Mental health is a critical concern for the deaf community, yet it remains largely overlooked. Despite being one of the most common disabilities worldwide, deaf individuals often face significant barriers due to societal stigma, communication challenges, and limited access to mental health services. According to the WHO, approximately 430 million people globally experience hearing loss — more than 5% of the world's population. In Bangladesh, around 9.6% of the population is deaf or has hearing difficulties, making it the country's second most prevalent disability. Deaf individuals have higher mental health needs compared to the general population, yet struggle with inadequate resources and minimal awareness about their psychological well-being.

MindSigns is a dedicated platform designed to promote the mental well-being of deaf individuals. Developed through a collaborative co-design process involving deaf communities, sign language interpreters, and mental health professionals in Bangladesh, MindSigns provides: electronic flyers with accessible mental health information, video content in Bangla Sign Language with English subtitles, and a pioneering Digital Mental Health Sign Language Bank — which helps clarify mental health terminology for the deaf community. By integrating digital mental health principles and human-centered design, MindSigns empowers the deaf community with resources that enhance awareness, reduce stigma, and promote accessible mental health support in low-resource settings.

The tools offered by MindSigns provide critical mental health support by: enhancing awareness about mental health issues through visual and digital content, breaking communication barriers by offering sign language-based mental health resources, promoting early intervention by increasing access to mental health knowledge, and supporting caregivers, educators, and professionals in understanding the mental health needs of deaf individuals. Resources are primarily available in Bangla Sign Language (BSL), with English subtitles to enhance accessibility for a wider audience.

The tools are free and available on our website. You can: download electronic flyers for easy reference, watch video content featuring mental health discussions in sign language, or access the Digital Mental Health Sign Language Bank to learn essential mental health terms. These resources are designed for self-use, caregiver support, and professional guidance.

No, these tools have been co-designed for deaf adults aged 18 and above. However, we are exploring opportunities to develop child-friendly resources in the future.

No, all resources on this website are completely free to use. There are no subscription fees or hidden charges.

If you have any concerns or feedback regarding a sign language term, please contact Team Inclusion Bangladesh Foundation at info@teaminclusionbd.org. A team member will review your query and respond as soon as possible.

If you need mental health support, please reach out to the organizations listed below. We encourage individuals seeking mental health support to reach out to professionals for guidance and care.