MHM Magazine

In South Africa, the deaf community faces unique challenges including neglected mental health and access to care. Often overlooked and marginalised, this community grapples with a host of emotional, psychological, and societal issues that can significantly impact their well-being. According to the World Health Organization over 1.5 billion people, nearly 20% of the global population, live with hearing loss whilst 430 million of them experience disabling hearing loss. Researchers project that by 2050, the number of individuals with disabling hearing loss could surge to over 700 million. Within South Africa, a staggering 12 million peoplee contend with some form of hearing loss which has a devastating impact on the individual, manifesting in academic difficulties, heightened unemployment rates, poorer general health and social isolation.  The Deaf community like any other is not immune to mental health challenges, with depression, anxiety, and substance abuse being common adversaries. Dr Ian Westmore, a board member of the South African Society of Psychiatrists, underscores that one of the most prominent obstacles facing the deaf community is communication. “Despite sign language being one of the nation's 12 official languages, it remains largely unrecognised and unspoken by most hearing individuals. This lack of proficiency extends to medical professionals, creating a significant hurdle for deaf people in expressing their emotions, thoughts, and feelings. This lack of communication can breed isolation, frustration, and exacerbate pre- existing mental health conditions.” He says there is a glaring lack of awareness among healthcare providers and policymakers regarding the unique mental health needs of the deaf community. This oversight has resulted in the underdevelopment and inadequacy of services tailored to their specific requirements. Dr Westmore emphasises, "The mental health challenges faced by the deaf community are fundamentally distinct from those of the general population. Healthcare professionals must account for gaps in knowledge and emotional vocabulary, cultural backgrounds, and the inability to communicate mental health symptoms.” “Communication within the deaf community presents its own set of challenges. In many cases, certain mental health concepts Interview with Dr Ian Westmore Psychiatrist (SASOP) BREAKING THE SILENCE MENTAL HEALTH NOT RECOGNISED ENOUGH AMONGST THE DEAF COMMUNITY OF SOUTH AFRICA 12 | MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS | 2023 | Issue 5 MHM