Readers in the Augusta area may be interested to know that, according to a new report, one in five Americans suffered some form of mental illness in 2010, and about 5 percent endured such serious mental illness that it interfered with work, school or family. The report was provided by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, and Georgia residents who are concerned with Social Security Disability Insurance benefits for mental disorders will likely want to know more.

Many people associate SSDI benefits with elderly or injured people, but the new study shows that young adults, ages 18 to 25, are twice as likely to be diagnosed with a mental illness than people older than 50.

In the past year, 11.4 million adults in the U.S. suffered from severe mental illness, but each year, only 60 percent of people with mental illness receive treatment.

"Mental illnesses can be managed successfully, and people do recover," said Pamela S. Hyde, head of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. She went on to say that mental illness often co-exists with other adverse health conditions, such as diabetes, obesity and cardiovascular disease. She said that treatment of mental illness can mitigate the effects of these disorders.

Many Georgia residents who suffer from mental illness either struggle with or are unable to work. Bi-polar disorder, depression, post traumatic stress disorder and anxiety disorder are some of the serious conditions that could necessitate SSDI benefits and Supplemental Security Income. If residents in the Augusta area suffer from a mental disorder, then they may want to consult with a legal professional who is experienced in helping people secure such benefits. SSDI benefits and Supplemental Security Income are designed to help individuals whose mental condition makes work difficult to the point of impossible.

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