A mental health disability is a term used to describe a wide range of conditions that can affect a person’s mood, thinking, and behaviour. These conditions can make it difficult for people to carry out everyday activities, such as going to work or school, taking care of themselves, or socialising with others. If you have a mental health disability and are finding it difficult to live your life the way you want to, then you may be wondering what kinds of support options are available to you. In this blog post, we will provide an overview of the NDIS and how it provides assistance to those living with a mental or psychological disability. We also answer some common questions about the types of services the NDIS can assist in funding.
NDIS and Mental Health
The goal of the NDIS is to provide people with the support they need to live an independent and ordinary life. The NDIS does this by working with participants to develop a plan that meets their individual needs and goals. For people living with mental health or psychological disability, daily tasks that some take for granted can be challenging and without the right access to support, it can be debilitating. The overall goal of the NDIS is to endeavour to assist its participants in maintaining their independence. If your mental health condition or psychological disability makes any of the following challenging, then you may be eligible for funding:
- Maintaining a job or getting a job
- Daily personal activities such as showering, eating or dressing.
- Socialising and maintaining relationships.
- Feeling comfortable participating in the community.
- Living at home by yourself.
- Developing life skills and confidence.
Psychological Disabilities That May be Covered By the NDIS
Funding for mental health or psychological disabilities can sometimes be a grey area as everyone’s level of functional impairment is different. Typically, the NDIS will fund any disability that is permanent and significantly limits a person’s ability to take part in everyday activities. Some of the common psychological disabilities that may be covered by the NDIS include:
- Anxiety disorders.
- Depressive disorders.
- Bipolar disorder.
- Psychotic disorders.
- Eating disorders.
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
- Intellectual disability.
- Autism spectrum disorder.
The NDIS also recognises that psychological disabilities can be caused by a brain injury. If you have suffered from a brain injury, the NDIS will work with you to develop a plan that meets your individual needs and goals.
What Will the NDIS Fund When It Comes to Mental and Psychological Disabilities?
If you are living with a mental health disability, it’s important to know there’s support available through the NDIS. The NDIS can fund a range of services and supports to help you live your life the way you want to. Here are some examples of the types of services that may be funded by the NDIS:
- Psychological therapies – you may have experienced a traumatic event or your mental health condition may be causing you distress. The NDIS can fund a range of psychological therapies and provide you with the support you need to talk through your issues or concerns with a qualified Allied health professional. The goal of these sessions will be to provide you with the support that may help you improve your communication skills, assist you in becoming more comfortable in social interactions, as well as your ability to learn and self manage.
- Counselling sessions – you may find it helpful to meet with a counsellor on a regular basis to discuss your thoughts, feelings and experiences. The NDIS can fund a range of counselling services to help you work through your mental health condition.
- Case management – if you are struggling to manage your daily activities or keep up with your NDIS plan, you may need some extra support. The NDIS can fund case management services to help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to live independently.
- Support groups – you may find it helpful to meet with other people who are living with a mental health condition. The NDIS may be able to support groups to provide you with the opportunity to meet like-minded individuals so you can share your experiences and learn from others.
- Access to a Carer – If you require a Carer, the NDIS may be able to provide one trained to deal with your specific needs that understands your condition and how best to support you. The NDIS can also fund respite care to give your carer a break from their regular caring duties.
Ask Us for Help
if you’re struggling with a mental or psychological disability, know you’re not alone and that there’s a range of Carers and Allied health professionals available to help. If you’re not sure where to start, our team at OSAN Ability can help. We can provide you with information about the NDIS and how it can support you, as well as connect you with the right services and support. Call us on 1300 799 941 and be immediately connected with one of our expert representatives.
