Mental Health as a Disability:

• Under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), mental health conditions are recognized as disabilities when they substantially impair an individual's functioning.

• Common examples include severe depression, anxiety disorders, and schizophrenia, which may limit a person’s ability to work, maintain relationships, or manage daily activities.

Disability and Mental Health Challenges:

• Living with a physical or sensory disability can increase the risk of developing mental health conditions due to societal stigma, isolation, or barriers to accessibility.

• For example, individuals with chronic illnesses or mobility impairments often face depression or anxiety stemming from their condition or societal attitudes toward it.

Dual Diagnosis:

• Some individuals experience both a physical or cognitive disability and a mental health condition, requiring coordinated care across disciplines.

• For instance, a person with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) may also have co-occurring anxiety or depression.