Nearly 1 in 4 Australians has an anxiety condition, according to Beyond Blue.
Whilst it’s common to experience an anxiety condition, it’s critical to seek treatment, especially if it becomes severe enough to create a negative impact on your daily life.
There are many types of anxiety (such as generalised anxiety disorder (GAD), post-traumatic stress disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and social anxiety disorder). All are serious conditions that can make it hard for people to cope with their daily lives because the anxious feelings persist, are hard to control, and may not have a specific cause. These conditions can cause muscle tension and sleep issues and may impact a person’s concentration and energy levels.
While different conditions, many people experience depression and anxiety together. The Mayo Clinic states that anxiety may occur as a symptom of clinical (major) depression and that depression can be triggered by an anxiety disorder.
Anxiety disorders also frequently occur in people with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), cerebral palsy, Down Syndrome etc. Other medical conditions that can be linked to anxiety include diabetes, chronic pain, heart disease, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), thyroid problems, and more.
When does anxiety become a disability?
As anxiety is the most common mental health condition in Australia, it may be covered by
Australia’s National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).
To be covered by the NDIS, a person’s anxiety must be considered to be a psychosocial disability. That is, their anxiety must be deemed to be a lifelong issue, and severe enough to be impacting their recovery.
If your mental health condition – in this case, your anxiety – is a disability to you, you may qualify for NDIS funding. Generally, a person’s doctor (GP) will diagnose them with a psychosocial disability and work with them to create a mental health plan. A NDIS participant may be able to get funding through this plan for therapies (psychology, counselling) that help develop their social skills and life skills.
If you do not have a mental health plan, LifeLift can support you to apply for this.
You can apply for NDIS funding for anxiety if you:
- Are under 65 years of age
- Live in Australia and are a permanent resident or Australian citizen
- Have a mental health condition that is long-term and severe enough to impact your daily activities (such as learning, mobility, communication, social interaction, self-care or management)
Ready to begin the process of applying? You can do so here.
Can anxiety be treated with therapy?
Anxiety management is possible. If you’re experiencing anxiety, it’s a good idea to seek out treatment sooner rather than later.
Many people experiencing disability from a mental health condition significantly benefit from psychological therapy or counselling services. Given this, these therapies may be covered by NDIS funding.
There are a range of specific, evidence-based psychology and counselling services that may support people living with anxiety to better manage their condition and improve their quality of life. Our therapists are trained in disciplines including;
- Cognitive psychology
- Psychotherapy (such as cognitive behavioural therapy or CBT)
- Clinical psychology
- Developmental psychology
- Relationship counselling
- Rehabilitation counselling
- Trauma counselling
There are other ways to support yourself to better manage your anxiety, including:
- Stress management tools (like yoga, meditation, mindfulness, breathing techniques) can be helpful for some people.
- Ensuring you stay physically active, if possible, and eat a balanced diet may also support you to better manage your anxiety symptoms.
- Avoiding alcohol, cigarettes, and illegal drugs, and limiting caffeine intake can also be beneficial.
Anxiety treatment success
LifeLift’s experienced, person-centred psychologists and counsellors are part of our larger allied health team. They are NDIS registered and so can play a key part in supporting NDIS participants with anxiety.
Our therapists work with clients to develop a customised mental health and partner closely with them over time to help grow their independence and confidence.
Case study
Sally had not left her house for two years due to severe anxiety. One of our psychologists? supported Sally to slowly build up her capacity to walk outside. LifeLift also provided a support worker who helped her learn to use a transport company (with our support worker initially following the transport vehicle to build confidence) and, ultimately, to begin driving herself again.
LifeLift. Helping lift you up.
At LifeLift, we believe we rise by lifting others.
Our compassionate therapists are focused on supporting clients to live with more independence and to be authentically connected to their communities.
We understand the very real challenges faced by those who live with psychosocial disability and anxiety conditions and our psychologists and counsellors are committed to working with NDIS participants to help them make lasting, positive changes in their lives. Our larger allied health team also includes physiotherapists, occupational therapists, dietitians and more, meaning we can holistically support those with NDIS funding.
Book an appointment with a LifeLift mental health professional today.
We’re ready to help lift you up.
