Some people think people with IDD don’t or can’t have mental health challenges. This is a wrong and dangerous belief. Because of it, people with IDD often don’t get the help they need. This week, we’re supporting mental health of people with IDD and those that care for them.
Getting the Right Mental Health Help
People with IDD often have trouble getting mental health care. They may find it hard to explain how they feel. Sometimes doctors don’t know how to work with them well. Sometimes, people think that someone with IDD doesn’t feel sad, anxious, or scared like others do. But that’s not true.
What can help:
- Doctors and therapists can learn how to talk and listen better.
- Families and caregivers can speak up and ask for mental health care.
- We can all learn that mental health matters for everyone.
Caregivers Can Support Mental Health
Caregivers play a big role supporting the mental health of people with IDD. They help with daily life. So they often know when something is wrong. But caregivers don’t always know what signs to look for. They might not know what to do if the person they care for has mental health challenges.
What can help:
- Learn signs like changes in mood, sleep, or eating.
- Help create a calm and safe space.
- Talk to the person and ask how they feel. If they talk without words, use pictures or other ways to talk with them.
Caregivers also need to take care of their own mental health. They can’t help others if they are too tired or stressed. Check out our blog post for National Caregivers Day. It has great ideas for self-care.
Listening to People with IDD
People with IDD have thoughts and feelings just like anyone else. They should be part of their own care. They can speak up for themselves.
What can help:
- Use words or pictures to help people understand their choices.
- Let people say what they like and don’t like.
- Respect what they say about what they want or don’t want.
- Help build self-advocacy skills so people with IDD can better say what they want and need.
Everyone deserves to be listened to. When we help people with IDD speak up, we show that their voice matters.
Want to Learn More?
- Watch the Mental Health playlist on our YouTube channel.
- Build your self-advocacy skills with our free courses.
Mental health is important for everyone, including people with IDD. When we support mental health of people with IDD, we build a world that is kinder and healthier for all.