Corey’s childhood was far from perfect. He had the support of family and friends, but even in the earliest stages of his life, something felt missing. He felt isolated, alone, and not good enough. His parents, Jeff and Debbie, noticed Corey’s mental struggles as early as elementary school. And middle and high school were no easier, either. “… Those years weren’t the best for me. I would eat lunch alone. I would just not really talk to people. It was very terrifying branching out because I felt that I would open myself to rejection,” Corey remembers.
Often misunderstood by his peers, he was a victim of bullying. Over time, this led to symptoms of depression that grew more intense as the years went on. For Corey, diagnoses came one after another—anxiety, depression, ADHD, borderline personality disorder, and social anxiety. However, none of these diagnoses provided real relief. Like many, Corey knew how to hide his struggles: “I was able to put on an act, and I was able to wrongfully prove to people that everything was okay, when in reality, it wasn’t.” People often didn’t see the mental health struggles behind his seemingly bright personality.
“Corey is an intelligent, engaging, and funny young man. He loves to talk to people, no matter their age, background, or anything,” his mom says.
Men and Mental Health
Corey’s not alone. Mental health challenges are more common in men than many realize. About 1 in 5 men experience some form of mental illness each year, and roughly 1 in 20 face conditions serious enough to significantly disrupt daily life. Depression affects around 1 in 16 men annually, and anxiety disorders impact about 1 in 7.
What are the symptoms of mental health disorders in men? Every person is different, but common signs include anger, irritability, or aggressiveness; misuse of alcohol, drugs, or both; engaging in high-risk activities; thoughts or behaviors that interfere with work, family, or social life.
Feelings of hopelessness are also common among those with mental health challenges. “It was hard to feel hopeful, really, about anything. I was letting a lot of my past really define what I do now, which was very detrimental, and I really was kind of just existing. I wasn’t really living,” says Corey.
Transitioning to Adulthood
If childhood and his early teens were a struggle, adulthood brought its own challenges for Corey and his family. He was unable to function or hold a job. But Jeff and Debbie never gave up. They knew they needed a long-term plan for their son, so their first step was to apply for Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Even the first denial letter didn’t stop them. Meanwhile, they kept seeking help from various facilities, which eventually led them to Skyland Trail—a nonprofit mental health treatment organization in Atlanta.
This is where Corey and his family met Anna Maki. Anna is the Director of Program Services at Bobby Dodd Institute (BDI). She leads the Benefits Navigation program, which she launched to help families like Corey’s secure the vital benefits they need for independent and self-sufficient lives.
New Beginnings
After two years and two applications, they were able to secure benefits for Corey and help him begin a new life. “Anna navigated that world for us so beautifully because she knows it so well… All the assessments that she did, everything that she did was just magical,” says Debbie.
Today, Corey is on a steady path to a brighter future. He has a part-time job, and he knows he needs to take life one step at a time. “I’m very grateful that I’ve been able to, through the help of Bobby Dodd [Institute] and my family, really climb out of that hole and get back on the right track.”
Despite how widespread mental health issues are, fewer than half of men with mental health struggles seek help. Many don’t recognize the signs or feel pressured to “tough it out.” June is Men’s Health Awareness Month. Talking openly about mental health and encouraging support can literally save lives. And that’s been the case with Corey.
Master the SSI Application
Securing Social Security benefits gave Corey hope. These benefits are lifesaving for many, but the process of obtaining them can be overwhelming. That’s why Bobby Dodd Institute is hosting a masterclass that will explain all the steps necessary for a successful SSI application.
