#aussieguy

I have mental illnesses and am unable to function much. In Australia we have this thing NDIS and I’m wanting to know if you know if it’s even worth trying to get it for mental illness? Or if it just is too hard for people with mental illnesses? And what help can they even offer?

TIA. #Aussieguy

Hey there,

Not only am I from Australia but I am also an NDIS participant and have been for almost 2 years now!

The application process for applying for NDIS can be a bit overwhelming and daunting (the first time I was rejected, the second time I had to provide extra information about my mental health and how I was functioning/ what was able to do and what help and support I needed before being accepted finally.) To begin with I didn’t know much about the NDIS apart from them helping to pay for therapy with a counsellor or psychologist (unfortunately they don’t cover costs to see a psychiatrist as that is partially funded by medicare) and this was all I was really needing – therapy from my therapist. But then when I got my first plan for NDIS I learnt that they offer so much more.

For example, not only do they help to cover costs for a therapist (a certain amount of sessions per period plan – you can either have a one year plan or 2 years before a review for the next plan period, but if you have to travel to get to medical care or therapy appointments they also help out a bit financially to help cover petrol costs (I get just over $60 a fortnight from them.) NDIS also funds for you to have a support worker who can help you in anyway you need them too, I see my support worker 3 times a week and we catch up, go out to help with my anxiety levels and she also comes to my psychiatrist appointments sometimes as needed and also takes me to see my GP who is an hour and a half drive away from me! You can also apply for other supports or group therapies depending on your needs and what help and support you are needing. For example I have a friend who is more dependent and so she has a support worker that comes over most days, my support worker though also has another client who needs around the clock care so as you can see your NDIS plan is suited to you and what you are needing from it if that makes sense?

So despite the overwhelming application process I would definitely recommend applying for it (what do you have to lose?) You do need a supporting letter form a health professional so if you have both a psychiatrist and/ or a therapist I’d recommend they both write a supporting letter for you. Your GP can also write a letter but I have found that they listen more to those professionals higher up..

I myself struggle with severe depression, social anxiety, BPD, PTSD, other personality disorders plus struggle with self-harm and suicidal ideation at times. But it seems from what you have written that you will tick all the right boxes to be accepted by NDIS!

I really hope that this has helped to answer your questions and please do not hesitate to ask other questions you may be having or any worries/ concerns you have and I will do my best to help you through and answer them for you!

I hope you are going well and please do let me know if I can help to support you in any other way!

Take care,