Another derivative on self-image and the like: Home ownership.
A lot of people seem to treat it as some standard status symbol or a route to independence, or some expectation that everyone has a space exclusive to themselves.
Reality is, most people shouldn't be owning their own homes, especially single people. Home ownership is a privilege with a massive responsibility, not a right.
If this comes off as harsh and elitist... I've had to manage two at the same time, while still having a job. In winter. I've been dealing with home emergencies for two weeks straight, including a once-a-decade blizzard that's caused me to have to snowblow for four fucking days in a row. And I only JUST had a mental breakdown over it. I can absolutely guarantee the vast majority of people can't handle ONE home emergency, let alone two weeks of them.
The next time I see someone whining about home ownership, I swear I'll go ballistic.
And I thought I had issues with blocked drainage and occasional cracked plaster.
I can see your point, it'd be hard to argue that home ownership isn't a huge responsibility, and I certainly won't try. I own my home and I know what it can be like.
I will say that it is, at the very least, perhaps a good goal to strive for to be able to give people access to their own exclusive space should they need one. I've known people who are unable to advance their intrests, ambitions and aspirations due to being forced to occupy a space shared by others.
Is that a danger to their life? Is it a base need that must be fulfilled? No, it's not, it's not an issue of the same caliber as food, warmth and health. But I'd say it's beneficial, once those base needs are met, to be able to give people access to those exclusive spaces.
You can argue that a bedroom in your parent's house can supply that space, though I will say that I've greatly appreciated the level of control I have of my environment, now that I have my own home, and you don't get that if you still live with your parents.
I do agree with you though, home ownership has been presented as some key status symbol you must acquire, otherwise you've somehow failed. There should be no shame attached to living with parents or extended family. I also think trying to get people exclusive spaces will also be rather beneficial, though I do appeciate there's a lot of things to consider.
Also, if you share a home with complete arses, that can have a serious negative impact on you.
Sorry to hear about your breakdown, I hope life gives you a break and some time to recover.