Facts: Mental Health & Homelessness
In Madison
- 38% of homeless of families have one or more members suffering from mental illness.
- 49% of homeless single women suffer from mental illness.
- 27% of homeless single men suffer from mental illness.
- 41% of unaccompanied homeless youth have issues with mental illness.
Veterans - Homelessness and Mental Illness
- 9% of homeless families in Madison include a veteran.
- 13% of the homeless in Madison are veterans.
- 45% of homeless veterans suffer from mental illness.
- Nationally the number of homeless veterans is increasing.
Staggering Stats
- 1 in 17 people live with a serious mental illness.
- 4 of the 10 leading causes of disability in the US are mental disorders.
- The economic cost of untreated mental illness is more than $100 billion each year in the United States.
Mental Illness and Care
- Most people with mental illnesses get better, and many recover completely. Between 70% and 90% of individuals have significant reduction of symptoms and improved quality of life with a combination of medication and psychosocial treatments combined with strong support.
- Schizophrenia is a brain disorder that robs people of their ability to think clearly and logically. The estimated 2.5 million Americans with schizophrenia have symptoms ranging from social withdrawal to hallucinations and delusions.
- People with mental illness are much more likely to be the victim of a violent crime than a perpetrator.
- Recovery refers to the process in which people are able to live, work, learn, and participate fully in their communities. For some individuals, recovery is the reduction or complete remission of symptoms. Studies have shown good care and appropriate support services plays an integral role in an individual's recovery.
For More Information on Homelessness and Mental Illness
Watch a fascinating discussion about homelessness and mental illnesses, "Minds on the Edge," conducted by the Columbia University School of Journalism as part of the Fred Friendly Seminar Series. There is a short introductory discussion on the left hand side of the page. To watch the segments of the series on mental illness and homlessness, click on the James Story on the bottom right.
References are available upon request