Mental Health Challenges: An Invisible Disability
Image: A woman sits on the floor in her living room, her face sad as she struggles with depression.
May is Mental Health Awareness Month. CPWD is working to raise awareness about invisible disabilities, particularly mental health conditions that may not be outwardly visible but deeply affect daily life. In this article, we explore what these invisible disabilities are, what it’s like to live with them, who qualifies for benefits, and the resources available for support.
What Are Invisible Disabilities?
Invisible disabilities are physical, mental, or neurological conditions that aren’t immediately apparent to others but still significantly impact a person’s life. When it comes to mental health, conditions like depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, PTSD, and schizophrenia are just a few examples that can affect someone’s ability to work, socialize, or manage everyday tasks.
Because these conditions often go unseen, people who live with them may feel misunderstood or even invalidated. They may hesitate to seek help for fear of being dismissed or judged, adding further stress to their experience.
Mental health challenges are more common than many people think. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, more than 57 million adults in the U.S. live with a diagnosable mental health challenge, equal to about one in five. Roughly one in 25 adults experiences a serious mental health issue that significantly disrupts one or more areas of life, such as work or relationships.
Image: A teenage girl who lives with depression is pictured standing outside beneath a pine tree, looking at the ground.
For young people, the statistics are equally concerning. The CDC reports that nearly one in three high school students experienced poor mental health in the past year. Over 40% felt persistently sad or hopeless. Tragically, suicide remains a leading cause of death among individuals aged 10 to 34 years old.
Despite these numbers, stigma still surrounds mental health. Many people don’t seek treatment or support, fearing they won’t be believed or will be seen as “weak.” But mental health challenges are real, and support is essential.
To learn more about other invisible disabilities, check out this previous article.
Life With an Invisible Disability
Living with a mental health-related disability can feel like carrying a heavy but invisible weight. To the outside world, everything may look “normal,” but inside, a person may be battling fatigue, brain fog, panic attacks, or emotional overwhelm.
Everyday tasks, like getting out of bed, staying focused, or making decisions, can become monumental challenges. Some people live with chronic anxiety that makes public spaces feel unsafe. Others experience deep depression that disconnects them from family, friends, and leads to low self-worth.
Because these struggles are not visible, others may assume someone is lazy, unreliable, or simply “not trying hard enough.” This misunderstanding can lead to shame, isolation, and even resistance to seeking help.
But the truth is: invisible doesn’t mean imaginary. These are real disabilities, and they require real understanding, support, and accommodation.
Do Mental Health Conditions Qualify for Disability Benefits?
Yes. In the U.S., certain mental health conditions may qualify a person for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) if these conditions significantly interfere with their ability to work.
Qualifying conditions can include:
Major depressive disorder
Bipolar disorder
Schizophrenia spectrum disorders
PTSD and severe anxiety
Autism spectrum disorders
Cognitive or memory-related conditions like brain injury or dementia
Eligibility depends on documentation of how the condition impacts daily function. SSDI is for people with work history who have paid into Social Security, while SSI helps those with low income regardless of work history. To learn more about how you may qualify or to receive support in applying for benefits, reach out to one of CPWD’s benefits counselors at benefits@cpwd.org, and read this article about SSI/SSDI.
Resources for Support
We understand what it means to live with an invisible disability. The majority of CPWD staff live with disabilities themselves and bring a level of understanding and insight that comes from lived experience. We know that you don’t need to “prove” your disability to deserve respect or support. In fact, the only requirement to receive services from CPWD is to self-identify as having a disability.
To be clear, CPWD does not provide direct mental health support services, such as counseling or medication. We are networked with many qualified providers and can connect you with the help you need. What we do offer are services and skills training that can help you overcome barriers to independent living. As you navigate the intersection of mental health treatment and other life goals such as housing, transportation, employment, benefits, and more, we are here for you.
Image: A peer group sits together, sharing personal stories.
CPWD offers one-on-one and group support to help individuals apply for Social Security benefits, develop independent living skills, explore assistive technology, and access community resources. Our staff can also help with transportation planning, housing support, and employment preparation.
Beyond services, we offer something just as valuable: a community. At CPWD, you will be seen, heard, and supported. You don’t have to explain why things are the way they are; we believe you. Our goal is to empower you to live your life on your terms, with the tools and confidence you need. We have regular Peer Groups where people with disabilities, like you, come together to share their experiences, challenges, successes, make new friends, and find hope and strength.
If you or someone you love needs support for a mental health condition, these further resources can help:
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): nami.org
SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) National Helpline: samhsa.gov
Social Security Disability Info: ssa.gov/disability
Disability Benefits Center: disabilitybenefitscenter.org
You are not alone. Mental health challenges may be invisible, but they are very real. So is the hope and opportunity for change and for healing. Millions of people live with mental health conditions, and with the right support, they lead fulfilling, independent lives. As this Mental Health Awareness Month, let’s open our eyes and hearts to those living with invisible disabilities, in particular mental health issues. Together, we can break the stigma, uplift each other, and build a more inclusive world.
If you or someone you know is living with an invisible disability, support is available. Reach out to CPWD for guidance, resources, or just to talk to someone. Whether you're seeking help with applying for disability benefits, need assistance with daily living, or just want to connect with an understanding and experienced community, we are here for you. Contact us today to learn more about how we can assist you in your journey toward independence and support.