Wellbeing support for deaf young people
Life is full of ups and downs, but however you’re feeling right now, we’re here to give you the information you need.
Many things can help us live well, such as exercise, time with friends, volunteering and self-care. These can help build resilience, which means trying again even when things feel hard. But resilience doesn’t mean facing challenges alone or pretending to be OK.
While deafness itself does not cause mental health issues, research shows that deaf people are twice as likely to experience emotional health and wellbeing problems compared to those without hearing loss.
If you’re struggling, it's not because you’re not trying hard enough or doing the “right” thing. You deserve support from those around you.
Understanding your rights
In the UK, you have legal rights to receive the care, opportunities and respect you deserve. Learning about your rights can help you self-advocate, which means speaking up for yourself and telling others what you need.
Embracing your deaf identity
Deafness is just one part of who you are, but exploring how you feel about being deaf and figuring out what helps you navigate the world is a great foundation for your wellbeing.
Building your confidence and self-advocacy skills
Feeling confident in who you are and what you need can make a big difference in life – whether you’re standing up for yourself at school, explaining your hearing needs to a friend or trying something new for the first time.
Stress, anxiety and other challenges as a deaf young person
There are so many great things about being deaf – but when society isn’t accessible or people don’t understand, life can feel hard. That’s when emotional difficulties, like stress and anxiety, can happen.
Managing fatigue and exhaustion as a deaf young person
Especially when you’re deaf, listening and following conversations takes a lot of concentration. Learn the signs of concentration fatigue, and get tips to help you deal with it.
Managing friendships and loneliness as a deaf young person
Friends are an important part of our lives. Get tips on building friendships, sharing deaf-friendly communication tips with others and what to do if you feel lonely.
Understanding bullying and abuse
Learn how to tackle bullying and abuse as a deaf young person. Get tips for dealing with bullies online and in person, plus ways to get support.
Getting help from others as a deaf young person
You should never have to face challenges on your own. There are lots of ways to get help, like contacting our Helpline, using your personal profile to self-advocate or reaching out for professional help.