Dedicated and Coordinated Support
Dedicated and Coordinated Support

Dedicated and Coordinated Support

My life has never been easy. In fact, it’s been an uphill battle since I was in my late teens. On top of my anxiety disorder, I also have an invisible disability (otherwise known as a disability that no one else can see so I look “normal”). This invisible disability has caused me serious pain over the last six years. A lot of my pain is emotional due to fear of an episode flaring up, which means I suffer twice: once when it happens and again when I’m worried about it happening. 

After my diagnosis, my mum sought out positive behaviour support in Adelaide, which is the closest city to where we live. She knew that I needed support that she couldn’t give to me, and because she cares about me so much, she wanted to do what was best for me. Even though it’s been very good to have this extra support, I do wish that this wasn’t my life. I wish that my “normal” appearance was actually who I am. It’s not who I am in the slightest and I know my life would be so much better and easier if it was. Even with all the incredible support I’m getting, I still feel disheartened that my life will never be the same. Will it ever get better? It doesn’t seem like it. I guess disabilities don’t actually get better.

I’ve been really impressed with how my carers have managed their support coordination. Local to Adelaide the carers and nurses really take their jobs seriously. Every interaction I have with them makes me feel that I am cared for which means a lot to me. Even though I am crippled by an invisible disability, they treat me like the person I used to be. I really appreciate it. In fact, I appreciate everyone who has played a hand in helping me. I’m lucky to have coordinated support and don’t know where I’d be without it.