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Resources
Books
Language Deprivation and Deaf Mental Health
The book "Language Deprivation and Deaf Mental Health" explores the effects of limited language access on deaf individuals, particularly those who lacked sufficient language exposure while growing up. Experts in Deaf mental health discuss how this deficiency impacts development, communication, cognition, behavior, and overall mental health.
Beginning with language deprivation syndrome, the book addresses challenges in therapy, interpretation, communication, and legal assessments. It also examines how individuals without language develop communication skills and debates the importance of rich sign language exposure for deaf children, even with cochlear implants.
The book concludes with advocacy strategies to prevent language deprivation, emphasizing its significance in the field of Deaf mental health.
Citation:
Glickman, S. Neil, and Hall, C. Wyatte. 2019. "Language Deprivation and Deaf Mental Health: First Edition." Routledge, New York. 1-215
Mental Health and Some Sociocultural Issues in Deaf People
This book is a valuable resource that explores the intersection of mental health and deafness, focusing on issues relevant to the deaf community. Tailored for mental health professionals, it enhances understanding of the unique psychological experiences faced by deaf individuals.
The text addresses mental health disorders like depression, anxiety, and stress, highlighting how these manifest differently for deaf populations due to communication barriers and social stigma. It also examines the influence of cultural identity on self-perception among the deaf.
Additionally, the book discusses the intersection of sexuality and deafness and the impact of societal norms on sexual identity and relationships. It addresses the serious issues of abuse and violence against deaf women and their effects on mental health. Through its comprehensive analysis, the book equips mental health professionals with the tools to better support the diverse needs of the deaf community.
Citation:
Daniel, Benito, and Aranda, Estrada. 2014. “Mental Health and Some Socicultural Issues in Deaf People.” Nova Science Publishers Inc., United Kingdom: 1-124
Rock Steady
Brilliant Advice from My Bipolar Life
This book provides valuable insights for individuals seeking to improve their mental health. It outlines a range of coding techniques and therapeutic approaches tailored to various mental health disorders, making it applicable to a wide range of audiences. One of its key strengths is its advocacy for the mental health needs of the deaf community.
The book emphasizes the importance of accessing professional help, such as seeing a therapist or psychiatrist, to effectively address mental health challenges. Additionally, it highlights the significance of self-care practices that can empower individuals to take control of their well-being. Importantly, the book ensures that deaf individuals are included in discussions about mental health, providing accessible communication methods and resources to facilitate understanding and support.
Citation:
Forney, Ellen. 2018."Rock Steady: Brilliant Advice From My Bipolar Life." Fantagraphics Books INC., Washington State, 5-169
Disability and Development Report
The report analyzes the main challenges that people with disabilities face when trying to access important resources, such as education, healthcare, and jobs. To address these barriers, the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs has developed a strategy that aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for 2030. This initiative aims to empower people with disabilities by identifying and removing obstacles they encounter in their daily lives, ensuring they can access the support and resources they need.
The strategy includes specific goals within the 2030 Agenda that focus on the needs of persons with disabilities. These goals fit with international guidelines that emphasize the rights and dignity of individuals with disabilities. The report assesses the current situation for people with disabilities using data related to each SDG. It also shares best practices from various regions and initiatives that have successfully improved accessibility and inclusion for individuals with disabilities. Through this approach, the UN's plan aims to highlight issues and promote meaningful progress toward a more inclusive and fair world by 2030.
Citation:
United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs. 2018. "Realizing the Sustainable Development Goals by, for, and with persons with disabilities." Development and Disability Report. New York (9): 64-72
Articles
D/deaf and disabled trans experiences in Europe
Gale's thesis focuses on transgender issues within the LGBTIQ community, particularly regarding the mental health of deaf transgender individuals. The author highlights an organization called Transgender Europe (TGEU), based in Berlin, Germany, which aims to support transgender people in LGBTIQ communities and reduce inequality.
TGEU's mission includes providing deaf transgender individuals with access to mental health care before their conditions worsen. Additionally, the author researched databases that track the needs and records of deaf transgender individuals in Europe. The organization has recognized that deaf transgender individuals often face significant challenges related to their identity and mental health. Trans-specific healthcare providers often require that mental health conditions be sufficiently managed before treatment can begin.
Citation:
Gale, Nathan. 2018. "Oppression Squared: D/deaf and disabled transgender experiences in Europe." Transgender Europe (TGEU)
Deaf People Wales: Hidden Inequality
Many British people wrongly believe that deaf people who use British Sign Language (BSL) can read lips and speak. In fact, many deaf BSL users cannot lip-read or use spoken language well, which makes communication difficult. This misunderstanding can lead to negative attitudes from hearing people.
Information about Deaf BSL users is often not recorded correctly. People assume that Deaf individuals can lip-read or understand written notes, but this is not always the case. The way information is collected usually reflects what workers think instead of what Deaf individuals need, which means there is no reliable way to capture their preferred language.
Access to health services is also limited for Deaf BSL users, causing significant challenges. According to SignHealth, only 70% of Deaf BSL users wanted to communicate with services. Their survey found that 70% of Deaf individuals who wanted to see their doctor did not try to make an appointment because they knew there would be no interpreter available.
Citation:
Terry, J., Redfern, P., Bond, J., Fowler-Powe, M., Booth, C. 2021. "Deaf People Wales: Hidden Inequality." All Wales Deaf Mental Health & Well-Being Group: 2-35
Report on EUD consultative virtual regional meetings with the National Association of the Deaf in Europe in the context of COVID-19 pandemic
Many British people mistakenly believe that deaf individuals who use British Sign Language (BSL) can read lips and speak. In fact, most deaf BSL users cannot lip-read or effectively use spoken language, leading to communication barriers and negative attitudes from hearing people.
Information about Deaf BSL users is often inaccurately recorded, as many assume they can lip-read or understand written notes. This results in a failure to capture their true communication needs. Access to health services for Deaf BSL users is limited. According to SignHealth, 70% of Deaf BSL users wanted to communicate with health services, but many did not seek appointments, knowing that no interpreter would be available.
Citation:
European Union of the Deaf. 2020. "Report on EUD consultative virtual regional meetings with the National Association of the Deaf in Europe in the context of COVID-19 pandemic." European Parliament, European Commission, and the Council of Europe, Belgium: 4-36
Shaping the future of deaf mental health:
There is considerable evidence indicating that deaf individuals, across various age groups, experience higher rates of mental health issues compared to the hearing population. An article examines data collected on deaf individuals with mental health challenges in the UK and discusses how we can advocate for improved access to services for them. Research conducted by the organization SignHealth highlights that deaf individuals face more significant obstacles than their hearing counterparts.
One reason for this is that many hearing individuals do not understand the communication needs of deaf people, which often leads to their neglect. Deaf individuals encounter substantial difficulties when accessing mainstream services, frequently dealing with clinicians who lack an understanding of the deaf experience and culture. For those whose first language is British Sign Language, it is common for interpreters not to be arranged, and many clinicians are untrained in how to effectively communicate with them. Additionally, deaf individuals who have experienced language deprivation often find that self-help and psychoeducational resources are not accessible to them.
Citation:
SignHealth. 2023. "Shaping the future of deaf mental health." NHS Deaf Mental Health Working Group, England: 1-34
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