Where a person lives, and the condition of their home significantly impacts their mental health. Delagran (n.d) describes a person’s house as affecting four critical areas of a person’s life. A home impacts one’s mood and their risk of developing depression and anxiety. A home can influence a person’s behavior, the choices they make, and their motivation for getting tasks done. A well-functioning, clean home is more likely to motivate an individual; however Delagran (n.d) notes that a home can actually encourage or discourage interactions with others. A welcoming space makes a person more likely to have friends and family over; conversely, a dysfunctional home creates stress, whereas a functional one reduces stress (Delagran, n.d.).

Beyond a person’s mental and emotional well being, home and health impacts are far reaching and co-dependent. Mind (2021) notes the cyclical nature of mental health and housing. When an individual struggles with their mental health, they are more likely to find themselves in a housing crisis, yet when they are in a housing crisis, they are in more dire need of mental health help. This can be a difficult spiral to escape.

We at the Kauri Foundation have designed our homes with mental health in mind. A home is a place where people should be able to rest and recharge. A place that fits their needs and feeds their souls. Our structures allow homeowners to do just that! With the ability to be customized to each person’s unique living needs, we put the homeowner's mental health first.

References

Delagran, L. (n.d.). How does your personal environment impact your wellbeing? Taking Charge of Your Health & Wellbeing. Retrieved August 8, 2022, from https://www.takingcharge.csh.umn.edu/how-does-your-personal-environment-impact-your-wellbeing

How can housing affect mental health? Mind. (2021). Retrieved August 8, 2022, from https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/guides-to-support-and-services/housing/housing-and-mental-health/