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How Mental Health Support Workers Can Help Support the Mental Health of a Person With a Physical Disability?

Research shows that over 4 million people in Australia suffer from some form of disability, where an individual has lost partial or total use of their physical or mental functions.

There is a complex link between a person’s disability and their mental health that is made even more difficult by societal barriers and the dogma that revolves around those with disabilities.

Although anyone with a disability can still enjoy a full life, regardless of their challenges, mental health plays a very important role. It is therefore vital that appropriate support is given to someone with a physical disability to lay a strong mental health foundation.

If you suspect that someone you care about is experiencing some of the following symptoms, seek support from a professional source, don’t try to tackle the situation yourself:

  • Mood Swings
  • Suicidal Thoughts
  • Changes in appetite or sleep
  • Increased sensitivity to their senses
  • Withdrawal
  • Nervous behaviour

There are several reasons why someone with a disability could be prone to mental health problems:

Loss of their purpose in life
This can be especially true for someone who acquired their disability later in life or in adulthood. If one can suddenly not follow your life goals or a set career path, this can have a real impact on one’s mental health.

Self-esteem
This can very easily be affected as the person’s own sense of self-worth is influenced by others’ reactions, lack of support or feeling socially isolated.

Challenges in adapting
Frustration and anger are common reactions for those having to adapt to a new way of living, and dealing with the physical and societal challenges that go hand-in-hand with a disability.

Positivity and support for a loved one suffering from a physical disability is critical to their life and mental health. Our mental health support workers can offer support in the following ways:

  • They offer professional help including counselling and group or individual therapy
  • Find activities that stimulate their body and mind
  • Incorporate tasks to improve their independence and give them a sense of empowerment
  • Help them connect with others

At Suitsme, we specialise in helping people with their mental health so we know how to provide really good support when you need it. Our support workers all have expertise in mental health; they are checked, screened and employed by Suitsme.

Many workers include their qualifications in their Suitsme profile, along with all their personal details so you can browse and select the workers you think will be a good match. Contact us today to find out more.

Related post: The Benefits of Having a Mental Health Support Worker