The mental health issues common in the deaf community includedepression,anxietyand severe illnesses such asbipolar disorderandschizophrenia.
Struggles to function in a hearing world can lead to mental health issues.
If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call 911.
Universal Images Group / Getty Images
For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.
Communication Needed, but Scarce
Mental health services are difficult for deaf people to access.
or “for six months or more?”
For example, someone who is deaf may pound on the floor to get attention.
And, there are few signs within sign language that can account for subtle changes in mood.
What Can Be Done to Help the Deaf Community?
I don’t want to go there, even for a visit!"
This study further indicated that participants felt professionals erroneously consider a nominal level of communication to be adequate.
While it will be difficult to solve these problems, some solutions are possible.
Kuenburg A, Fellinger P, Fellinger J.Health Care Access Among Deaf People.J Deaf Stud Deaf Educ.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Speech reading.
Anglemyer E, Crespi C.Misinterpretation of Psychiatric Illness in Deaf Patients: Two Case Reports.Case Rep Psychiatry.
2018;2018:3285153. doi:10.1155/2018/3285153
National Association of the Deaf.Mental Health Services.
