Anxiety Rates in Australia: Understanding the NDIS and Mental Health Support

Estimated reading time: 8 minutes

Good morning! I’m Daniel G. Taylor, a mental health speaker living with bipolar disorder. I’ve been through some tough times, including being homeless for over two years. During that period, I experienced severe anxiety that needed treatment for the first time in my life.

Today, I want to chat about anxiety rates in Australia and how the NDIS can help those struggling with mental health issues. Let’s dive in!

Key Takeaways

• Anxiety disorders affect 17% of Australians aged 16-85.
• Young adults and women have higher rates of anxiety.
• The NDIS offers support for people with severe mental health conditions.
• Empowerment in 7 life areas is crucial for managing anxiety.
• Various resources and support services are available in Victoria.

The Scope of Anxiety in Australia

Anxiety is more common than you might think. In fact, it’s the most common mental illness in Australia. Let’s look at some eye-opening stats:

How Many People Have Anxiety?

According to the 2020-2022 National Study of Mental Health and Wellbeing, about 3.4 million Aussies experienced an anxiety disorder in the past year. That’s 17% of the population!

Anxiety in Young Adults

If you’re a young adult, you’re not alone in feeling anxious. The study found that 46% of females and 32% of males aged 16-24 experienced an anxiety disorder. That’s a significant increase from previous years.

Gender Differences

Women are more likely to experience anxiety than men. About 21% of women had an anxiety disorder compared to 13% of men. The gap is even wider in young adults.

Types of Anxiety Disorders

It’s important to note that anxiety isn’t just one thing. There are several types of anxiety disorders, including:

1. Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
2. Social Anxiety Disorder
3. Panic Disorder
4. Specific Phobias
5. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
6. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Each of these can manifest differently and may require specific treatment approaches.

The NDIS and Mental Health Support

Now, let’s talk about how the NDIS can help people with severe anxiety disorders.

What is the NDIS?

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is a government program that provides support to Australians with significant and permanent disabilities. This includes severe mental health conditions like anxiety disorders.

How Can the NDIS Help?

If you have a severe anxiety disorder that significantly impacts your daily life, you might be eligible for NDIS support. This can include:

1. Support workers to help with daily tasks
2. Support coordination to manage your services
3. Psychosocial recovery coaching

These services can make an enormous difference in managing anxiety and improving quality of life. And if you already have an NDIS plan, ask us about any of these support options.

Applying for the NDIS

Applying for the NDIS can seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. Here’s a quick rundown of the process:

1. Check your eligibility on the NDIS website
2. Gather evidence of your condition from your healthcare providers
3. Submit an Access Request Form
4. Wait for the NDIS to assess your application
5. If approved, work with the NDIS to create your plan

Remember, it’s okay to ask for help during this process. Support coordinators can guide you through it.

Empowering People with Anxiety: 7 Life Areas

Managing anxiety isn’t just about treatment. It’s about empowerment in all areas of life. Let’s break it down:

1. Intellect

Anxiety can fog your mind. The NDIS can provide support for learning new skills or pursuing education. This can boost your confidence and reduce anxiety.

For example, you might use NDIS funding to access courses or workshops that interest you. Learning new things can be a great way to challenge anxious thoughts and build self-esteem.

2. Career

Work stress is real. NDIS support can help you find and maintain employment that suits your needs and abilities.

This might include job coaching, help with resume writing, or support in the workplace. The goal is to help you find fulfilling work that doesn’t exacerbate your anxiety.

3. Health

Physical health impacts mental health. NDIS funding can cover exercise programs or nutritional support to boost your overall well-being.

Exercise is a powerful tool for managing anxiety. Whether it’s yoga, swimming, or hitting the gym, finding a physical activity you enjoy can make a big difference.

4. Relationships

Anxiety can strain relationships. Social skills training or support to engage in community activities can help you build stronger connections.

The NDIS might fund group activities or classes where you can meet people with similar interests. Building a support network is crucial for managing anxiety.

5. Impact

Feeling like you matter is crucial. The NDIS can support you in volunteering or community participation, helping you make a positive impact.

This could involve connecting you with local organisations or providing support to start your own community project. Making a difference can boost your self-esteem and give you a sense of purpose.

6. Prosperity

Financial stress can worsen anxiety. NDIS support can include financial counselling or help with budgeting.

Learning to manage your finances can reduce a significant source of stress for many people with anxiety. The NDIS might fund sessions with a financial counsellor to help you get on track.

7. Spirituality

Finding meaning and purpose is important. The NDIS can support activities that align with your beliefs and values.

This doesn’t necessarily mean religious activities (although it can, such as our monthly church service). It could be meditation classes, nature retreats, or any activity that helps you connect with your sense of purpose—including getting outdoors TK.

Other Support Options in Victoria

The NDIS isn’t the only support available. Here are some other resources:

Centrelink Payments

If you’re living with anxiety, you might be eligible for Centrelink payments like the Disability Support Pension or Jobseeker Payment.

These payments can provide financial support while you’re managing your anxiety. It’s worth checking with Centrelink to see what you might be eligible for.

Mental Health Services

Victoria offers various mental health services, including:

• Headspace for young people
• Beyond Blue for all ages
• Lifeline for crisis support or call 13 11 14

These services offer counselling, information, and support for people experiencing anxiety and other mental health issues.

Local Support Groups

The Anxiety Disorders Association of Victoria runs support groups that can be incredibly helpful.

Joining a support group can help you feel less alone in your struggles with anxiety. It’s a chance to share experiences and coping strategies with others who understand what you’re going through.

Online Resources

In today’s digital age, there are many online resources available for managing anxiety. Some popular options include:

• MindSpot: An online clinic providing free assessment and treatment for anxiety and depression
• This Way Up: Offers online courses for various mental health issues, including anxiety
• ReachOut: Provides information and support for young people dealing with mental health issues

These online tools can be a great supplement to in-person support, especially if you’re dealing with social anxiety.

The Importance of Self-Care

While professional support is crucial, don’t underestimate the power of self-care in managing anxiety. Here are some simple self-care strategies that can make a big difference:

1. Practice mindfulness or meditation
2. Maintain a regular sleep schedule
3. Eat a balanced diet
4. Limit caffeine and alcohol intake
5. Spend time in nature
6. Practise deep breathing exercises
7. Keep a journal to track your thoughts and feelings

Remember, self-care isn’t selfish. It’s a necessary part of managing your mental health.

Conclusion

Anxiety is common in Australia, but help is available. The NDIS can provide crucial support for those with severe anxiety disorders. Remember, seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

Living with anxiety can be challenging, but with the right support and strategies, it’s possible to lead a fulfilling life. Don’t be afraid to reach out for help when you need it.

Our next post in this series looks at anxiety again, and asks, is it a disability?

Action Steps

1. If you think you might have an anxiety disorder, talk to your GP.

2. Check your eligibility for the NDIS on their website.

3. Reach out to local support groups or services.

4. Focus on empowering yourself in the 7 life areas we discussed.

5. Develop a self-care routine that works for you.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Remember, you’re not alone on this journey. With the right support and resources, it’s possible to manage anxiety and lead a fulfilling life. Stay strong, friends!

Daniel G. Taylor

Daniel G. Taylor has been writing about the NDIS for three years. His focus has been on mental health and psychosocial disabilities as he lives with bipolar disorder I. He’s been a freelance writer for 30 years and lives across the road from the beach in Adelaide. He’s the author of How to Master Bipolar Disorder for Life and a contributor to Mastering Bipolar Disorder (Allen & Unwin) and he’s a mental health speaker.