Making Mental Health Sexy

By Tai, Allsup

Mental Health America’s (MHA) 2017 conference theme, “Sex, Drugs and Rock and Roll,” is provocative. It’s designed to capture attention, and reflects the complicated, personal and often embarrassing issues related to mental illness that aren’t often discussed publicly.

Although nearly everyone has experienced a mental illness or is close to someone who has, there is still a tremendous amount of stigma attached to mental disorders. Couple mental illness with other “taboo” topics such as sex and addiction, and its easy to understand why these conversations rarely take place.

However, issues such as sexual trauma and the sexual side effects of mental illness medication, the opioid epidemic, alcohol and drug dependence, and the connection between mental illness and the creative mind will take center stage in Washington, D.C. this week.

MHA is bringing advocates, experts, and elected officials together for frank conversations that can promote hope, resilience and recovery. Simply knowing that others share similar experiences is empowering.

MHA’s website states, “Recovery is founded on the principle that people can take on meaningful roles in the community in spite of mental health challenges, when they receive the support they need.”

Usually, people need help accessing support. This is true when people apply for disability. However, much like mental illness, Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is not a sexy topic and there is a stigma attached to it.

Many people don’t know where to turn for help with SSDI, or where to even begin the conversation. However, for individuals who cannot continue working due to a severe mental illness, SSDI benefits, which include a monthly income and access to Medicare, can be a lifeline. If you need support or more information on SSDI, visit Allsup.com.