Dinner Table Syndrome: Understanding holiday stress and coping mechanisms
The holiday season can increase stress and negative emotions, especially for Deaf, DeafBlind, DeafDisabled, and Hard of Hearing individuals navigating non-signing, hearing family environments. The isolation of being present, but not included, can be overwhelming. For some, alcohol may be used as a strategy to cope.
Developed by the community for the community, the DeafYES! Center for Deaf Empowerment & Recovery is conducting a study to reduce trauma-related stress and alcohol use among Deaf, DeafBlind, DeafDisabled, and Hard of Hearing individuals. The goal is to explore healthier coping strategies and provide accessible recovery support.
Interested in participating or learning more? Contact signsofsafety@umassmed.edu
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Video Description & Transcript
[VD: The post features a video thumbnail with a blue overlay. Centered on the image is a rose-colored text bubble with white lettering that reads “Holiday Isolation.” In the video, Bee, a white queer person with long, curly hair, is wearing a dark gray denim top and blue–light brown framed glasses.
Transcript:
[Opening – quick IG clips of research, posts, videos about Dinner Table Syndrome]
Is this you during the holidays?
[Clips of emotions – nervous, sad, upset, angry, disappointed, annoyed]
And for many Deaf people, it’s not just stress. It’s isolation. Sitting with family, but not being included with them.
Feeling disconnected even when the room is full.
So how do you cope? By shutting down, zoning out, avoiding? Or drinking? You are not alone.
[Clips of research visuals, studies, journal graphics]
Do we have research on this? Not much.
How do deaf people cope with stress and trauma, such as interactions with other family members, feelings of isolation, and more?? Not much.
Do we have evidence-based tools and strategies? Again... not much.
Developed by the community for the community, the DeafYES! Center for Deaf Empowerment & Recovery is working on changing this reality. Their research on trauma-related stress and alcohol use is an example of authentic, community inclusion. You can sign up to participate in their study and possibly learn healthier ways to cope with stress and alcohol use.
Contact signsofsafety@umassmed.edu for more information.
[The screen fades to show the Signs of Safety study flyer. And a thumbnail of a faded white background of a doctor holding hands with another individual] Deaf. Healthy. DeafHealth. Learn more at www.deafhealthaccess.org.].]