Is mental illness considered a disability?

Question

Some people believe yes & others believe no.

Answer 1

Yes, mental illnesses are considered disabilities.

A disability is a permanent condition that keeps a person from living a normal life. Mental illness definitely falls under that category. Just because the body works fine doesn't mean that a person should be able to function if their mind does not. People use the phrase, "It's all in your head" to indicate that it's imaginary. But that's not true. Illnesses that happen "in the head" are every bit as real as broken bones.

The brain is a complex organ and to assume that nothing can go wrong with it is ignorance matched equally with arrogance. (I'm not saying that you come off with this attitude--the way your question is phrased is wonderfully neutral:)) I have often felt that people who feel that mental illness isn't real and shouldn't be treated as a disability should have to live as a mentally ill person for a week so they can see how it feels. (Perhaps virtual reality goggles that simulate hallucinations, along with earpieces that blurt random things at any given time should be worn by these people.)

Answer 2

It depends on the mental illness and how it impacts the person's life. There are many types of mental illness. The more severe ones, like the schizophrenias, are usually disabling; yet there are people with some types of schizophrenia who, with medication, hold professional positions and do very well in them. The less severe mental illnesses, like mood disorders, usually respond very well to treatment, including medications, and are usually not permanently disabling, but they certainly can be! So, your correct answer is a resounding, "It depends!"

Answer 3

Mental illness is considered a disability.

Answer 4

Yes it is considered a disability. The government considers it a disability but it is "hard to prove," or so I have heard, as far as getting social security disability.

Answer 5

Anyone who believe mental illness is not a disability does not understand what a disability is. A disability is anytime your body- your mind- your psyche- your senses - works differently than the way it is most typical.

Answer 6

Of course it can be. A person can become mentally ill and cannot carry out thier normal job so they are disabled. If a person is mentally challenged from the start, then they are not really considered disabled because they are not required to carry out a particular job function. They are only required to carry out what they are capable of doing.

Answer 7

Yes it is - if the condition is such that it affects the person's ability to function normally in the community - same way to look at it, just like any other disabling condition

(I know this is a simplistic answer - but I am way too weary to go on to the usual big explanations and discussion)

Answer 8

Yes if it is documented by a professional then it is considered a disability if it impairs your ability to function as an average person.

Answer 9

yes. I have severe depression, social phobia and oh yes I also have been diagnosed with traits of borderline, avoidant and dependent personality disorders. This has severely hindered my ability to function "normally". That makes me disabled, at least that's what my Dr. says.

Answer 10

In an educational setting..yes. I am a special education teacher and someone can qualify for support through special ed if they have a mental illness.