaking, we need to learn that things always work out. If you are going to be homeless and thinking about dying, you need to find the strength and courage to stay put and work towards a brighter future. 

Mental health Impact of being homeless 

How are housing and mental health-related? Poor mental health can make it difficult to deal with the problems of housing. While being homeless can also impact your mental health. 

Stress and Anxiety: Living in unsafe, uncomfortable, and poor surrounding, most certainly comes with stress, anxiety, and panic. If your safety is compromised, you will be unable to live peacefully no matter what. 

Relationship issues: Homelessness takes a huge toll on yourself. Therefore, it is almost certain that it would also take a toll on your relationships with your parents or partners. For example, feeling angry or stressed can cause arguments or make it hard to discuss what to do.

Sleeping problems: It is very unlikely that you will have a good night’s sleep living in a noisy and unsafe neighbourhood. The stress and insecurity that you may be under danger at any moment will naturally decrease your need to sleep. A bad sleep schedule leads to high levels of stress and anxiety. On the other hand, stress and anxiety lead to a bad sleep schedule. It is a vicious cycle. 

Questioning of self-esteem: It is very likely that you start feeling lonely and embarrassed about your condition. After looking at all your friends and family doing well in life, it is a natural reaction to question your self-worth. Homelessness most certainly reduces a person’s confidence and self-esteem. 

Money related issues: It is more likely that you are homeless because you have no money left with you. In today’s world money surely is everything. If you do not have money, you are not valued. It becomes difficult for you to survive. 

Physical health: Physical illness impacts our mental health to a great extent. Living in a damp, dirty, and cold environment makes you unwell. Constant physical illness with no money most certainly takes a toll on your mental health. 

Conclusion 

In this article, we looked at a list of things to do ‘if you are going to be homeless and are thinking about dying’.  In addition, we also understand the relationship between mental health and homelessness. 

What we recommend for Depression

Professional counselling

If you are suffering from depression then ongoing professional counselling could be your ideal first point of call. Counselling will utilize theories such as Cognitive behavioural therapy which will help you live a more fulfilling life.

FAQs: I’m going to be homeless and thinking about dying. 

References 

https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/guides-to-support-and-services/housing/housing-and-mental-health/

https://www.vice.com/en/article/qbx7mq/former-homeless-people-tell-us-the-obstacles-they-overcame-to-get-housing

https://toughnickel.com/frugal-living/10-Tips-For-A-Better-Life-When-You-Are-Homeless