Psychosocial disability and barriers to NDIS access: how SANE can bridge the gap

Every day, more than one million Australians live with a psychosocial disability - a term that refers to the impact of a complex mental health condition on a person’s capacity to function in daily life.

However, a recent national report from the Department of Health and Aged Care highlighted a troubling issue. Nearly 500,000 Australians are missing out on the critical benefits of psychosocial support. This gap exists largely because the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) which is designed to provide these supports, often makes it difficult for people with psychosocial disabilities to access the scheme.

December 3 is a timely occasion to acknowledge this issue in view of International Day of People with Disability. This post explores what psychosocial disability is, how psychosocial support can help, barriers to accessing the NDIS, and how innovative digital psychosocial support services like those offered by SANE can assist in bridging the gap.

What is Psychosocial Disability?

Psychosocial disability refers to the functional challenges that people experience due to a complex mental health condition. These conditions include:

• Schizophrenia
• Bipolar disorder
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
• Severe anxiety or depression
• Other mental health conditions that significantly impair daily functioning

Psychosocial disability can affect various aspects of life which include:

• Communication: People with psychosocial disabilities often struggle to express their thoughts or feelings due to anxiety, cognitive difficulties, or fear of judgement. This can lead to misunderstandings, frustration, and social isolation.
• Social interaction: Building and maintaining relationships can be difficult due to social anxiety or problems interpreting social cues. These issues often result in loneliness, exclusion, or strained relationships.
• Self-care: Basic tasks like hygiene, nutrition, or healthcare may be neglected due to low energy, forgetfulness, or disconnection from one’s needs, worsening physical and mental health over time.
• Work and education: Concentration, memory, and stress management challenges can make it hard to meet deadlines or maintain a routine, leading to job instability or withdrawal from education.
• Mobility and navigation: Anxiety or paranoia can make public spaces and transport overwhelming, limiting access to services, resources, and social opportunities, further increasing isolation.
• Financial management: Impulsivity and disorganisation may result in overspending, missed payments, or poor budgeting, causing financial instability and added stress.
• Emotional regulation: Intense emotions which are difficult to control can lead to impulsive behaviours, withdrawal, or strained relationships, with heightened risks during periods of crisis.
• Accessing support services: Navigating systems like healthcare can be overwhelming due to cognitive or emotional barriers, stigma, or lack of awareness, leaving critical needs unmet. 

How Can Psychosocial Support Help?

Psychosocial support is vital for managing psychosocial disability. Its focus is to improve daily functioning and empower individuals to achieve personal goals. Key features of psychosocial support include:

• Emotional assistance: Psychosocial support helps individuals build resilience, manage stress, and develop coping strategies. In recognising the episodic nature of complex mental health conditions, it also adapts to periods of stability or crisis, providing consistent care to ensure ongoing recovery.
• Practical support: This support addresses essential needs such as housing, securing employment, and accessing education.
• Social connection: To reduce isolation, psychosocial support encourages participation in community activities, rebuilding relationships, and fostering social confidence. Integration into peer support programs also creates a sense of belonging and combats loneliness.
• Skill development: Psychosocial support empowers individuals by helping them develop skills for daily living, work, and education. This includes time management, budgeting, self-advocacy, and confidence enhancement.

Accessing the NDIS

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is in place to provide key supports to Australians living with disabilities, including psychosocial disabilities, enabling many to access the help they need to lead fulfilling lives.

However, barriers often restrict people with psychosocial disabilities from qualifying for, or accessing the scheme. This can be due to the episodic nature of some mental health conditions where symptoms can fluctuate over time. Limited engagement with mental health services or transient lifestyles may also result in insufficient evidence to support an NDIS application, and for some, there may be difficulties with proving the functional challenges associated with a particular diagnosis or life circumstance. 

The application process in itself can also be a barrier, with many people being unaware of opportunities for NDIS assistance, or not having the support available to navigate what can be a daunting and involved process.

The NDIS is currently being reformed, and there are several changes to services and eligibility criteria being discussed by State and Commonwealth Governments. To learn more about these reforms and how they may impact the future of support, visit www.ndisreview.gov.au.

How SANE is Bridging the Gap

SANE is looking to bridge the current gap in services by using digital technology to ensure the right level of psychosocial support can be provided when and where it’s needed.

For the thousands of Australians missing out on NDIS support, assistance from SANE can be a lifeline. SANE offers free, effective digital psychosocial support services to help people living with complex mental health conditions overcome barriers and achieve their goals.

What SANE provides:

• Online peer support: A safe space where individuals can connect with others who have similar experiences, share their stories, and find encouragement.
• One-on-one support: Access to trained professionals who provide guidance, practical advice, and emotional support.
• Resources for recovery: Tools and information to help manage mental health challenges and build independence.
• Flexible access: As a digital service, SANE’s support is available to anyone, anytime, and anywhere, removing geographical and logistical barriers.

Visit the SANE Get Support page to explore the psychosocial recovery services available in your area.

Dr. Carissa Coulston-Parkinson is a Clinical Psychologist with specialist knowledge in the areas of depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, schizophrenia, intellectual disability, personality disorders, traumatic brain injury and neurological conditions.