Navigating the Waves of Anxiety: A Holistic Approach from a team working with individuals in homelessness and addiction

“Anxiety is like a wave, you can’t fight it, but you can learn how to surf.”

Anxiety in Homelessness

Anxiety, a common human experience, can range from mild worry to debilitating fear and panic attacks. While often stigmatized, anxiety is a normal response to stress and uncertainty. However, for individuals experiencing homelessness, anxiety can take on a more profound and pervasive role, shaping their lives and hindering their progress toward stability. At Merchants Quay Ireland (MQI), we recognize the unique challenges faced by homeless individuals struggling with anxiety and are committed to providing comprehensive support and empowering them to navigate the waves of anxiety and find a path towards well-being.

The constant uncertainty of where to sleep, how to meet basic needs, and the fear of violence or exploitation can trigger and worsen anxiety symptoms for individuals experiencing homelessness. For these individuals, anxiety becomes a constant companion, interfering with their daily lives, relationships, and overall well-being. The lack of a safe and stable environment exacerbates anxiety, making it difficult to establish routines, build connections, and focus on personal growth (NAMI). 

MQI: A Haven of Holistic Support

At MQI, we recognize the profound impact of anxiety on homeless individuals and have developed a comprehensive approach to address their mental health needs. Our service provides a respite from the harsh realities of street life, offering a sense of community, understanding, and support. Our Mental Health Team provides individualized care, tailored to each client’s unique needs and challenges, always striving to meet clients where they are at (MQI).

Creating a Safe Space: A Refuge from the Storm

Homelessness and loneliness seem to go hand in hand. This is why MQI serves as a safe space for our clients, offering a place to relax, connect with others, and feel a sense of belonging. Our supportive environment fosters a sense of community and camaraderie, providing emotional sustenance and reducing feelings of isolation and loneliness (NAMI). Leading with a non-judgemental approach, the understanding and acceptance they find at MQI can significantly alleviate anxiety and promote emotional well-being (MHF).

A Holistic Approach to Mental Health

We believe in a holistic approach to mental health, addressing not only the symptoms of anxiety but also the underlying causes. Our Mental Health Team offers a range of services, including referrals on to appropriate services and therapy options such as:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT is a proven effective therapy that helps clients identify and challenge negative thoughts and beliefs that contribute to anxiety (NIMH).
• Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques: These practices teach clients how to manage their emotions, reduce stress levels, and cultivate a sense of calm and self-awareness (APA).
• Support Groups: Support groups provide a safe space for clients to share their experiences, connect with others who understand their struggles, and gain peer support (NAMI).

Empowering Clients to Manage Anxiety

Our goal is to empower our clients to take control of their anxiety and become active participants in their mental health journey. We teach them effective coping mechanisms, such as breathing exercises, relaxation techniques, and mindfulness practices. We encourage them to reach out for support when needed, knowing that they are not alone in their struggle (MHA). The most important thing we can do is remind them that they are not alone and that their feelings are valid. Afterall, we can teach our clients to surf the waves of anxiety, and when things get bad, we help them weather the storm.

The Importance of Validation and Connection

Validating the experiences of our clients is crucial. We acknowledge the challenges they face and the validity of their feelings. By creating an empathetic and understanding environment, we foster trust and encourage open communication (NAMI). This open dialogue is essential for  building rapport and providing effective support.

Surfing the Waves of Anxiety: A Continuous Process

Managing anxiety is a continuous journey, requiring ongoing support, self-awareness, and resilience. We recognize that setbacks may occur, but we emphasize the importance of staying committed to healthy coping strategies and seeking support when needed. Relapses are not signs of failure;
they are opportunities to learn and adapt (NAMI). Our commitment remains constant, providing guidance and encouragement throughout the process. We understand the nature of our client’s lives, so whether it has been a few days, weeks, months or years, we are happy to support clients to engage with mental health supports and make change in their lives.

MQI’s Commitment to Mental Health

At MQI, we are deeply committed to providing comprehensive mental health care to our homeless clients. We recognize that anxiety is a significant barrier to their well-being and success, and we are dedicated to helping them navigate the waves of anxiety and build a path towards a brighter future (NAMI). Our holistic approach, rooted in compassion and understanding, empowers our clients to surf the waves of anxiety, weather the storms, and ultimately find a path towards stability and well-being (HHP).

Anxiety can be a debilitating force in the lives of individuals experiencing homelessness. However, with the right support and guidance, individuals can learn to manage their anxiety effectively and regain control of their lives. MQI’s holistic approach, rooted in compassion and understanding, empowers our clients to become navigators of their mental health journey, surfing the waves of anxiety, and paving the way for stability, well-being, and a brighter future.

Further Reading:

1. National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). Anxiety Disorders. https://www.nami.org/About-Mental-Illness/Mental-Health-Conditions/Anxiety-Disorders.
2. Merchants Quay Ireland (MQI). Mental Health Services. https://mqi.ie/.
3. National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). Social Support and Mental Illness. https://www.nami.org/Support-Education/Support-Groups.
4. Mental Health Foundation. Helping People with Anxiety. https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/our-work/public-engagement/mental-health-awareness-week/what-can-we-do-cope-feelings-anxiety.
5. National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for Anxiety Disorders. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8489050/.
6. American Psychological Association (APA). Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques for Anxiety. https://www.apa.org/topics/mindfulness.
7. National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). Support Groups for Mental Illness. https://www.nami.org/Support-Education/Support-Groups.
8. Mental Health America. Coping Mechanisms for Anxiety. https://www.mhanational.org/conditions/stress.
9. National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). Importance of Validation and Connection for Mental Illness. https://www.nami.org/About-Mental-Illness/Research/Research-on-NAMI-Programs.
10. MentalHealth.gov. The Role of Self-Awareness and Resilience in Managing Anxiety. https://www.nami.org/Your-Journey/Frontline-Professionals/Public-Safety-Professionals/Building-Resilience.
11. National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). Commitment to Mental Health for Homeless Individuals. https://www.nami.org/Home.
12. Harvard Health Publishing. Holistic Approach to Mental Health. https://magazine.hms.harvard.edu/articles/walk-woods-may-boost-mental-health.