May is Mental Health Awareness Month. This is a good time to talk about mental health for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).
People with IDD have the same right to mental health care as anyone else. But many also face extra stress. This can include being left out, not being listened to, or having little control over daily life.
Mental health support should help people feel safe, respected, and heard. It should never be about changing who someone is.
Mental Health Is a Right
Mental health affects how we feel, think, and act. It also affects how we make choices and speak up for ourselves. People with IDD deserve mental health support that:
- Respects their rights
- Honors their choices
- Fits how they communicate and learn
Good support helps people live the lives they want.
What Is Mindfulness?
Researchers have studied how mindfulness works for people with IDD. They found many positive effects. People feel calmer and more connected. They are able to handle stress better.
Mindfulness means paying attention to what is happening right now. This can include your body, your thoughts, or your feelings. Mindfulness therapy can include simple activities:
- Taking slow breaths
- Noticing sounds, smells, or textures
- Naming feelings, like “sad” or “frustrated”
- Finding ways to calm your body
For people with IDD, mindfulness works best when it is:
- Explained in plain language
- Taught slowly
- Changed to fit each person
- A choice, not forced
Mindfulness is one tool. People get to decide if they want to use it and how it works for them.
Why This Matters for Self‑Advocates
Many self‑advocates say they feel stressed or overwhelmed. Mindfulness can help them:
- Notice when something feels wrong
- Calm their bodies
- Ask for help sooner
- Feel more in control
These skills support self‑advocacy. When people understand their feelings, it is easier to speak up about needs and boundaries.
Learn More and Take Action
Check out these resources to build your mental health.
- Visit our Mental Health Resource Hub. Find tools, tips, and supports for staying well.
- Watch our mindfulness playlist on YouTube. Try simple exercises for self‑care. Learn how to make mindfulness work for people with IDD.
Mental health matters. We all have the right to tools and support that work for us.