Challenges Faced by Mentally Ill Individuals Living on the Streets

In the heart of every city, on every street corner, and along every roadside, we see them — men and women wandering aimlessly, lost in a world of their own. Their clothes are tattered, their hair unkempt, and their bodies covered in dust and scars. But beyond what meets the eye, there lies a soul crying for help, a mind trapped in suffering, and a life abandoned by society.

Every morning, they wake up not to the warmth of a home, but to the harsh sounds of traffic. Their days begin on footpaths, with the sun as their only companion and the vehicles as their Clock. They are not just homeless; they are mentally ill individuals fighting an unseen war. They did not choose this life, but life, in its cruelty, has chosen this fate for them.

The Daily Struggles of the Forgotten Souls

1. The Pain of Being Ignored and Judged

When we see them, we look away. We judge them by their appearance, the dirt on their skin, and the incoherent words they mumble. We forget that they, too, were once part of a family, had dreams, and wished for a better future. But mental illness took away their stability, and society turned its back on them. Their greatest suffering is not just their illness, but the loneliness and rejection they endure every day.

2. No Access to Medical Help

Mental illness requires care — medication, therapy, and compassion. But for those on the streets, these are luxuries beyond reach. With no one to help them, their conditions worsen. Many of them suffer from schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or severe depression. But instead of treatment, they are met with indifference, as if their suffering does not matter.

3. Hunger and Poor Health

Food is not just a necessity; it is a daily struggle. They roam the streets, searching through trash bins, hoping to find something to eat. They suffer from malnutrition, infections, and chronic illnesses. Without medical care, even a small wound can turn fatal. Their bodies weaken as their minds continue to suffer in silence.

4. No Place to Call Home

When night falls, they have nowhere to go. They sleep on pavements, under flyovers, or in abandoned buildings. The cold nights, the scorching heat, and the endless rain — every season is a new challenge. A home is not just four walls; it is a place of safety, warmth, and love. But for them, the entire world is home, yet nowhere feels safe.

A Ray of Hope: Amma Nanna Orphanage

If no one takes care of them, their lives will end there — on the same streets where they wander today. But Amma Nanna Orphanage is changing that reality. We work tirelessly to give these individuals a second chance at life. We provide them with shelter, food, medical care, and most importantly, dignity.

More than 600 mentally ill and homeless individuals live in Amma Nanna Orphanage today, finding safety and support under our care. But there are thousands more across the country who need our help.

You can make a difference. Whether it’s through donations, volunteering, or spreading awareness — every small act of kindness helps. Together, we can give them more than just food and shelter. We can give them hope, respect, and a chance to live with dignity.

Be the Light in Someone’s Darkness

The next time you see someone on the streets, don’t just walk away. See them. Acknowledge their struggle. Because sometimes, even the smallest act of kindness can remind them that they are still human, that they still matter.

Join us at Amma Nanna Orphanage in our mission to bring them home.