Challenges faced by deaf community highlighted
It’s important to invest in training and education for healthcare professionals to promote the use of sign language.
As we approach the end of Deaf Awareness Month, we must remember the challenges faced by the deaf community and the importance of providing them with the necessary support and resources.
The deaf community faces many emotional, psychological, and societal issues that can significantly impact their well-being.
Dr Ian Westmore, a board member of the South African Society of Psychiatrists, underscored that communication was one of the obstacles this community faced.
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Despite sign language being one of SA’s 12 official languages, it remains largely unrecognised.
“This lack of proficiency extends to medical professionals, creating a significant hurdle for deaf individuals in expressing their emotions, thoughts and feelings.
“This can breed isolation, frustration, and exacerbate pre-existing mental health conditions,” said Westmore.
In many cases, certain mental health concepts cannot be adequately conveyed through sign language alone.
“Interpreters can, in addition, inadvertently introduce barriers that hinder the expression of emotions, ultimately leaving individuals feeling uncomfortable or misunderstood,” said Westmore.
Westmore said addressing mental health for the deaf community required acknowledgement and action.
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The solutions Westmore suggested:
• Training healthcare providers in basic sign language to help bridge the communication divide and improve the quality of care.
• Deaf-friendly mental health services.
• Awareness campaigns about the mental health challenges the deaf community faces.
• Community support can be crucial in providing emotional support and resources for deaf individuals struggling with mental health issues.
• Educating mental health providers to better understand hearing loss, its association with psychiatric disorders, and the treatment of these disorders.
• Checklists for healthcare professionals to equip them with symptom-based checklists that the deaf person or their family member can complete.
