During the first lockdown of 2020, like many Aussies, I felt isolated and sad at losing connection to family, friends and freedom. I’ve lived with major depressive disorder and generalised anxiety disorder for most of my life, which I manage with psychology and medication. I’d been receiving NDIS funding for two years for my vision impairment, but had never informed the NDIA of my mental health diagnoses.
A friend suggested I request a plan review to see what additional support could be provided. My goals in requesting additional funding were to help me participate in more cultural and social events and be more active in the community, particularly in communities outside of Melbourne that, not being able to drive, I could not travel to easily.
I was born with my vision condition, ocular albinism. I knew early on that I would not drive and need assistance with some things, but my parents instilled a sense of confidence in me that allowed me to grow into a very independent person. In addition to my vision impairment and mental illnesses, I also have fibromyalgia, so physical activity is often challenging.
Even things most people take for granted, like grocery shopping and sending and collecting parcels, can be difficult. When I couldn’t manage these tasks on my own, it usually fell to my dad to help. Although Dad was always happy to do so, I felt pretty dependent on him. I thought having outside support would mean that when I did spend time with my dad, it could be enjoyed without me feeling reliant on him.
My need to be self-reliant can be detrimental as I often take on more than I can handle. It was also a challenge when applying for NDIS funding and requesting a plan review, because it’s pretty daunting asking for help in your 40s. Still, I swallowed my pride, my review was successful, and I was given funding for a support worker.
This funding was granted in late June and went unused for almost six months because of Melbourne’s second lockdown. It was suggested that a support worker come over to my apartment to keep me company and help with things like meal prep, but I was adamant that I didn’t want to use my funding for those purposes.
Fast forward to December 2020. We’d come out of lockdown and my friend, Shari, who I was hoping would be interested in being my support worker, had just left her job and was keen. From there, we haven’t looked back!
Shari calls herself my “wheels”, but she is so much more than that. She is my confidante, advocate, and tea-drinking, jigsaw puzzle-loving, partner in crime.
Image: Libby and Shari prepare for an upcoming birthday.
There was plenty of tea and puzzles during the 2021 lockdowns, and we also went on a weekend trip to King Valley wine country, day trips to Daylesford, Warrandyte, Warburton and beyond, and explored many places closer to home.
Having Shari as my support worker and “wheels” has given me a renewed sense of independence and a far greater connection to my local and broader Victorian community.
We’ve drunk endless cups of coffee while talking through work challenges, COVID anxiety, politics (and the Royals!). Shari has helped me collect many, many parcels from the post office, take my fur kids (two cats!) to the vet, and even organise my princess-themed birthday party.
Despite feeling uncomfortable requesting support from the NDIS, it has been the best thing I’ve done to manage my physical and mental health conditions, and I can't wait to see what adventures we get up to next in 2022.
