Transcript: Mental health services

[White text on black background reads: Mental Health Services. Under the text is the Minnesota Department of Human Services Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services Division logo. Regina Daniels, a Black Deaf woman, is on the right side of the screen. She is wearing glasses and a lavender sweater.]

One of five Minnesotans is affected by some form of mental illness. Studies show that people who are deaf, deafblind, or hard of hearing are more likely to struggle with depression and anxiety than their hearing peers. 

Unfortunately, it is hard to find mental health providers who communicate in ASL and understand Deaf culture and the unique issues faced by people who are deaf, deafblind or hard of hearing. 

DHHSD Mental Health Services provides mental health services to Minnesota residents who are age 18 or older and are deaf, deafblind or hard of hearing. All members of the DHHSD Mental Health Services team are fluent in ASL and have experience providing mental health services to people with hearing loss. 

We also may refer you to local providers in your community. Parents and family members of children who are deaf, deafblind or hard of hearing will be connected with a provider. 

We can also help you plan ways to maintain your mental health in the future. 

If you experience any of these warning signs, please contact the Mental Health and Referrals team as soon as possible: 

1. Feeling anxious or worried 
2. Feeling unhappy or depressed 
3. Emotional outbursts 
4. Sleeping problems 
5. Changes in weight or appetite 
6. Substance abuse 
7. Changes in behavior or feelings 

Also, sudden or late-onset hearing loss is a significant life change. Most people in this situation benefit from mental health support. 

Go to the Mental Health and Referrals [Adult mental health services, Children's mental health services] section of this website to learn more or to contact a member of the Mental Health team. 

If you are a mental health professional looking for professional development training, information and resources, check out the Resources [Learning Center] section or go to the Mental Health and Referrals section to contact a member of the Mental Health team.