NDIA Accountability Project

Experiences with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Depression, and Anxiety

Submission to the Inquiry into the National Disability Insurance Scheme Bill 2012

From: To: Community Affairs, Committee (SEN); Subject: Submission to the Inquiry into the National Disability Insurance Scheme Bill 2012 Date: Thursday, 24 January 2013 5:13:48 PM

Please consider this email a formal submission by me to the Senate Standing Committee on Community Affairs Inquiry into the National Disability Insurance Scheme Bill 2012.

The current disability system has many problems that need to be addressed.

I have Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Depression and Anxiety and was recently Medically Retired from my job of 22 years. When I went to be assessed by the Comcare Doctor I almost fell over when I was told that Chronic Fatigue Syndrome wasn’t an assessable illness. It is because I have had CFS since I was 17 (I am now 47) that i now find myself so weak with fatigue that it causes my moods to nose dive I now find myself battling severe depression and crippling anxiety. I used to be a Radio Producer and I now find it difficult to leave the house.

The hardest part in dealing daily with CFS is the lack of knowledge and support surrounding the disease. I am at the point that I see an Immunologist but am now chasing someone who can help me with my exercise and rehabilitation, so that I can learn to manage my emotional and physical ups and downs.

Please recognize this illness and give it the importance it deserves. It KILLS people and I think most often through suicide. HELP!!!!!!

The main features of the NDIS that will make a difference to the community are:

  • People with a disability can choose the types of support to use,
  • Better access to mainstream support and services,
  • The ability to receive services when needed and in the way that suits the person

The most important services for the NDIS to provide are:

  • Therapy and allied health services,
  • Employment support,
  • Positive behaviour support and psychological services

I support the introduction of the NDIS.

Because this is Australia, and everybody deserves a FAIR GO! Level the playing field and dont disadvantage those that are already struggling through disadvantage. People with on-going mental illness and physical limitations have to scale mountains just to get out of bed each day. They then are expected by the majority to operate as if nothing were wrong. GIVE US A BREAK! PLEASE!

I agree for my submission to be made public

Regards, Mrs Nicole Skinner