Source: @eilishkayy

People with Down syndrome are not immune to mental health difficulties — in fact, they can be at increased risk for conditions such as anxiety, depression, behavioural problems, and later-life cognitive decline. This vulnerability arises from a mix of biological and social factors: genetic and neurodevelopmental differences can influence emotional regulation and stress response, while higher rates of co-occurring conditions (sleep problems, sensory differences, autism, or chronic medical issues) add to the mental load. At the same time, many people with Down syndrome face social exclusion, bullying, reduced opportunities for meaningful work or friendships, and limited access to appropriately adapted mental-health services. Those pressures make it more likely that low mood, anxiety, or despair will develop or go unrecognised.
Feeling that one’s life is not worthwhile can grow out of that combination of inward and outward forces. When someone experiences repeated rejection, low expectations from others, few chances to participate in valued roles, or poor communication supports, it undermines self-esteem and purpose. Diagnostic overshadowing — where emotional distress is misattributed to the disability rather than identified and treated as a mental-health issue — means problems are often missed until they become severe. Carer stress, family strain, and lack of accessible mental-health therapies further reduce the chances of timely help.

#disability #downs #genetics