Mental Health and wellbeing can be a challenge for all groups in society. People who are socially isolated are at increased risk for experiencing mental health difficulties, and social isolation is something that too many Deaf people experience in a predominantly hearing world. 

Currently there are two main services that provide mental health support to members of the Deaf community who may have mental health difficulties. Firstly there is the local community mental health services around the country provided by the HSE. It can be difficult accessing these services for a Deaf person, and if they do, an ISL interpreter is not always provided and health professionals may not be experienced in diagnosing mental health illness in Deaf patients. Secondly, there is a specialist mental health service for the Deaf community also provided by the HSE and based in DVI, Cabra. While this service is more Deaf aware, it is less likely to be accessed by Deaf people from outside the Dublin area. 

The mental health services for the Deaf community is due for review in the near future. It is an action in the national mental health strategy Sharing the Vision. The HSE have recently appointed an external company to conduct the review, and Chime will be making a submission. If anyone has any concerns or issues they would like us to raise with regard to mental health services for the Deaf community, please get in touch.