People with physical disabilities, both congenital (from birth) and acquired (from accidents and injuries), face numerous challenges in their everyday life that can bare negatively on their mental health. Tasks that some people perform on autopilot are major stressors for someone who is unable to walk, stand, climb, reach, or perform other typical physical movements on their own.
Mental health conditions or psychosocial disability can be both a cause and an effect of disability. These frequently involve constraints on involvement and activity outside of the “core” activities of communication, mobility, and self-care, such as in interpersonal connections.
An estimated 36% of people with severe or profound disability self-reported that they had mood (affective) disorders such as depression, compared with 32% of people with other forms of disability, and 8.7% of people without disability (ABS 2019b).
Can the NDIS Provide Support for Mental Health Related Conditions?
The NDIS provides support to help Participants get through their daily activities that are affected and constrained by psychosocial disability. The NDIS can fund support that is aimed at improving the independence and social inclusion of an individual based on certain criteria.
Psychosocial disability is a term used to describe a disability that may arise from a mental health issue.
Psychosocial Disability at a Glance
Not everyone who has a mental health condition will have a psychosocial disability, but for people who do, it can be severe, longstanding and impact their recovery. People with a disability as a result of their mental health condition may qualify for the NDIS
Mental Health Services Available at NSW
Mental health services are widely available and being delivered by a wide range of variety of providers. The Healthcare system is complex in Australia and funding can come from any or combination of state, national, insurance, and personal resources.
The following are some of the available Mental Health Services in NSW listed by www.health.nsw.gov.au:
• Local health districts and specialty health networks, funded by NSW Health, provide a range of specialist mental health services and deliver hospital and community-based care to those with high levels of need. NSW Health also provides specialist services, including Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services and Older People’s Mental Health Services.
• The Australian government provides funding for private GPs, psychiatrists, psychologists, and other allied health professionals through Medicare. Some of these providers require a co-payment from patients.
• Community Managed Organisation (CMOs) are key providers of mental health services and psychosocial support to people with mental health conditions in the community.
• Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services (ACCHSs) provide a range of primary health services for Aboriginal people and their communities.
• Primary Health Networks (PHNs) undertake planning and coordination. They commission primary health services, psychosocial support programs, and suicide prevention and aftercare services from other providers.
The services available vary and depend on where people live.
How Are You Feeling?
We are often asked this question, and many of us say we’re “fine.” But this has been a difficult time lately, and emotions can be complex. You may be feeling sad, worried, or stressed.It helps to stay positive and remind yourself of your strengths.