Psychology and the NDIS

 NDIS recognises the importance of supporting individuals to improve their social skills and develop meaningful connections with themselves and their community.

Studies show that loneliness and social isolation is consistently associated with people with severe mental illness, and is highly prevalent among people with psychotic illness. Studies show that individuals experiencing mental illness do not engage in any social activities, citing experience and fear of stigma, social anxiety and mental illness as barriers to their participation.

People who experience depression may withdraw socially as it becomes more difficult physically and mentally to maintain the social façade they feel is expected of them. Unfortunately, studies show loneliness and social isolation can also lead to poor health choices such as a higher likelihood of smoking. These impacts highlight the need for specific interventions that focus on building social skills and facilitating greater clinical, social and recreational participation.

Social skills training involves developing skills to assist people with psychosocial disability to deal with everyday social situations and activities of daily living. Studies show improving social skills may improve resilience to stress, and reduce an individual’s vulnerability to environmental challenges. Supporting individuals to learn these behavioural skills can greatly assist them to build social relationships, reduce loneliness and isolation and improving both social and economic participation.

At Macquarie Health Collective we can provide psychological services which focus on assisting NDIS clients to develop social skills, supporting them to improve social connections, participation and reduce marginalisation.

Contact us on enquaries@macquariehealthcollective.com.au or phone 02 68827113 to find out more.