MENTAL HEALTH AND THE HOMELESS

Can the community make a difference in changing the suicide rate of the homeless population?

In a report by the Zero Suicides Campaign with Eyewitness News, they discuss the undermined mental health struggle the homeless population faces. Research and numbers relating to the largest problem, suicide, are not reliable because many incidences are not reported. Because of this, people cannot see there is an issue at hand. A resident working with Kern Behavioral Health and Recovery Services, Ellen Eggert, uses emotional appeals to state that this population is more likely to commit suicide simply because of their living conditions. She discusses that many homeless members are afraid to reach out and therefore fall into dangerous territory. Also, she notes that the situation they are facing could easily be anyone. Eggert explains how the community can help in many small ways. For example, she says that smiling or building a relationship can be all it takes to completely change a homeless person’s day around, letting them know people are looking out for them. This information helps explain how the community can go about helping these people and how a difference can be made by making small changes. Kindness can go a long way!

If you are homeless and looking for mental health care, The Hope Center in Lexington, Kentucky (highlighted under the Kentucky Organizations tab) is a wonderful organization that can provide you with resources and help.

This source’s credibility is built using Ellen Eggert who has personal experience working with patients through mental health. Ellen Eggert uses pathos throughout her speech to draw the audience in and help them understand why they should be passionate about this topic.