Depression as a Disability: Legal Recognition and Support Options

Depression affects 1 in 7 Australians, making it one of our country’s most common mental illnesses. But depression ranges from mild to moderate to severe, and depression is rarely experienced the same way by two different people.

On the severe side of depression, the illness can be considered a psychosocial disability – something that 4.6% of Australians are living with.

If you or someone you care about has depression as a psychosocial disability, keep on reading this post by Medmate, outlining your options for support and getting legal recognition.

Can depression be a disability?

Yes, depression can be a disability for some people. When a mental health problem is so severe that it has a significant impact on your life, and prevents you from living ‘normally’ (i.e. maintaining a job and caring for yourself) it may be considered a psychosocial disability.

Depression as a psychosocial disability

However, having depression isn’t enough on its own to be classified as a disability. In order to be considered a disability (and access funding through the NDIS), a psychosocial disability assessment must be carried out.

What is a psychosocial disability assessment?

A psychosocial disability assessment is carried out by a mental health professional. It looks at your mental health diagnosis and your life as a whole, considering your ability to engage with your community as well as participate in daily activities such as work, self-care, shopping and other aspects of everyday life.

On top of determining if your mental health diagnosis qualifies as a psychosocial disability, the assessment aims to improve your care and help you achieve your health and social goals.

How does it work?

The consultation involves a series of tests based on six factors in the World Health Organisation disability assessment schedule. These include:

• Ability to communicate verbally, or through text or sign language
• Ability to learn and remember new information, and use that information practically
• Mobility and motor function
• Self-care, including hygiene, grooming, feeding oneself, and health care.
• Your capacity to self-manage your life and take responsibility for you decisions
• Your ability for social interaction, and to deal with feelings and emotions in a social setting, such as making friends, connecting with others, and acting within acceptable limits towards others

The assessment involves an interview with a psychologist, a psychological examination and a cognitive evaluation to determine how your diagnosis may be affecting your cognitive abilities. At the end of the assessment, the psychologist will be able to determine the extent to which your diagnosis is affecting your life, whether or not it qualifies as a psychosocial disability and the disability services you may be eligible for.

Medmate can assist you if you’re concerned about depression as a psychosocial disability. Our team of caring, empathetic psychologists and clinicians  assist Australians getting the treatment and care that they need. Medmate is a team of telehealth professionals, offering these services from the comfort of your own home.

Get in touch with Medmate today and book a consult.