Time to Talk: Everyday Wellbeing for Deaf People

Let’s be honest — life can feel hard sometimes. And for many deaf people, it can feel extra hard because so much everyday stuff isn’t built with us in mind.

Time to Talk isn’t about having the perfect words or fixing everything. It’s about recognising the small, everyday pressures that build up — and reminding ourselves that we are doing the best we can. This is a space to pause, reflect, and feel a little less alone.

Paperwork, bills, official letters… just seeing the envelope can be enough to make your tummy churn.

If you have a pile of unopened post, or you keep telling yourself you will deal with it tomorrow, you are not alone. For many deaf people, paperwork comes with extra stress — confusing language, inaccessible phone calls, and that fear of getting something wrong.

Sometimes it’s not the paperwork itself. It’s the pressure that comes with it.

Here are some ideas that might help:

• You only need to do one small thing. Open one letter. Read the first page. That’s enough for today.

• Try setting a short timer — 10 or 15 minutes — and stop when it ends

• Make things visual if that helps:

  • folders, colour-coding, or a simple checklist.

• Ask for support if you can. That might be a support worker, an advocate, or someone you trust — especially someone who understands deaf access.

And remind yourself, avoiding paperwork isn’t laziness. It’s often anxiety. Doing a little is still doing something.

You may also recognise another feeling — spending a lot of time alone or being around people but still feeling cut off.

Some deaf people enjoy their own space and feel fine with it. Others feel isolated even in busy rooms. Both experiences are completely logical. Isolation isn’t about not wanting people. It’s about not having access.

What can sometimes help:

• One safe connection can be enough. One person or space where you don’t have to explain yourself.

• Online deaf spaces absolutely count — groups, chats, social media, shared experiences.

• Asking for captions, clear communication, or quieter spaces isn’t asking for too much. It’s asking for access.

• Small routines can help too — a regular message, a weekly coffee, or something familiar to look forward to.

Wanting time alone doesn’t mean you are lonely. Wanting connection doesn’t mean you are weak.

Then there are the days when motivation just disappears.

On those days, please know this: low motivation usually means you are tired, overloaded, or burnt out — not that you’re failing. Some days aren’t about doing well. They’re about getting through.

If your energy is low:

• Eat something

• Get dressed

• Open the curtains

• If you got out of bed, that’s a win.

  
  

  Use reminders that work for you — notes, alarms, pictures, lists.

Rest without feeling guilty. Rest isn’t a reward. It is a need.

Be kind to yourself. You wouldn’t judge another deaf person for struggling — you deserve the same compassion.

Surviving a hard day is still an achievement.

'Talking' doesn’t have to mean speaking. It can be signing, texting, writing, drawing, or simply being with someone who understands without you having to explain everything.

If today feels difficult, remember:

• You are not broken

• Small steps still matter

• Support is allowed

A quick note from us

At Carron PA Support, every day we see and we know how much extra effort deaf people put into simply managing life. If any of this feels familiar, please know — you are not alone, and you are not asking for too much.

We believe support should be accessible, respectful, and built around you. Sometimes that means help with paperwork or appointments. Sometimes it is having someone there to explain things clearly, reduce anxiety, or just take a bit of pressure off. And sometimes it is simply knowing there is support if and when you need it.

There’s no rush, no judgement, and no expectation to cope on your own. We meet you where you are and go at your pace.

Take care of yourself.

-Carron PA Support