Abstract

A Life to be Lived- Prevention of Mental Health Illness for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Australians

Author(s)

Karyn Barrasso -Deaf Children Australia

Our work in the lead-up to hosting the 4th World Congress on Mental Health and Deafness is exciting and challenging due to the collaboration required between the Mental Health and the Deafness Sectors.

This paper is intrinsically linked to the key theme of 'Making Prevention Work', by calling for change, acting as a leader of preventative programs and strategies, striving to establish best practice in the mental health and deafness sectors.

Why a mental health agenda? Firstly, Mental Health is about a lot more than mental illness. It encompasses a range of issues from wellbeing and social connectedness to illness and the need for specialised support.

Many deaf and hearing impaired people experience isolation from family peers and community which often results in poor self esteem, depression and anxiety. Deaf and hearing impaired Australians are further disadvantaged and misunderstood if they suffer from more serious mental health issues due to the communication barriers that exist and the lack of specialised services.

While mental health in general is attracting increased attention by government and the community, an astonishing 800,000 deaf and hearing impaired Australians who experience mental health issues have received little or no attention.

For the first time we are exploring formerly 'taboo' topics in an effort to remove the stigma and discrimination for deaf and hard of hearing people experiencing mental health issues. We are promoting self-awareness and empowerment by providing deaf and hearing impaired people and their families/carers with information and support to reduce their vulnerability and the likelihood of abuse.

We want to engage mental health staff and consumers, carers and families and are involving academics, government leaders, international deaf and mental health organisations and professionals, members of the community sector, special interest groups and media.

Our role in bringing together mental health and deafness issues and calling for immediate change is a pioneering role in Australia and will be presented in the international arena for input and action.