All in the Mind Asylum hotels and mental health
Nov 18, 2025
Dr. Peter Olusoga, a senior psychology lecturer, shares intriguing insights on a study linking an acne drug to lower schizophrenia risk. Dr. Janelle Spira, a clinical psychologist studying asylum accommodations, reveals how living in hotels harms mental health due to safety concerns and social isolation. She emphasizes the need for better housing alternatives. Dr. Stephanie Fitzgerald offers refreshing strategies to reframe winter positively, suggesting it can be a season of productivity and planning rather than gloom.
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Long Stay In A 'Toxic' Hotel
- Stev spent 14 months in a London asylum hotel and described the atmosphere as "toxic" and frightening.
- He reported overcrowding, lack of privacy and disrupted sleep that worsened his trauma-related symptoms.
Why Hotels Harm Mental Health
- Dr Janelle Spira's study found asylum seekers in hotels had higher distress and depression than those in other housing.
- She identified lack of safety, lack of autonomy and social isolation as key mechanisms harming mental health.
Prefer Private, Integrated Housing
- Private and community housing improve asylum seekers' mental health compared with collective housing like hotels or detention.
- When using HMOs, integrate placements across neighbourhoods to avoid segregation and isolation.
