Housing situations involving squatters can have a more negative impact on homeowners than you might expect.
Not only can property damage and legal costs place a financial burden on homeowners, the emotional impact can be severe.
Homeowners who have shared their experiences of having unwanted residents take up residence in their homes have often revealed the emotional stress that comes from the sometimes unfathomable experience.
A Chicago woman named Darsula Young previously spoke to Fox News Digital about a squatter who was living in a property she inherited from her mother. Young said the individual occupied the home from September 2022 until July 2023.
The impact of squatters goes beyond financial and legal battles: the stressful situation can also take a toll on your mental health. (iStock)
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“It's emotionally exhausting. It's overwhelming,” Young previously told Fox News Digital.
“The first time we were able to go into my mom's apartment, when the squatters moved in, we were able to go in, but being there and seeing that someone had completely taken over all of my mom's personal property and all of my mom's belongings were there, I didn't think I would get emotional, but I did get very emotional,” Young said.
“Going through this process, I was completely overwhelmed,” Young said. “I've spoken to people who are in the same situation and they all say the same thing: they're overwhelmed by the situation.”
When someone breaks into a homeowner’s property, it can take away the sense of safety and security that a home typically provides. (iStock)
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Home represents safety and security, and when that is taken away, it affects the brain and the body.
“When we think about the need for safety, our home is one of those things that represents safety in terms of a sense of security, stability, and protection from harm,” Alexis Abate, a New Jersey-based licensed professional counselor and holistic mindset coach, told Fox News Digital in a phone interview.
When squatters return to their homes, “the first feeling is one of violation. At the same time, they have to understand that mental stress can manifest itself in physical symptoms, and that chronic stress and anxiety can lead to health problems like insomnia, high blood pressure and back pain. We go into fight-or-flight mode.”
Emotional stress and anxiety can translate into physical symptoms like back pain and insomnia. (iStock)
Squatters not only affect homeowners but also the communities affected by squatters.
Abate said when trauma of any magnitude happens to a person, violent or not, it can have lasting effects.
“They assaulted me and threatened me,” Florida homeowner Patty Peoples previously told Fox News Digital about the squatters who have been living in her home for more than a month. “I still feel unsafe in my own home because I'm worried that the squatters know my address and that they're going to do something to my current property, my pets, and myself. So, it's all just residual traumatic stress from being in the middle of a squatter situation.”
Such traumatic events “leave a neural imprint on the brain,” Abate said.
Traumatic events are not easily forgotten, and there are many resources available to help you if you have experienced a traumatic situation.
When a person experiences a tragic event, it leaves a lasting effect on the brain. (iStock)
Expert advice on protecting your home from squatters
“A lot of times you're going to turn to your loved ones, your family, your community, you can turn to your church,” Abate said. “There are a lot of free resources online. I always say use social media as a tool. It's a place to find therapists, psychiatrists, mental health professionals online. If you don't have transportation to go and see someone, there are a lot of convenient ways now to get support.”
In addition to getting support from others, homeowners who are experiencing or have experienced unwanted squatters can find strength within themselves by building inner strength and seeking solutions that will help them regain control.
“I also think there's benefit to calming yourself down and asking yourself, 'What can I control in this situation?'” Abate said.
The financial stress for homeowners who are attacked by squatters is often unimaginable, and if your bills mount, you should speak to financial and legal experts about your situation to help recover any lost money.
When you're going through a difficult time, lean on those around you for support and guidance. (iStock)
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Utilize the expertise of an attorney to help you resolve your squatter case and contact a local attorney who specializes in real estate litigation.
“Sometimes we don't have all the answers, and gaining wisdom through the pain we're experiencing is important to building self-confidence and resilience,” Abate said.
Staying active, exercising regularly, and maintaining healthy eating habits are key to staying mentally well. The National Institute of Mental Health recommends getting plenty of rest and getting some outdoor activity on a daily basis to help you relax.
