LWB Newsletter 9th May 2024
Have you had negative experiences from your hearing loss? You aren’t alone.
Statistics from recent research carried out by the RNID says that 67% of people who are deaf or hard of hearing have experienced negative attitudes from others in the last year.
Sadly, 48% have experienced these negative attitudes from their own family. These experiences include being shouted at, being ignored, or being excluded from conversations where people say ‘it doesn’t matter’.
Is it any wonder that people who are deaf or are losing their hearing feel isolated and excluded? The attitudes of others can have a deep impact on our self esteem and wellbeing.
Educating others can be exhausting. And it’s difficult to advocate for yourself if you aren’t confident with talking about your hearing loss.
Deaf Awareness Week is focused on changing attitudes and lifting stigmas around deafness and hearing loss, which is great. But if this is something you’re struggling with, it’s important to look after your wellbeing too.
Whilst ‘looking after your wellbeing’ may conjure up an image of having a bath with a glass of wine, a better option for good mental health is getting active.
This study from Anglia Ruskin University found links between low to moderate intensity exercise and a reduction in depression and anxiety
You don’t have to put in hours at the gym to benefit from exercise. Activities such as walking, golf and gardening were shown to reduce the risk of depression by 23% and anxiety by 26%.
So instead of breaking out your aerobics gear, go for a walk. Make it a part of your daily routine. It’s a chance to get away from the busyness of your day, get some fresh air and clear your head.
You could also try mindful walking, which involves focusing on your breath, body and senses as you move.
Notice the way your muscles and body feel with each step.
Notice what you can see, the different colours and textures around you.
Notice the feelings on your skin, the breeze or the sunshine.
What else usually boosts your mood?
Make a list of activities that you enjoy doing.
What will you do first?
Latest post from the blog.
How wearing hearing aids (and taking them off) can support your wellbeing.
Talk soon,
Sue.
Founder of Live Work Breathe