Mental Health & Social Security Disability

Mental Health & Social Security Disability

Despite the massive number of individuals in the United States that suffer with mental illness, only a small fraction of sufferers actually seek treatment. In order to apply for social security disability, a diagnosis and ongoing treatment is necessary. It is not uncommon for people to think of disabilities only in the term of physical illness or injury. However, there are several mental illnesses that can render a person disabled.

Mental health issues may be brought on by substance abuse, stress, emotional trauma suffered while on military duty, and much more. In some cases, there is no known cause for mental illness. Depression, eating disorders, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and other mental illnesses may appear seemingly out of nowhere. In all cases, medical attention and treatment is needed. Those who have friends or family members that are suffering from mental illness and are not seeking treatment are advised to either ask the individual to seek help, or contact mental health services on behalf of the individual.

The link between mental health and social security disability is a clear one. Moderate to severe mental illness can strip any sufferer of the ability to work. This may be the result of many different problems ranging from the inability to socialize with co-workers to feeling completely drained due to depression. There are also illnesses that make it unsafe for the sufferer to be around others. For all of these reasons and more, many lose the ability to be a productive part of the work force.

Over thirty million Americans are disabled at this time. This people range from 21 years old to 64 years old. In 2008 alone, over 2 million individuals filed disability claims. While cancer, heart disease, and diabetes remain the most common reasons for being disabled, musculoskeletal disorders, mental illness, and illnesses related to lifestyle choices are also very common.

There are government programs in place to help those with mental illness. The goal of many of these is to help disabled individuals be able to work, carry on normal relationships, and have a happy home life. During the recovery process social security disability may help with the expenses of daily life. For some, recovery will be a lengthy process, but it may be achieved over a period of time. For others, mental illness is a lifelong battle that must be fought day in and day out. Mental health services are available to many. Contact your local health service branch to learn more about the services that are currently available.