No area of life goes untouched by a serious mental illness. It interferes with every need we have as humans, starting with the most essential requirements for survival. And, when these needs aren’t met, those living with these disorders are robbed of the capacity to take steps toward mental health stability.
Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs provides a framework that categorizes the things all of us require to flourish, and it helps us understand how mental illnesses hamper a person’s well-being, starting at the most basic level. As the name suggests, this hierarchy categorizes needs into tiers (often illustrated in a pyramid), putting the basic things we need for survival at the bottom. Generally, a person’s lowest-level needs must be met before they can address needs on the higher levels.
The lowest-level needs—the most fundamental—include physiological factors such as air, water, food, shelter and clothing. Above them are safety needs: things that help a person feel secure such as financial stability, health and protection from violence and harm. On the third tier are needs for love and belonging, followed by needs for esteem (such as self-confidence, respect and achievement) and self-actualization (reaching one’s full potential).
Mental illnesses, especially serious mental illnesses such as bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and major depression, often prevent those who live with them from effectively addressing their lowest-level needs. For example, when one of these disorders prevents a person from holding a job, they often become caught in a cycle of poverty that compounds the struggles brought about by their illness. This poverty can result in food insecurity and homelessness, creating everyday challenges that occupy the majority of their time and energy.
Without things like a safe, stable place to live and regular access to nutritious meals, an individual lacks the capacity to meet their higher-level needs related to mental health. Because their illnesses have stolen their ability to secure the basic things they need for physiological wellbeing, they don’t have the margin to pursue stability.
That’s why the Well Community doesn’t only provide support directly related to mental health but also nutritious meals, essentials such as clothing and hygiene items, and services like case management that assist our members in accessing resources that can meet their most basic needs. And it’s why we provide safe, stable housing at our boarding home for men, Jacob’s House. By coming alongside our members to address their foundational needs, we give them a little margin to invest in higher-level needs.
In addition, the Well is a place where members’ safety needs are met as they benefit from help with accessing health care and financial assistance, as well as enjoy an environment free from stigma and from the threat of violence and discrimination they so often face. And it’s a place where belonging and esteem needs are fulfilled as members’ dignity is affirmed and as they experience acceptance. It’s where, even when their basic needs remain a struggle, they’re blessed by connection with others who care. Your gift will help us continue to provide this place of support, friendship and community. Give now.