Psychosocial behaviours refer to actions and reactions that stem from an individual’s psychological development within a social context. The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) recognises the complexities of psychosocial disabilities which are typically associated with mental health conditions. These behaviours can include, but are not limited to, difficulties in regulating emotions, issues with forming and maintaining relationships, challenges in coping with stress, and variabilities in motivation and engagement.
Here are some examples of psychosocial behaviours that might be relevant when considering supports under the NDIS:
- Difficulty Engaging with Others:
- Avoiding social interactions
- Struggling to make or maintain friendships
- Difficulty in understanding or relating to other people’s emotions
- Anxiety and Stress Management Issues:
- Exhibiting signs of distress in unfamiliar or challenging situations
- Demonstrating excessive worry or fear that impairs daily activities
- Engaging in repetitive behaviours as a means of coping with anxiety
- Emotional Dysregulation:
- Experiencing intense emotional swings
- Difficulty managing anger or frustration
- Tendencies towards impulsive actions without consideration of consequences
- Difficulty with Daily Living Skills:
- Struggling with personal care routines
- Finding it challenging to plan and prepare meals
- Difficulty managing medication or attending appointments independently
- Cognitive Challenges:
- Trouble with concentration and staying focused
- Struggling to complete complex tasks
- Difficulty with memory or organising thoughts
- Social Isolation:
- Choosing to withdraw from family, friends, and community activities
- Experiencing feelings of loneliness or abandonment
- Lack of interest in previously enjoyed activities
- Impaired Resilience:
- Having difficulty bouncing back from setbacks
- Feeling overwhelmed by minor changes or problems
- Low tolerance for stress leading to avoidance behaviours
- Substance Use:
- Using substances as a coping mechanism for dealing with symptoms
- Behaviours that may indicate dependency or addiction issues
- Vulnerability to Exploitation:
- Difficulties in recognizing or avoiding unsafe situations
- Being easily influenced or manipulated by others
When engaging with participants displaying these psychosocial behaviours, the NDIS aims to provide supports that are person-centered and focus on improving functionality and independence. Supports might include therapy services, training in social and communication skills, assistance with daily living, and programs aimed at building resilience and community participation.
How Behaviour Support Specialists Provide Assistance
Behaviour support specialists play a vital role in supporting individuals with psychosocial disabilities. Here’s how they offer their expertise:
- Individualised Behaviour Support Plans
- Specialists create tailored plans that focus on the person’s unique needs, taking into account their strengths, preferences, and challenges. These plans aim to improve quality of life by enhancing the individual’s ability to participate in daily activities and foster independence.
- Positive Behaviour Strategies
- Support is grounded in positive behaviour strategies, which means focusing on teaching new skills to replace challenging behaviours rather than punitive measures. This includes encouragement, reinforcement of positive actions, and providing tools for self-management.
- Skills Training
- Specialists often work on skills training with individuals. This could be social skills for better interpersonal interactions, emotional regulation techniques, or coping mechanisms for stress and anxiety.
- Crisis Prevention and Management
- Part of the support plan may involve identifying triggers which lead to challenging behaviours and developing crisis prevention techniques to help manage these situations effectively.
- Impact on Family and Friends
- Psychosocial behaviours can significantly impact the individual’s family and friends. Here are some effects it can have:
- Emotional Stress
- Family members may experience emotional stress due to the unpredictability of the individual’s behaviour. They might feel anxious about potential incidents or concerned about the well-being of their loved one.
- Strained Relationships
- Challenges in communication and social interaction may strain relationships. Friends and family members may struggle to understand the individual’s behaviours, leading to misunderstandings and conflicts.
- Changes in Family Dynamics
- Families might need to adjust their routines and lives around the individual’s needs, affecting the dynamics of the household. This can lead to feelings of resentment or neglect among family members if not managed well.
- Caregiver Fatigue
- Consistently supporting someone with psychosocial behaviours can be exhausting. Caregivers might experience fatigue, which can affect their health and their ability to provide ongoing support.
- Emotional Stress
- Psychosocial behaviours can significantly impact the individual’s family and friends. Here are some effects it can have:
Understanding and addressing psychosocial behaviours are critical for improving the lives of those affected by mental health conditions. With the NDIS’s recognition and provisions for psychosocial disabilities, along with the dedicated support from behaviour specialists, individuals can learn to manage their behaviors more effectively. Concurrently, education and resources must be provided for families and friends to understand and cope with these challenges, ensuring a supportive environment for all involved.
