Bipolar disorder is a serious mental health condition that affects millions of people worldwide. In Australia, it is estimated that around 1-2% of the population is affected by bipolar disorder at some point in their lives. This has raised the question of whether bipolar disorder is considered a disability in Australia. In this article, we will explore the legal definition of disability in Australia and how it applies to bipolar disorder.
What is bipolar disorder?
Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition that affects a person’s mood, energy, and ability to function. It is characterised by episodes of mania, which is a state of elevated or irritable mood, and depression, which is a state of low mood and energy. Some people with bipolar disorder may experience mixed episodes, which involve symptoms of both mania and depression.
The severity of bipolar disorder can vary, and some people may experience mild symptoms, while others may have severe symptoms that significantly impact their daily life. Bipolar disorder is a chronic condition that requires ongoing management and treatment.
What is the legal definition of disability in Australia?
In Australia, disability is defined as a condition that results in a person having a substantially reduced ability to perform tasks or activities that are considered normal for a person of their age and background. This definition is outlined in the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (DDA), which is a federal law that aims to protect people with disabilities from discrimination.
Under the DDA, a person with a disability is defined as someone who has a physical, intellectual, sensory, neurological, or psychiatric disability. This means that bipolar disorder, which is a psychiatric disability, is considered a disability under the law.
Is bipolar disorder considered a disability in Australia?
Yes, bipolar disorder is considered a disability in Australia. People with bipolar disorder are protected under the DDA, which means they cannot be discriminated against on the basis of their disability. This includes discrimination in areas such as employment, education, access to services, and accommodation.
However, it is important to note that not everyone with bipolar disorder will automatically be considered disabled under the law. To be considered disabled, a person must have a substantially reduced ability to perform normal tasks or activities due to their condition. This means that the impact of bipolar disorder on a person’s life must be significant enough to meet this definition.
How does a person with bipolar disorder qualify for disability support?
To qualify for disability support in Australia, a person with bipolar disorder must meet certain criteria. The main criteria for qualifying for disability support is that the person must have a permanent or long-term disability that significantly reduces their ability to perform normal tasks or activities.
To determine whether a person meets this criterion, they must undergo an assessment by a qualified medical professional. The assessment will take into account the person’s medical history, symptoms, and functional capacity. If the assessment finds that the person meets the criteria, they may be eligible for disability support through the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) or other government programs.
It is important to note that not everyone with bipolar disorder will be eligible for disability support. The decision to provide support is based on an individual assessment of the person’s needs and abilities.
What disability benefits does the Australian government offer for people with bipolar disorder?
The Australian government provides a range of disability benefits for people with bipolar disorder. These benefits are designed to help cover costs associated with living with the condition, such as medical appointments and treatments, medications, aids and equipment, modifications to your home or car, and specialist therapies or counselling. Additionally, people with bipolar disorder may be eligible for financial assistance in the form of a Disability Support Pension (DSP) and/or an Assistance for Isolated Children (AIC) Allowance.
Are there online resources available to help with obtaining government benefits?
Yes, there are several online resources available to help with obtaining government benefits for people with bipolar disorder. The National Disability Insurance Agency has a website and an information hotline where you can get advice and guidance on claiming disability benefits. Additionally, there are a number of support organisations such as Mind Australia and the Mental Illness Fellowship that provide online resources and services to help navigate the disability benefit system.
Can private medical insurance cover bipolar treatment costs?
Private Medical Insurance or Private Health Insurance can be used to help cover the costs of bipolar disorder treatment. Depending on your policy, some medical costs and medications might be covered. However, it is important to check with your insurer before you go ahead with treatment as eligibility varies from policy to policy.
Conclusion
In conclusion, bipolar disorder is considered a disability in Australia. People with bipolar disorder are protected under the DDA and may be eligible for disability support if they meet the criteria. However, not everyone with bipolar disorder will automatically be considered disabled under the law. To qualify for disability support, a person must have a permanent or long-term disability that significantly reduces their ability to perform normal tasks or activities. If you have bipolar disorder and are struggling to manage your symptoms, it is important to seek help from a qualified medical professional.
