Saturday, October 10th is World Mental Health Day — an occasion observed every year with the goal of raising awareness about mental health issues and care. The theme of this year’s World Mental Health Day is centered around the idea of investment, as increased investment in mental health services means more people can have access to the care they need.
Seeking help and support is becoming even more critical as the COVID-19 pandemic has more people grappling with fear of sickness/death, worries about infecting loved ones, financial strain from job loss, and more — all while living largely in isolation. As these stressors persist throughout the ongoing pandemic, we can expect the need for mental health support services to increase significantly over the coming months.
Mental health issues can affect anyone at anytime, and do not always need to tie back to a direct “cause” like the current COVID-19 pandemic. According to the World Health Organization, mental, neurological and substance use disorders account for approximately 13% of the total global burden of disease. The World Health Organization also states that someone dies by suicide every 40 seconds.
In light of these statistics, it’s not surprising that many SSDI claims each year cite mental health conditions like anxiety and depression. The Social Security Administration evaluates these claims based on a strict set of rules, just like they do for more “obvious” physical disabilities, recognizing that mental health issues can be debilitating and life-altering if left untreated.
If you or a loved one are struggling with anxiety, depression, or other mental health challenges, please do not hesitate to seek help. World Mental Health Day presents an opportunity for all of us to ask ourselves and our loved ones what we can do to improve our mental health. Many people struggling with anxiety, depression, or other mental health issues aim to keep these issues private, which can easily lead to larger/long-term difficulties.
You can visit the World Health Organization’s webpage about Mental Health Day to learn more about mental health challenges and the various ways to get help. Here you can look back on past World Mental Health Days, which focused on key topics like suicide prevention, young people & mental health, and mental health in the workplace.
Nothing in this post is intended as advice or a suggestion to elect or not elect to claim benefits of any kind, including Social Security benefits, nor is it intended as financial advice in any way. The decision to claim benefits is a personal one that is contingent upon each individual’s unique circumstances.
