As more is discovered about the realities of mental illness, we learn about the number of Americans living with such problems. A recent study indicated that one in five people in the U.S. dealt with some kind of mental illness in 2010. This reveals that those suffering from mental disease are not alone. However, there are some people suffering from mental illness so difficult that it prevents them from functioning on a daily basis. Those in the Washington D.C. area living with mental illness should know that they may be able to receive Social Security Disability benefits.

The recent study, conducted by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services administration, had some surprising findings. Among them, in 2010, 8.7 million adults had suicidal thoughts and nearly 1 million attempted to end their own life. Perhaps the most revealing statistic is that almost 5 percent of Americans have such severe mental illness that it interferes with daily interactions at work, school or home.

Though many mental illnesses can be treated, one public health educator indicates that little has been done to improve mental health education or insurance to cover treatment in recent years.

If a person has difficulty performing the tasks they need to complete in order to keep themselves, or their families, healthy and safe due to a mental illness, then they should explore their options. Trustworthy help is available to determine if an individual qualifies for Social Security Disability benefits.

One health provider commented that we must approach mental health issues like we deal with "physical injury." Mental illness is real and it can prevent people from the things they need to do.

Source: ABC News, "1 in 5 Americans Suffers From Mental Illness," Mikaela Conley, Jan. 19, 2012