"When Words Are Hard: How Communication Difficulties Can Impact Mental Health"

For many of us, being able to express our thoughts, feelings, and needs is something we take for granted. But for people who experience communication difficulties, daily life can feel very different. Finding the words, signs, or symbols to connect with others can be a daily challenge — and this can have a deep and lasting impact on mental health.

A close family member of mine has their own battles with their mental health and I have witnessed first hand how debilitating is can be but with providing visual support and help with understanding this can make a huge impact to a persons experiences.

Today, on World Mental Health Day 2025, it’s vital to shine a light on the connection between communication and emotional wellbeing.

The Hidden Weight of Not Being Understood

When someone can’t easily express themselves or struggles to understand others, it can lead to feelings of frustration, isolation, and anxiety. Imagine knowing exactly what you want to say but not being able to get the words out, or trying to follow a conversation that moves too quickly to keep up with.

Over time, this can result in:

• Withdrawal from social interactions

• Loss of confidence and self-esteem

• Increased stress or emotional distress

• Feeling misunderstood or overlooked

These experiences don’t just affect day-to-day life — they can have a real impact on mental health.

Communication Is More Than Words

Good mental health relies on connection. A warm smile, a shared story, or a quick chat can help people feel seen and valued. For someone with communication difficulties, those moments can be harder to access without the right support.

That’s why alternative ways of communicating — such as signs, symbols, gesture, or technology — can be life-changing. Tools like Makaton, communication boards, or visual supports can open doors to participation, belonging, and emotional safety.

The Importance of a Supportive Environment

Supporting mental health isn’t just about therapy or medication — it’s also about creating inclusive spaces where everyone has a voice. That means:

• Slowing down conversations and giving extra time to respond

• Using accessible language and visual supports

• Learning and using alternative communication methods

• Valuing all forms of communication equally

When people feel understood, they are more likely to thrive emotionally.

A Call to Awareness and Action

On World Mental Health Day 2025, let’s remember that mental health and communication are deeply connected. By making small but meaningful changes in how we communicate, we can help reduce isolation, build confidence, and support better mental health for people with communication needs.

No one should feel invisible because they communicate differently.

Did you know we have a new Makaton workshop for supporting General Wellbeing?

Click HERE to find out more or take a look at the Makaton Charity website www.makaton.org

If you, or someone you know, needs support with their mental health, here are a few suggested links to find resources and help.

• Downloadable resources - mentalhealth-uk.org website

• Mental health helplines on the mind.org website

• Mental health websites on the meandmymind,nhs.uk website

  
  

  These resources can be accessed through phone lines, web chats, and text services, providing a variety of options for those in need of mental health support. It's important to reach out for help, as mental health is a crucial aspect of overall well-being.

References

• Mental Health Foundation (2024) The role of communication in mental health

• The Makaton Charity www.makaton.org

• NHS England

• MIND Communication and Mental Health

**Disclaimer**

The information provided on this website is for general informational purposes only and thoughts and information expressed in these blogs are from my own personal thoughts and real life experiences, they do not contain advisory content. While always striving to provide accurate and up-to-date content, there are no guarantees about the completeness or reliability of any information. Any reliance you place on such information is strictly at your own risk. 

All information on the site is provided in good faith, however, no representation or warranty is made of any kind, expressed or implied, regarding the accuracy, adequacy, validity, reliability, availability, or completeness of any information on the site.

These blogs are created from my own personal experience and are for general information purposes and are not, in any way, advisory. Where needed I have included research and reference links and further reading articles.

At times I have used AI generated content to reword my own thoughts and may include AI research of  information relevant to the blog and to create images relevant to my blogs, however whenever possible I have used my own images with permission from those featured in the images. My blogs are open to fair use.

Any questions or queries please do get in touch - alimakatontutor@gmail.com