NDIS and DSP

[Altheian]

Hi all,

For a while now I've been applying for both the NDIS benefits and the DSP that centrelink offers. I have BPD, PTSD, depression and anxiety. I get turned down on the basis that it's "not a life-long illness". Unfortunately, it often is if left untreated. It severely impairs my ability to hold down work, relationships and care for myself. My lack of job stability leads to financial difficulties, which in turn impedes my access to services I desperately require.

Has anyone else faced this problem? Does anyone know what I have to say to these organisations to stress the urgency of receiving assistance in getting treatment so that my conditions do not get worse and continue to interfere with my daily life? My doctor and I have been working for almost a year to get me access to these services. She has written up reports for me and filled out every form imaginable...

Any suggestions would be GREATLY appreciated!!

[Peppermintbach]

Hi Altheian,

I really feel for you. I completely get how financial stability and financial support is important for gaining access to a lot of necessary services...

I feel saddened to hear your applications keep getting rejected. That sounds very frustrating and discouraging...

Sorry, I admittedly haven’t been in a similar situation. So I don’t really have personal experience with NDIS or DSP, but I felt moved by your post and still wanted to try to lend my support. I hope that’s okay.

I’m not sure if you’ve tried this already, but my gentle suggestion is to search “mental health advocacy (plus type name of your state/territory)” in your browser to see what comes up. The reason that I’m suggesting it is hopefully you’ll find some organisations in your state that can connect you with a mental health advocate whose role is to educate, assist and protect the rights of people with mental health issues/mental illness. They might be able to help you with your applications, support your rights or have other ideas to help you with your situation.

I hope this helps a little...

Kind and caring thoughts,

Pepper

[Altheian]

Hi Peppermint,

Thank you so much for your lovely words! I will definitely give this a go 🙂

All the best!

[Peppermintbach]

Hi Altheian,

You’re most welcome. Thanks so much for your lovely post.

I really hope something comes up for you. If it’s a struggle to find a mental health advocate in your state, maybe you could consider looking up various mental health hotlines (e.g. Beyondblue, Lifeline, etc) or even other charities’ hotlines (Salvos, Vinnies, etc) and call them to speak to a counsellor/customer service, explain your situation and ask if they might know how you can find a mental health advocate (or if they have other advice for you). Just another little idea...

If you would like to let us know how things goes or write in to vent, chat or ask questions, you’re always most welcome here.

That being said, of course there’s no pressure to write if you’re not feeling up to it or don’t feel the need to write/share. I understand that too. But just know we are here for you if you ever want to talk...

All the best 🙂

Kindness and care,

Pepper