housing and mental health
secure, stable housing is not just a basic need – it’s a foundation for good mental health and overall wellbeing
Safe and secure housing is a basic human right and a crucial part of protecting our mental health. But for many people, housing challenges are a source of serious emotional distress.Â
Scotland is facing a national housing emergency. A recent government Housing Inquiry in May 2025 highlighted serious concerns, with some councils warning their homelessness services are close to breaking point.Â
Between April and September 2024:Â
- The number of households and children in temporary accommodation was at its highest since 2002.Â
- The number of people officially classed as homeless increased by 4%.Â
Families on low incomes are often forced to spend more than half their earnings on poor-quality housing, moving home every year or two. This instability can have long-term effects. Research shows children in these situations may fall behind at school, are more likely to be bullied and have more physical health problems.Â
As of 2021, according to a YouGov poll, 8% of Scottish people agreed their current housing situation harmed their own or their family’s mental health.  Â
Housing insecurity is closely linked to poor mental health, with the following factors that can contribute:Â
- financial stressors (such as debt or difficulties paying rent)Â
- spatial issues (like eviction or tenancy insecurity)Â
- relational problems (this could be conflicts with other tenants or neighbours)Â
homelessnessÂ
When housing becomes unaffordable, people can be pushed into unsafe, insecure living situations or even homelessness. In fact, as of 2015, around 8% of people in Scotland had experienced homelessness at some point in their lives. Â
It’s important to understand that homelessness isn’t just about individual choices or crises. It’s often rooted in bigger structural problems, like shortage of affordable housing and growing income inequality. Â
how is mental health and homelessness connected?Â
Mental health and homelessness are deeply interlinked. This means that poor mental health can increase someone’s risk of becoming homeless and being homeless can also worsen a person’s mental health.Â
How can mental health problems lead to homelessness?
Mental health challenges can make it harder for someone to stay in safe, stable housing. This can happen because of:Â
Personal (individual) Factors:Â
- Struggles with substance useÂ
- Conflicts in relationships (e.g., family breakdown, domestic violence)Â
- Past trauma Â
- HoardingÂ
- Coping with the end of work.Â
Wider (systemic) Factors:Â
- Poverty and financial instabilityÂ
- A lack of affordable housingÂ
- Difficult transitions from foster care, prison or hospitalÂ
- Stigma, racism and discrimination that make it harder to access help and housing.Â
How can homelessness affect mental health?
Living without a stable home is incredibly stressful and can lead to or worsen mental health issues (Padgett, 2020). People experiencing homelessness are more likely to experience:Â
- Depression, suicidal thoughts, self- harm and traumaÂ
- Substance use as a way of copingÂ
- Constant stress from things like not knowing where you’ll sleep, keeping safe or being judged or harassed by others.Â
I have housing issues
how do I support myself mentally?Â
Connect with others
Talking to friends or family members about your housing situation can provide emotional support. Social connections are important for mental health and can help reduce feelings of isolation. Â
Seek professional help
It’s important to get help both for your housing and mental health needs. At the bottom of this page, you can find a list of organisations that can help you.Â
Practice self-care:
Doing small things to make yourself feel better, like exercising, writing down your thoughts or making sure you sleep well can help you feel less overwhelmed. For more small practical tips, read our resource on improving your wellbeing.Â
what can I do about housing problems?Â
Housing issues can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to face them alone. There are organisations and services that can support you whether you’re struggling to maintain your home or facing the risk of homelessness.Â
- Contact your local council: They can offer advice and support on housing options, benefits or homelessness prevention.Â
- Speak to a specialist organisation: Change Mental Health, Shelter and Citizens Advice provide expert guidance on housing rights and tenancy issues. Â
- Ask for a care needs assessment: If your mental health makes it hard to manage daily tasks, such as cooking, cleaning or personal care – you can request an assessment from your local social services. This could lead to support in maintaining your independence at home.Â
Partnership with KingdomÂ
Kingdom Housing Association has partnered with Change Mental Health to embed a Mental Health Support Worker within its Tenancy Support Service (TSS).  Â
This forward-thinking, preventative initiative supports tenants experiencing psychological distress or complex emotional needs – particularly those at risk of tenancy breakdown, isolation or reliance on crisis services. Â
Operating across: Â
- Fife Â
- Perth & Kinross Â
- Clackmannanshire Â
- Falkirk  Â
The service offers flexible, trauma-informed and non-clinical mental health support that helps tenants manage emotional wellbeing, strengthen daily coping skills and stay connected within their communities.Â
Read our latest impact report on the service and partnership.Â
contact
Our Advice and Support Service is open Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm (closed for lunch between 12.30pm and 1.30pm), where advisers can signpost you to local support that most fits your needs, including our Change Mental Health services. We offer initial advice on money worries and help to deal with emergencies.
Contact 0808 8010 515, email us at advice@changemh.org or fill out the enquiry form on the Advice and Support Service page.
if you are experiencing housing issues in Scotland Â
Shelter ScotlandÂ
Call 0808 800 4444 (The free helpline is open weekdays from 9am until 5pm)Â
Shelter Scotland works to give people struggling with bad housing or homelessness the help they need, through advice, support and legal services. Their confidential advice helpline is the best way to contact them for any emergencies and urgent housing-advice matters. Â
How we they help?Â
They do not offer accommodation, but can give you advice on your rights and options if:Â
- you have nowhere safe to stayÂ
- you’re sofa surfing or staying somewhere temporaryÂ
- you’re being evicted or forced out of your homeÂ
- staying in your home is a risk to your health or safetyÂ
- you or someone you live with is vulnerableÂ
- the council has refused to help youÂ
 Citizens Advice BureauÂ
0800 028 1456 (Open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm)Â
For free, one-to-one and impartial general advice on employment, housing, debt, benefits and consumer issues like energy bills as well as many other topics. Alternatively, your local area may have a drop-in Citizens Advice Bureau hub.Â
Emergency help from the councilÂ
You can contact the council at any time of day or night. They have a legal duty to help you. Find your council’s homelessness team. Â
StreetLink Â
If you are currently sleeping rough, you can get help by making an alert through StreetLink. This connects you with local outreach teams who will try to find you and offer support. Â
In Scotland, call 0808 178 2323 or visit their website.Â
Stonewall HousingÂ
They offer specialist housing advice for anyone identifying as LGBTQ+ in the UK. Visit the website or call 0800 6 404 404Â