Unfortunately, there is still a lot stigma and misunderstanding when it comes to mental health issues. This is despite the fact that millions of Americans live with a mental health conditions.
The National Association of Mental Illness (NAMI) recognizes the first full week of October as Mental Illness Awareness Week. It does so in order to help educate those who lack understanding and fight the stigma often passed along by them.
Mental Illness Awareness Week (MIAW), officially established by Congress in 1990, provides a time for mental health advocates to come together to educate the public and create an awareness of how mental health plays as much of a role in millions of lives as does physical health.
Conditions Covered by SSD
When someone is diagnosed with a serious physical disease, disorder or condition, and they are no longer able to work, they can apply for Social Security Disability in order to receive the resources necessary to live.But what many do not realize is that those who suffer from mental illness can also apply for Social Security Disability (SSD).
According to the Social Security Administration, approximately 26% of disabled workers received benefits for mental disorders in 2017.
In fact, there are many conditions that SSD covers. These include:
- Anxiety Disorders
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
- Depression
- Schizophrenia
- Eating Disorders
- Intellectual Disorders
Each mental health disorder is evaluated according to its own set of criteria. In order to receive SSD benefits, you must be able to demonstrate that you either (1) meet the criteria of that condition, or (2) the sum total of all of your disabling conditions is equivalent to the listed criteria or otherwise completely hinders you from engaging in any gainful activity.
Also, you must be able to show that you are both receiving and complying with treatment, which you must continue to receive while in the process of claiming SSD benefits.
Disability Attorneys of Michigan Can Help
Disability Attorneys of Michigan works hard every day helping the disabled of Michigan seek the Social Security Disability Benefits they need. If you are unable to work due to a physical, mental, or cognitive impairment, call Disability Attorneys of Michigan now for a free consultation at 800-949-2900.
Let Michigan’s experienced Social Security Disability law firm help you get the benefits you deserve.