If you are unable to work because of your Mental Health may be able to make a TPD claim for a lump sum from the Total & Permanent Disablement insurance contained within your superannuation fund. There is no necessity for you to have been involved in an accident or to have suffered a work-related injury to make a TPD claim. If you suffer from total and permanent disability, you may be able to make a TPD claim in addition to receiving your super early as a result of your condition. Our TPD claim solicitors can advise you in detail as to the requirements of a successful submission, they will prepare all relevant paperwork and will obtain full supporting documentation. Our TPD lawyers will give you advice on the likely success of your mental health claim to a super fund, without further obligation. It costs nothing to use our advice service.

Our TPD claim solicitors use a risk free no win no fee arrangement.

We have offices situated in Adelaide, Brisbane, Canberra, Melbourne, Perth, Sydney and Darwin.

Mental Health - TPD

What is meant by Mental Health?

Mental health is our psychological, emotional and social wellbeing. It affects how we feel, think and behave. Mental health determines how we handle stress, our life style choices and how we relate to others. Our mental health is very important from birth to death, throughout our childhood, our adolescence and adulthood. In other words mental health is defined as absence of mental illness.

 

What is the WHO definition of Mental Health?

According to WHO (World Health Organization), mental health means “Subjective well-being, perceived self -efficacy, autonomy, competence, inter- generational dependence and self -actualization of one’s intellectual and emotional potential among others”. Also “The wellbeing of an individual is encompassed in the realization of their abilities, coping with normal stresses of life, productive work and contribution to their community” – from “Mental Health, strengthening our response” – WHO- August 2014

 

What are the factors contributing to mental health issues?

• Genetics and brain chemistry – This is also called biological factors. When we have certain genes and imbalance of neurotransmitter (Brain chemicals) levels of the brain, we are prone to develop mental illness.
• Family history of Mental illness plays a role especially if a close relative is having mental health issues.
• If we get abused or traumatized either physically or mentally, this experience can later contribute towards mental health problems in the future.

If you experience mental health issues during your life time, it can affect your ability to think, your mood and how you behave.

 

How common is Mental health problems in society?

According to statistics of MentalhealthAmerica.net approximately 1 in 5 adults in US (43.8 million) or 18.5% experiences mental illness in a given year. 18.1% of adults in US experience an anxiety disorder such as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and specific phobias.

According to WHO statistics around 20% of the world’s children and adolescents have mental disorders or problems. Neuropsychiatric disorders are among the leading causes of worldwide disability in young people.

Many people especially after facing extreme stressful conditions can develop problems with their mental health. Although it is common, by taking proper medication and counseling therapy, they become better and improve their mental health with time.

 

What are the symptoms which point towards imbalance of mental health?

• Lethargy and low energy levels
• Loss of appetite
• Sleep disturbances and poor sleep
• Social withdrawal – do not like to stay around people and now dislike activities which you liked to do before
• Experience aches and pains which are unexplained
• Feelings of hopelessness and helplessness
• Feeling “nothing matters anymore”
• Changes in mood and behavior, confusion, forgetting things, become upset or worried without any reason, unusual fear or guilt, getting angry and hostile
• Unnecessary fighting with or yelling at friends and family members
• Extreme anxiety
• Taking refuge in to alcoholism, smoking, substance abuse (recreational drugs)
• Constant memories and thoughts which bothers you
• Developing Hallucinations (Hearing voices and seeing things which are not there)
• Delusions (Believing things which are not true)
• Suicidal thoughts, thinking of self -harm
• Thoughts of harming others
• Unable to perform day to day routines which you did well before

Ex: Getting to school, work place

       House hold duties

       Taking care of your kids

Sometimes you may have one or more of these symptoms which can be early warning signs of developing a mental disorder. If these symptoms persist or worsen with time always seek help without delay.

 

What are the common disorders which affect mental health?

1. Schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders – A chronic and severe mental illness which affects how a person feels, thinks and behaves. They lose touch with reality. Schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders can be very disabling. They can develop various hallucinations and delusions. Even with successful treatment the illness can recur.
2. Anxiety Disorders – This is characterized by extreme feelings of anxiety and fear causing constant worry about future events. There are several types of anxiety disorders such as panic disorder, phobia and OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder). In OCD constant stressful thoughts and a powerful urge to perform repeated acts like hand washing can occur.
3. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) – When someone faces a traumatic event, this can occur. They feel fear and anxiety that their life or other’s lives are in danger.
4. Mood disorders – The changes of mood such as in depression constant low mood and in bipolar disorder (manic depressive disorder) with highs and lows. Frequent changes of mood can affect a person’s life style.
5. Addictive disorders – This is a disorder with substance abuse and dependence commonly excessive alcoholism, chain smoking and abuse of recreational drugs.
6. Dementia – Decline of memory and thinking skills which can affect a person’s day to day activities.

 

Who are mental health providers?

The following people deal with people with mental health issues and work to improve their mental health.

• Psychiatrist – A medical doctor who has special training in diagnosis and treatment of mental illnesses.
• Psychologist – An expert in psychology who studies the human mind, emotions and behavior of people
• Counselors – A person trained to give guidance on personal problems or psychological issues to people who need them.
• Therapist – A person skilled in a particular kind of therapy

Ex: Art therapist, Psychotherapist, behavioral therapist, Music therapist etc.

• Mental health nurse – a nurse who is specialized in mental health and cares for people with mental illnesses or distress.

 

How do you maintain good level of mental health?

• Positive thinking
• Improving your self esteem
• Being physically active and fit, do regular exercise
• Have a good sleep for at least 6-8 hours a day
• Have a balanced, nutritional and healthy diet
• Practice yoga, relaxation of mind and meditation techniques
• Develop coping skills, and learn how to manage your daily stresses
• Connect with friends and family, helping others will make you feel good

When your mental health is good, you can cope with stressful conditions you face in life, you can achieve your maximum potential and work productively. When you are positive, you can help others and positively support the community.

Good mental health makes you enjoy life; see the bright side of life. Your life will be balanced with positive relationships and doing what you do to the best of your ability.

LAWYER HELPLINE: ☎ 1800 339 958