Housing pressures cause mental health problems for 1 in 4 adults

Shelter investigation with Newcastle GPs shows housing pressures drive people to need medical help Credit: PA

More than a quarter of adults in the North of England suffer with mental health problems because of housing pressures. A Shelter investigation with GP's in Newcastle found poor living conditions and unaffordable housing are among the reasons people seek help.

New research has revealed millions of people in the North of England have suffered a deterioration in their mental health because of housing problems in their lifetime, and many are seeking help from GPs in the area.

The report from Shelter and ComRes shows 27% of people in the North of England have experienced issues including long-term stress, anxiety and depression due to a housing problem. In some of the worst cases, people have suicidal thoughts.

The charity is urging anyone overwhelmed by housing problems to get advice from Shelter, after 1 in 14 (7%) people in the region said they had visited their GP due to housing problems.

An in-depth investigation by the charity with 20 GPs, including professionals from Newcastle, revealed:

  • GPs say some of their patients diagnosed with anxiety and depression is directly due to housing problems

  • Bad housing is tipping people with existing mental health issues ‘over the edge’

  • Poor housing conditions are having the biggest effect on mental health but unaffordable and unstable rented housing are also having a negative impact

  • GPs feel they need more help in supporting patients experiencing these problems.

Rebecca, aged 31, rents privately with her two young children in a home she says is in terrible condition. Rebecca has suffered severe depression.

The statistics below show the percentage of adults in the North of England who have suffered mental health problems because of housing pressures - and they type of mental health problem suffered.

Anyone struggling with bad housing and homelessness in the North East can contact Shelter North East on 0344 515 1601 or drop into their advice centre at 140-150 Pilgrim Street, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 6TH.

Shelter North East are also running two health projects in Newcastle which help people who are unwell as a result of poor quality housing. For more information, call Shelter North East on 0344 515 1601.

Shelter legal adviser Liz Clare’s top 5 tips on easing the pressure of housing problems:

  • Making a start can make all the difference. Whatever the housing pressure, if it’s affecting your mental health, take the first step towards getting help at www.shelter.org.uk/advice

  • If you’re living in a home that isn’t up to scratch, find out what your landlord should do to fix bad conditions

  • If you’re falling behind on the rent, get advice and help on negotiating on rent arrears

  • Talk to one of Shelter’s housing advisers straight away if you’re facing evictionY

  • You can get help for mental health issues through charities like Rethink or Mind, or speak to your local GP