Eviction and Mental Health: How to Cope with The Unexpected Stress
When it comes to the correlation between eviction and mental health, many studies have found that sudden evictions can cause stress, anxiety, depression, and more. According to one report, as many as 30 million U.S. renters are vulnerable to being banished from their homes, including many who reside in New York City.
Eviction, or the mere threat of it, can be highly stressful for tenants, especially amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. Read on as we elaborate.
The Health Impacts of Eviction
Evidence of an eviction can be found in a tenant’s credit report for a maximum of seven years, restricting their hunt for future housing.
In addition, dispossession can also restrict the tenant’s access to other quality services such as transportation, work, and school. This can make them feel alienated by the state and social apparatus.
The possible inevitabilities of eviction impact health in many, severe ways, both psychologically and physically. In fact, a recent research study found that when people face evictions or lose their legal rights to homes, they may experience different psychological distresses such as anxiety and depression.
Moreover, eviction stress can become more severe with anxiety-inducing court dates and summons. As dispossession takes a lot of time, it can be highly traumatic and may cause a renter an extended period of emotional stress.
The Best Way to Deal with An Eviction
Dealing with an eviction presents some fundamental challenges both physically and emotionally for the tenant. However, if you face this unfortunate situation, there are still ways to cope with the stress.
Here are some helpful tips:
Study the laws of the state you live in
If you’ve received a notice or have been evicted, read through the “Landlord and Tenant Act” alongside your state’s regulations.
This act describes the eviction process in great detail, so make sure to get a copy from the local courthouse or the attorney general’s site. Pay close attention to segments on wrongful evictions. If you believe you’ve been dispossessed illegally, you can take a legal course of action against the landlord and claim damages.
Common reasons eviction may occur:
- Lease violation, including lying on the application
- Nonpayment of rent
- Dangerous activities/damage to the premises
Find a storage space for your belongings
One of the most common problems evictees face is finding a place to keep their belongings during the proceedings.
Some have family and friends willing to keep smaller items, but the most convenient solution is to find a storage space. They cater to your big furniture and several other dear possessions you’re unwilling to give up.
In addition, it’s straightforward and affordable to rent a storage area. This way, you’ll have all of your belongings in a safe place, even in the face of eviction stress.
Practice coping strategies
In the case of finding an eviction notice, it’s best not to panic. In fact, it’s important for your mental health to remain calm and think through the situation thoroughly. For example, you can research possible ways to avoid dispossession by reviewing your rights and speaking with your landlord.
If the corrective course of action isn’t feasible, pack your things and begin planning. The owner may give you additional time if you require it. Make sure to seek assistance from friends, families, and government agencies, as you may need support finding a new home.
It’s imperative to get yourself engaged in activities and hobbies you love to minimize the effect of eviction and health outcomes that may come with it.
Bennett Movers
We have over 25 years of experience, and are fully licensed, insured, and equipped to deal with New York eviction.
As a leading New York moving company, we can help by providing customers with the necessary documentation and paperwork required by the court, banks, tenants or even the local police department to ensure the eviction process is as smooth as possible.
For more information related to our moving and eviction services, visit our homepage. If you need eviction movers urgently, contact us today!