#BellLetsTalk why are Deaf people more likely to have mental health problems ?

Difficulties with communication: If a Deaf person goes to their doc to talk about their problems, it’s likely that their doctor does not know ASL. If an interpreter is provided, the Deaf person will have to talk about private issues via a third party. #BellLetsTalk

To add to the previous tweet - many businesses/organizations don't know its their legal obligations to provide an interpreter. Often we have to fight with the medical practice/doctor to get them to understand that the interpreter is for THEM, not just the patient #BellLetsTalk

Lack of accessible information: Many will experience difficulties accessing information about mental health services b/c most resources are written in English or NOT captioned. While many may be bilingual, many prefer to access information in their first language. #BellLetsTalk

This is an issue very parallel and commonly experienced by immigrants or refugees who arrive to into a country where they don't know the language. #BellLetsTalk

Lack of access to informal information: Unlike hearing people, many Deaf people don't have equal access to mainstream media about mental health. Example - we can not hear items on the radio or TV. #BellLetsTalk

I emphasize the importance of putting subtitles or captioning on your media - be it mainstream TV or social media. We are slowly trying to caption our videos with subtitles for those that who do not know sign language. #BellLetsTalk

If you want to know more about how to put subtitles/captioning on your videos, Google has vast resources of DIY videos and you can also ask almost any #Deaf people who will be able to direct you to the right resources. #BellLetsTalk

Lastly - there is a lack of understanding of the Deaf culture: Many hearing ppl do not even know that the Deaf culture is even a thing. Many therapists/specialists are not qualified, do not understand the Deaf culture or do not express sensitivity to our culture. #BellLetsTalk

Even if therapists/specialist can sign, many do NOT share the same insight into the barriers and frustrations faced by Deaf people. That alone can have ramifications on the individual's mental health and in result has a ripple effect on the entire Deaf community. #BellLetsTalk

Many Deaf friends have noted that when they go to see a "mainstream" therapist, many feel more alone than ever. Many also don't like reaching out to members of their respective Deaf community because our communities are very small and prone to gossip. #BellLetsTalk

Those kind of behavior (gossiping, spreading rumors, sharing false information, uneducated speculations) found in a small community can be very prevalence in our community in the end is not good for our individual mental health or the health of whole community. #BellLetsTalk

All of these issues can be prevented if hearing people could stop trying to decide what is best for us. If hearing people could put on their listening hat, and try to listen to what we are asking for, what we need. #BellLetsTalk

Noone is more the expert on hearing loss or Deafness than the person who is actually Deaf themselves or is actually is experiencing hearing loss. #BellLetsTalk /end