Post Traumatic Stress Disorder can have a debilitating effect on survivors who have suffered traumatic experiences. Independence is a huge factor that’s affected in the lives of these individuals, causing them to rely on others for support, therapy, and round-the-clock availability.
While PTSD survivors may feel like they’re fighting this battle alone, the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) has launched an initiative to help PTSD survivors regain their independence through various strategies. These strategies have brought hope to many, breaking ground in the arena of individually customized help packages that focus on each case respectively. These include:
- Real-time interventions
- Holistic therapy variations
- Social outreach programs
- Psychology technologies
With eventual recovery in mind, the NDIS has worked together with professionals to come up with plans and strategies that center in on the root of PTSD. Let’s take a look at what some of these strategies are and how important they are in bringing hope to PTSD sufferers who have lost theirs. But first, let’s discuss the impact of PTSD on the lives of those who know it all too well.
The Impact of PTSD: A Day in the Life of a Survivor
Whether it begins with a recent traumatic event, or one that happened years—or even decades—ago, PTSD forces an individual to relive trauma long after the event has passed. These experiences are in the mind, but they are intrusive to say the least. Flashbacks of the event cause untold anxiety, and can lead to intense depression, guilt, and self-blame.
Each day in the life of a PTSD survivor is severely impacted by this past event, and affects many aspects of their lives. Sleep disruption caused by nightmares can be one of the most debilitating effects, hindering their careers, relationships, and social interactions.
While many PTSD survivors have started their journey of recovery, others have not had the means or the support to start the process at all. And even those who are already on the road to recovery, perceive that many of the challenges they face are impossible to overcome. To date there has been a sad lack of resources available for survivors of PTSD, but that’s changing. As we change our mindset about PTSD and how recovery works, newer, more effective resources are now available.
How the NDIS Supports People with PTSD
With a mission to revolutionize the understanding and treatment, the NDIS has made large strides in helping survivors of PTSD regain as much of their independence as possible. The first step to doing this was to recognize PTSD as a disability, and to provide survivors with the understanding and patience they need. From here, the NDIS also launched well-researched methods of recovery, helping them regain control of their lives.
By increasing support options, individuals who are covered by the NDIS can access more when it comes to PTSD recovery. These options go to the root of the trauma, and assist survivors to heal through coping strategies such as yoga, meditation, and a holistic approach to their overall mental & physical health. These strategies are a lifeline to many who would otherwise not be able to afford them.
Who is Eligible for PTSD Cover from NDIS?
You may be wondering what criteria is required for someone to receive PTSD cover from the NDIS. Eligibility includes individuals whose lives have been impacted by a past traumatic event to the point where they can no longer function normally within society without adequate support. Medical diagnoses, documentation, and any other relevant medical reports should be provided to demonstrate eligibility.
Tailored Packages for Individuals
While navigating this process may seem daunting to those who have PTSD, processes have been put into place to ensure a seamless undertaking of all points involved. The staff at the NDIS have also been trained to be sensitive to individuals who are forced to take this on by themselves.
Since recovery strategies are determined on an individual case-by-case basis, the best resources will be sourced for each person to reach the best possible outcome. A planner will be assigned to each case to evaluate the needs of the person and tailor a package that best suits their needs.
A Wide Variety of Resources for PTSD Recovery
Covered by the NDIS, PTSD survivors will have access to many different resources tailored to their recovery. These include:
- Regular therapy with a psychologist or PTSD counselor
- Daily assistance with life activities like grocery shopping, personal care, and household chores
- Encouragement to participate in social activities
- Specialized programs, group therapy, and workshops
- Assistive technologies like automatic reminders, wearable sensors, and even virtual reality tools
- Symptom management tools
- Physical wellbeing classes (happy body—happy mind)
By adopting the relevant strategies to each individual case, the road to recovery will be accelerated and a life of full independence realized in due time.
A Proactive Approach to PTSD Recovery
The goal of these strategies is to enable the PTSD survivor to regain control of their lives and function normally within society and when they’re on their own. With this in mind NDIS has developed a system that allows the individual to actively engage with each program diligently. By taking full advantage of each offering, he or she will gain the most out of the program overall.
For example, exploring the many other options available under this cover is essential to get the most out of it. There are art therapy classes, music therapy classes, and even sports programs that should be considered. Other options such as nature activities can speed up the recovery process by creating a calming effect on the mind of the individual. All avenues should be looked at and considered for a speedy recovery.
NDIS Success Stories: Empowering PTSD Survivors
This may all sound good in theory, but the NDIS has already started putting it into practice. Already there are countless individuals who have benefitted from the programs offered under this cover, including men and women from all walks of life.
One example is Sarah, who experienced a traumatic event and struggled to carry on with her life in a normal way for several years afterwards. She embarked on the NDIS recovery journey by participating in trauma-informed yoga and regular therapy. She also developed mindfulness tools with the help of assistive smart technologies, empowering herself to take back control of her mental state. Today, Sarah lives a regular life where she is once again independent and able to socialize in regular settings.
Final Thoughts
The road to PTSD recovery is not an easy one. NDIS should be seen as a catalyst for recovery and independence, but only if the program is taken full advantage of. With comprehensive access to well-researched, tried & tested strategies, NDIS has seen the recovery of many PTSD survivors who are now living full and rich lives despite their past trauma. By embracing NDIS as a beacon of hope, individuals can systematically reclaim their lives one day at a time