May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and at BEGINNINGS, we know that emotional well-being is just as important as language development and access to communication. Raising a child who is deaf or hard of hearing brings unique joys and challenges. From the moment of diagnosis through school-age years and beyond, families may experience a wide range of emotions: grief, uncertainty, hope, pride, joy, anxiety, and more. This month, we want to honor those feelings, share resources and remind you that you are not alone in your journey.
Whether your child was recently identified with hearing loss or you've been on this journey for years, it’s normal to feel overwhelmed at times. Life challenges and experiences impact you and your family’s emotional health. Families often juggle:
- Navigating new terminology and appointments
- Advocating in school settings
- Making decisions about language, technology, and education
- Feeling isolated from others who truly understand
What Emotional Wellness Looks Like
Supporting mental health doesn’t always mean therapy (though that can be a great step). It also includes:
- Feeling heard and validated
- Having safe spaces to ask questions and express doubts
- Connecting with other families who share your experience
- Learning how to advocate for your child confidently
At BEGINNINGS, our Parent Educators are here to share information, support you and listen to your thoughts and emotions that come with raising a child who has hearing loss. Our Parent Educators can provide:
- One-on-one home visits (virtual or in-person) to talk about your child’s needs and your family’s goals
- Parent support that acknowledges your feelings and empowers you and your family
- Connections to other families and community events where you can feel seen and understood
If you're feeling overwhelmed or unsure, we’re just a phone call or email away.
North Carolina Resources for Mental Health and Support
Here are some North Carolina resources designed to support emotional wellness:
- North Carolina Division of Services for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (NC DSDHH)
Provides direct support and information for Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals and families, including communication access support, peer mentoring, Deaf Services Specialists and Hard of Hearing Specialists statewide. Visit NCDSDHH
- RHA Health Services
Supports and tailors its programs and services to meet the individual needs of the people they serve. There are mental health and substance use recovery services for individuals who are deaf and/ or hard of hearing that are designed to serve people of all ages who communicate primarily through sign language, including those who are: Culturally Deaf Deaf-Blind Hard of Hearing Late-Deafened Newly Deafened Find support in your area
- NC Department of Health & Human Services – Mental Health Services
Offers mental health and behavioral support through local providers, including services for children and families. Find support in your area
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline for Deaf & Hard of Hearing Individuals
The 988 Lifeline offers free, confidential support for people in distress, including Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals. Access support through ASL by clicking “ASL Now” or using videophone at 1-800-273-TALK (8255). Learn more and access ASL services
We’re Here for YOU
Families often focus on their child’s needs first but your emotional health matters too. Caring for yourself helps you better care for your child. So this May, we invite you to pause, breath, talk, reach out, join a support group, take a walk, laugh when you can.
BEGINNINGS is here for you. If you need support and resources please reach out to us:
Email: raleigh@ncbegin.org
Phone: (919) 715-4092
Website: www.ncbegin.org
