Anyone started with the NDIS?

Sorry to hear that @Appleblossom and @Queenie. I really wish for the best possible outcomes for you both. Feel free to post here anytime about what you're going through.

I've been getting OCD about documents I thought sil still had that I wanted to keep in my files and have just found them. Feeling d'uh ish and guilt about hassling her. She's done and is doing so much for me. It turns out that she also lost confidence in our lawyer yesterday. The woman is taking leave between now and my hearing - helpful NOT.

I totally hear you about falling through the gap of service availability to us outside of needing acute hospitalization @Queenie. Nearly all the services available for MH are transitioning to NDIS and excluding people who don't have it. And putting up their prices as soon as they are registered with NDIS.

I recommend asking for a face to face meeting not an interview over the phone - you have that right. And using Disability Advocates if possible.

I've heard that NDIS never did have enough places for MH sufferers and still hasn't adapted their model.

So many fallout issues for us all dealing with what we're going through.

If we can support each other here lets do that. @Appleblossom doesn't have to be about NDIS. The thread is expanding to include anyone going through a legal battle. Might change the name of it.

Thanks for sharing.

@catgirl Hi catgirl great to see you and that gorgeous cat of yours. I think a case manager is vital they seem to know the ins and outs of how the system works.... makes you wonder doesnt it.

Well I submitted my ARF and I got the response I am not eligible for the NDIS. I am shattered, I really am. I've lost all community support. I do not have access to a case manager as I am a private patient and do not access the public mental health system at all.

I've fallen through the cracks so to speak. Last night after I found out, I was in a very dark place. I even though about harming myself, but figured that wouldn't achieve anything. Instead I spoke to a family member I actually get along with and she said I was high functioning so maybe I don't need these services. Maybe it was time to 'rip the bandaid of support' off quickly and learn to function in the real world. I'm scared, in fact I'm terrified of what will happen to me should I require hospitalisation again. I know I shouldn't think like that because it could become a self-fulfilling prophecy, but I like to have back up plans in place. I have a lot of physical disabilities as well as mental disabilities, but I was just refused help. I don't have the gall to fight back, from what @eth has gone through, I don't think I could do it.

Thankyou for sharing @catgirl and @Queenie.

Very sorry to hear your news @Queenie. You should be able to lodge further evidence if you are up to it, but I totally understand the demoralisation you are feeling at the moment. The reason I've fought on is that we don't deserve to fall through the gap and loose services because NDIS exists and won't accept us. So much for their claim that 'no-one would be worse off ...'. Have you googled Disability Advocacy in your state? They are free and can really help with appeals. They are still helping me and even got a legal aid solicitor for me. There will be a hearing late May at which the AAT will rule on my case. They can over-rule NDIS decisions.

Hoping you get the portal on the myGov site working soon @catgirl How frustrating for you. Hoping your psychologist was supportive and that you felt a bit better after seeing them. I'm happy for you that you've been accepted and glad that there is a positive story on this thread. You might be able to advise others on language to use, important facets of your application and such things.

If either of you is prepared to share here I'm curious what your diagnosis is. I have bipolar 1 and complex PTSD that impact on each other. Sorry if you've already said, with all that's going on for me I don't remember some things.

There's lots of good info available in the files on the Mental Health and NDIS fb page.

Also @Queenie - @Former-Member (moderator who specializes in NDIS) might be able to give you some advice.

Hey @eth, I have been diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder (bipolar type). When I am in a euthymic state, I can function okay but because my illness is episodic, I can be very unwell to the point of catatonia when things turn. Over the past 12 years I've been unwell, I've been hospitalised quite often. I'll admit this decision has really affected me more than I let on.

@Queenie I'm sorry to hear that. I was shattered each time they declined me too. But after a while I would get angry instead and push on. They say they cover episodic psychosocial disorders. If it can be stated to be likely to be life-long that needs to be reported clearly by psychiatrist or clinical psychologist. And then needs to be proven to be 'significant' i.e. affect you functionally in 5 different categories (the ones on the initial request form). An occupational therapist (mental health one) report is really good too. There's a thing called the WHODAS that your psychiatrist can do with you that covers those areas too.

I'm not trying to pressure you into continuing by any means. I totally understand how you are feeling. But maybe in time you will want to continue and this is meant to be helpful. I think you have 3 months from the date of the decline letter to request a review of their decision and submit further evidence.

Thinking of you and sending warm wishes.

I had a WHODAS completed but only by a support worker. The NDIA says it isn't applicable as it wasn't completed by a clinical psychologist or psychiatrist. The fact is none of them will complete it as it has already been done. I feel like I am falling into the abyss @eth.

@Queenie I don't mean to be pushy, sorry if it comes across that way. Most importantly is too nurture yourself and protect yourself and put your daily needs first. Personal Helpers and Mentors (PHaMs) has funds for support workers for people who don't have NDIS until June 2019. You might be able to get support from them. My PhaMs worker is from New Horizons organization. One Door Mental Health (formerly the Schizophrenia Association) also lets people without NDIS come to their activities for a fee (not too high, ave $10 for a 2 hour group). These are in NSW. I don't know where you are, but PHaMs is national - you can google them and see who provides them in your area.

xxx