Up to 40% of people with learning disabilities experience mental health problems. Mental illness can affect the way a person thinks, feels and behaves. It can affect their relationships, their work, their day-to-day functionning and their quality of life. Many people with mental illness experience stigma, prejudice and discrimination; for people with learning disabilities this can be a double-discrimination. However, with appropriate support, many people with learning disabilities and mental health problems can lead full and productive lives.
The impact of mental illness can also affect family, friends and carers. it can be challenging in many ways to care for and support someone with learning disabilities and a mental health problem.
The Judith Trust has produced an infopack for Netbuddy on Mental Health and People with Learning Disabilities, which you can read here
Zippy’s Friends is an educational package to teach children coping strategies and emotional intelligence; the Judith Trust is working with Partnerships for Children on their adapted resources for children and young people with special needs. You can read about the project here http://netbuddytoptips.blogspot.co.uk/