There have been calls for urgent action to address mental health difficulties among those experiencing homelessness.
Source: Call to address mental health difficulties among homeless
Opinion
The report indicates that the rates of mental health issues among homeless people are significantly higher than the national average in Ireland. But it doesn't really address the issue of those homeless people who perhaps don't want to be among the "normals" of society.
Their numbers are probably few but I think some - certainly not all - of the homeless are out on the street because conventional living is just too heavy for them. They've become so spiritualized that they need the freedom and space that homelessness affords them.
I imagine I might get a few angry and accusatorial responses to this. But funnily enough, if I were to suggest it about the 'holy men' of India or Nepal who live outdoors, those same angry people would probably nod in assent.
Could some of the homeless here in North America be actual saints? And if they want to be left alone, maybe we should let them be.
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