Psychosocial Disability

This information is general and is not a diagnosis or a substitute for advice from a qualified health professional.

What is psychosocial disability?

Psychosocial disability is a term used to describe the disability that can arise from a mental health condition. It refers to the impact that a mental health condition has on a person's ability to participate fully in everyday life, including work, study, social activities and relationships.

Not everyone who experiences a mental health condition has a psychosocial disability. A psychosocial disability exists when the effects of a mental health condition are significant, ongoing and affect a person's ability to function in daily life.

How is psychosocial disability different from mental illness?

Mental illness refers to a diagnosed health condition that affects how a person thinks, feels or behaves. Psychosocial disability refers to the functional impact of that condition on a person's daily life.

For example, two people might have the same diagnosis, but very different experiences. One person might manage well with treatment and support and not experience significant disability. Another person might experience ongoing difficulties with communication, socialising, self-care, managing their life, learning or working, which significantly affect their ability to participate in daily activities.

This distinction is important because it's the functional impact, not the diagnosis itself, that determines whether someone may be eligible for certain types of support, including the NDIS.

Common experiences and everyday impacts

Psychosocial disability can affect people in different ways. Common impacts include:

• Difficulty communicating or socialising
• Challenges with learning or concentrating
• Difficulty looking after yourself or managing daily tasks
• Challenges with managing your life, including finances and appointments
• Difficulty finding and keeping work or studying
• Episodes where symptoms are more severe, followed by periods of better functioning

The impact of psychosocial disability can fluctuate. People may experience periods where they need more support, and periods where they function well. This variability is a normal part of many mental health conditions and does not mean the disability has gone away.

Support options and seeking professional help

If you are living with a psychosocial disability, there are several pathways to support:

• Your GP can help with mental health treatment plans and referrals
• Mental health professionals, such as psychologists, psychiatrists and social workers
• Community mental health services
• Peer support and support groups
• The NDIS, for people who meet eligibility requirements (see our separate guide on mental health, psychosocial disability and the NDIS)
• Local community organisations and programs

You can also contact SANE Australia on 1800 18 7263 (Monday to Friday, 10am to 8pm) for support with complex mental health issues.

Supporting someone with a psychosocial disability

If someone you know is living with a psychosocial disability, you can help by:

• Treating them with respect and as an individual, not defining them by their condition
• Listening and being patient, especially during difficult periods
• Encouraging them to seek professional support and helping them navigate services
• Being aware that their needs may change over time
• Looking after your own wellbeing and seeking support if you need it

Reliable Australian resources

• NDIS — Mental Health
• SANE Australia
• Head to Health

Sources

• NDIS — Mental health and psychosocial disability (ndis.gov.au)
• SANE Australia — Psychosocial disability (sane.org)
• Healthdirect Australia — Mental health (healthdirect.gov.au)

Need support? Contact your GP, a mental health professional, or call Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636. If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call Triple Zero (000).