Mental health check-in
Happy New Year! I hope that you are finding success in your resolutions this year. With the current pandemic and dinner table syndrome over the holidays, I wanted to take a moment to check in with you guys. How is your mental health looking these days? Mental health is just as important as physical health. During uncertain times, success in things like new year resolutions can seem overwhelming and difficult. One way to overcome this is by creating a daily or weekly routine. Having routines in place will help you stay on track and gain control over your mental health and personal goals.
Did you know deaf people generally experience more mental health issues than hearing people? This may not come as a surprise since many of us experience isolation which often results in feelings of anxiety and depression. A study conducted in 1996 found that 40,000 deaf and 2 million hard of hearing individuals had experienced mental illness (NAD, 2019). Some of the common mental health concerns that DHH individuals are faced with include: anxiety, depression, deaf identity issues, paranoia, and even more severe disorders like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and substance abuse disorder (NAD, 2019). If you were to experience any of these, would you know where to turn for help?
Finding access to mental health services can seem like a difficult process, however, DeafandHoH is working to make this easier. We are currently developing a list of resources to different organizations that provide mental health services. Though, we understand that there may be some limitations to receiving in-person services right now. To help with this, several of the options that we have found are online accessible and ready to use today. Feel free to check out these resources below:
What are some of the ways that you regulate your emotions and feel more at peace? If you haven’t already, you could try reading, writing, making art and painting, or even just getting some fresh air and going out for a walk. When I’m experiencing symptoms of stress, anxiety, or a period of sadness, I enjoy going for walks around the lake by my house where I sometimes feed the swans with my family. I also enjoy listening to music, reading, painting, and writing whatever comes to mind. Beyond all of our favorite hobbies and outlets, it’s important to make sure we are getting the nutrients and hydration we need each day. Additionally, it’s important to disconnect from technology every so often to remain focused and present in our everyday lives.
How can we at DeafandHoH help you accomplish your new year’s resolutions? Comment down below.
References:
National Deaf Center. (2019). Mental Health Care for Deaf Individuals Needs, Risk Factors, and Access to Treatment.
