Deaf mental health: enhancing literacy through a hearing and deaf community collaboration

Abstract

This article explores the process through which findings of a doctoral study became the impetus for the development of a Deaf Mental Health Committee and two community-based events intended to enhance the mental health literacy of the Deaf community in a large metropolitan city in central Canada. The author, a hearing professional and University professor has provided professional counselling services to clients including those who are Deaf and hard of hearing, and conducted a number of studies in and with the Deaf community. Her doctoral study reported on the experience and narratives of a sample of Deaf adults diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder. Participant narratives highlighted gaps in understanding of mental health and mental illness. A goal of enhancing mental health literacy in the Deaf community developed into the establishment of a Deaf Mental Health Committee. This article presents the successes of that Deaf and hearing collaboration.