Accessing Mental Health Support Through the NDIS

Mental health issues are on the rise, with recent research finding that 1 in 5 Australians had experienced a mental disorder in the previous 12 months. That number illustrates the need for accessible mental health services. With more than 20% of the population struggling with mental health, providing support has become a priority for the Australian Government. It’s now possible to access funding and support programs for a wide range of mental health issues through the NDIS. In this article, we’ll dig deeper into NDIS support for mental health and how it can benefit people living with mental illness, acquired brain injury or disability.

NDIS Support for Mental Health

Living with mental health issues can present serious challenges to leading a fulfilling, contributing life. Those with severe issues such as depression, anxiety, PTSD or developmental problems often struggle to find the support they need. Australia’s National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) changes that by making funding more available to those living with mental health issues. The NDIS now provides funding and support for a broad range of mental health issues, as well as for those with autism, asperger’s, psychosocial disability and acquired brain injury.

The NDIS’ mental health program is tailored to meet the needs of a broad range of customers. From young children and youth through to the elderly, the NDIS makes it possible for all Australians to find the help they need through supports like:

• Help with accessing the community and meeting new people
• Support for daily living activities like personal grooming, cooking and chores
• Professional psychology and counselling services
• Positive behaviour support
• Supported independent living (SIL)
• Youth-oriented mental health support

Psychosocial Disability

Not all mental health issues cause a disability. While they may create challenges, many people continue to lead successful, healthy lives while managing their own mental health. If your mental health causes you to struggle with common, everyday activities, the NDIS classifies your issues under the term “psychosocial disability”. A psychosocial disability is any disability that arises from mental health issues. This looks slightly different for everyone, so the NDIS strives to deliver tailored funding packages that suit your individual needs.

How the NDIS Measures Your Needs

The NDIS is designed to be as accessible as possible. That means it doesn’t measure your needs based on your diagnosis. Instead, NDIS assessors consider your level of impairment, your goals and how your disability affects your ability to live a full life. If you’re living with a mental health issue such as anxiety, depression, autism or PTSD, you may be eligible for NDIS funding. You’ll need to meet two primary criteria:

1. Your mental health issues must create a lifelong impairment that requires special support and care
2. You must require support to participate in regular activities and/or carry out common, everyday tasks such as personal grooming

The application process for mental health support is relatively straightforward. You’ll need to fill out an Evidence of Psychosocial Disability Form that contains your details, diagnosis and medical history. In addition, you’ll need to provide information about how your mental health impacts your life. The form asks you to describe your impairments in the following arenas:

• Social interaction – This covers your ability to do things like make friends, interact with your community and cope with your emotions in a social context.
• Self-management – This is your general capacity to organise your life. If you struggle with planning, making decisions, completing daily tasks or managing your finances, you may qualify for the NDIS.
• Self care – Activities such as personal care, grooming, clothing and feeding yourself all fall under self care. The NDIS provides special supports for those who need help with these daily living activities.
• Communication – If your impairment creates difficulties with being understood, expressing your needs or communicating appropriately, those issues fall under this category.
• Learning – Mental health issues can affect your ability to learn new things, practise new skills and understand or remember important information.
• Mobility – This includes all regular movement, like getting around at home or out in your community, as well as any daily activities that require the use of limbs.

The Importance of Support for Psychosocial Disability

Living with mental health issues can often be incredibly isolating. Because mental health issues typically don’t present physical symptoms, sufferers often struggle to find support on their own. The NDIS recognises this challenge and delivers funding packages that are designed to support your goals. Whether you want to become more independent, access your community or need help with everyday activities, NDIS support allows you to work towards your full potential.

This is especially important for youth. More than 75% of all mental health issues develop before the age of 25. That means providing support for young people can greatly reduce their long-term needs, which is a major factor in managing the strain on the NDIS. By making supports more accessible, the NDIS is able to deliver real results and make a serious difference to the long-term wellbeing of people living with mental health issues, disability or acquired brain injury.