Mental Health Among People With Visual Impairments: Are We Paying Attention?

Introduction People with visual impairments who are not in the workforce experience mental health concerns that may be related to their nonparticipation in the workforce. This study reports comments from people with visual impairments about their mental health to provide service providers with insight into those concerns. Methods People with visual impairments participated in semistructured interviews about their lack of participation in the workforce. A research team coded and categorized participants’ responses. Comments concerning their mental health emerged from the data and were further coded and analyzed. Results Only some of the participants experiencing mental health concerns were diagnosed with or receiving treatment for mental health disorders. Some concerns were associated with adjustment to visual impairment, while others were related to socialization issues, employment status, or multiple stressors. Discussion People with visual impairments typically experience multiple risk factors for mental health disorders. Mental health issues may be undiagnosed or untreated and can impair participation in rehabilitation activities. Social support can promote positive mental health. Implications for Practitioners Practitioners can explore multiple avenues to address mental health among people with visual impairments. Practitioners can refer people with visual impairments to qualified mental health providers and local, online, or telephone support groups. Service providers may also educate and support people with visual impairments and family members about adjustment to visual impairment and positive mental health coping mechanisms. Service providers should be educated on promoting positive mental health and recognizing mental health risk factors.