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Depression
Support for depression, one day at a time
Skillwise supports NDIS participants living with depression in Rooty Hill, Blacktown, Mount Druitt, St Marys and Penrith. We help with the everyday things that get harder when energy is low.
Depression affects about 1 in 7 people in Australia, and it is treatable.
Source: Beyond Blue
4.9% of Australians aged 16 to 85 had a depressive episode in the past 12 months.
Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics
Feelings of sadness that come and stay for more than 2 weeks may be a sign of depression and are worth talking to someone about.
Source: Beyond Blue
Understanding depression
How depression affects daily life
Depression is more than feeling sad for a while. It is a serious condition that affects both mental and physical health. People may lose interest in things they enjoy, feel tired all the time, sleep too much or too little, and pull away from friends and family.
When depression is long lasting, simple tasks like cooking, cleaning, paying bills or getting to appointments can start to slip. If this has a big and lasting impact on everyday life, it may be a psychosocial disability that the NDIS can support.
Depression is treatable, and treatment stays with your GP and mental health team. Practical support can sit alongside that, helping you keep a routine, look after your home and stay in touch with people and places that matter.
Everyday life
Help with the everyday things
When energy and interest are low, everyday tasks can start to slip. These are some of the areas where practical support often helps.
Getting up and getting going
Low energy can make mornings hard. A worker can help with a gentle start, such as showering, getting dressed and breakfast, without rushing you.
Sleep and routines
Depression can mean sleeping too much or too little. A regular rhythm of meals, activity and rest, planned together, can help your days feel more manageable.
Meals and shopping
When cooking feels like too much, a worker can help you plan simple meals, do the shopping and cook together, so you eat well more often.
Money, mail and bills
Letters and bills can pile up. Sorting mail, budgeting and paying bills with a support worker can ease the pressure and keep things on track.
Keeping your home
Help with cleaning and laundry, working alongside you, so your home stays comfortable and you keep up with your responsibilities as a tenant.
Staying connected
It is common to pull away from friends and family. A worker can help you get to a cafe, a group or a family visit, so you stay in touch with people who matter.
How we help
Everyday help when energy is low
Every support is planned around your goals and what your NDIS plan funds. Start with what you need now, and change it as your plan grows.
Daily routines
Help with getting up, showering, meals and reminders to take medication as prescribed, so the basics stay on track on the harder days. Personal care →
Keeping your home in order
Support with cleaning, laundry and tidying, working alongside you so your home feels more manageable and comfortable. Household tasks →
Staying connected
A worker can help you get to a cafe, a walking group, a place of worship or a family visit, so you keep in touch with people who matter. Community participation →
Skills for independence
Practise budgeting, paying bills, meal planning and organising your week, with support that builds your confidence step by step. Daily living & life skills →
Living at home
Support in your own home
Supported Independent Living (SIL) is paid help from support workers who come into your home, so you can live as independently as possible. It may be funded for people who need more than 8 hours of paid support each day, some overnight support and have high or complex needs. You do not have to share a home to receive it. If SIL is not in your plan, shorter visits through daily living, household and community supports may suit you.
For someone living with depression, in-home support might mean help to get the day started, keep up with meals and housework, take medication as prescribed and get out to see people, with more help on low days. SIL funding is only for paid support workers. It does not pay rent, groceries or bills such as electricity, gas, water or internet, which you generally pay from your own money.
Families and carers
When someone you love has depression
Depression can make people feel isolated and alone. Beyond Blue suggests letting the person know you are there for them, asking how you can help, and reminding them that depression is treatable and there is hope that things can get better.
Caring for someone can be tiring, so look after your own wellbeing too. Carer Gateway is a free Australian Government program for carers, offering counselling, coaching, peer support groups and planned and emergency respite. Call 1800 422 737, Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm. In NSW, Mental Health Carers NSW also runs a free network for carers, families and friends.
Tip 1
Say “I’m here for you” and listen without trying to fix everything
Tip 2
Avoid phrases like “just snap out of it” that shut the conversation down
Tip 3
Suggest doing something together, like a short walk or a meal
Tip 4
Make time for your own wellbeing and ask for help when you need it
Good to know
What good support looks like
What we don’t provide. Skillwise does not provide diagnosis, treatment, counselling, therapy or crisis care; we work alongside your GP, psychiatrist and mental health team. If you need help now, call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or the NSW Mental Health Line on 1800 011 511, both 24/7, and in an emergency call 000.
- Workers who notice small wins and celebrate them with you
- Support that does more on low days and steps back on good days
- A predictable weekly routine with familiar faces
- Respect for your pace, your home and your choices
NDIS funding
Depression and NDIS funding
If depression has caused a psychosocial disability, the NDIS can fund support for its day-to-day impact, such as help with daily personal activities and household tasks, transport to take part in community life, and help to get and keep a job. Treatment stays with the health system, and the NDIA decides what is reasonable and necessary for each person.
Many people use their Core Supports budget for help with everyday activities and for a support worker to join social and community activities, and Capacity Building supports to grow skills and independence, such as budgeting or meal planning. In April 2026 the Australian Government announced NDIS reforms, including a new way of assessing access, so the rules may change over the coming years. We cannot promise what your plan will include, but we are happy to talk through how our supports fit the plan you have.
How it works
Getting started with Skillwise
Four simple steps. Bring a family member, carer or support coordinator along if you like.
1. Call or send a referral
Ring 0474 151 264 or make a referral online. We usually reply within one business day.
2. A friendly first chat
We talk about your goals, your daily routine and any health, behaviour support or mealtime plans you already have.
3. Your plan, explained
We go through your NDIS plan and service agreement in plain words, in the language that suits you.
4. Support that fits you
We match you with support workers who suit you, and keep checking in as your needs change.
Kind words
What participants and families tell us
Skillwise made our NDIS experience simple and stress-free. Their team truly listens and supports us every step of the way. I always feel my daughter is in safe and caring hands.
The Skillwise team helps me live more independently and with confidence. They are patient, respectful and always ready to assist. I’ve grown so much since joining their support program.
Skillwise staff treat me like family. They’re kind, reliable and genuinely care about my goals. Their support has made a real difference in my daily life.
Questions
Depression NDIS support: common questions
Can’t see your question? Call us on 0474 151 264 and talk to a real person.
Is depression covered by the NDIS?
Some people with depression are eligible. You need a psychosocial disability from the condition that is likely to be permanent and substantially reduces your ability to do everyday activities, even with treatment. Treatment, such as psychology under a Medicare mental health care plan, stays with the health system.
Will the NDIS pay for my medication or counselling?
The NDIS does not fund medicines to treat a mental health problem or hospital mental health services. Treatment stays with your GP and mental health team. Skillwise does not provide counselling or therapy; we help with the practical, everyday side of life.
Can you help me keep a routine when my energy is low?
Yes. Support workers can help with getting up, meals, showering, tidying and reminders to take medication as prescribed. On low days we can do more together, and on better days you can take the lead.
Can I get Supported Independent Living if I live with depression?
SIL is only available if the NDIA has funded it in your plan. If it is, Skillwise can support you at home with routines, household tasks and community access. If not, we can still help through daily living, household and community supports.
Can a family member help me get started?
Yes. With your permission, a family member, carer or friend can call us on 0474 151 264 with you or for you. NDIS evidence can also include statements from family, friends and support workers about how you manage day to day.
Can you help with letters, bills and forms?
Yes, as part of building daily living skills. A worker can help you open and sort mail, set up a simple budget and pay bills on time. We support you to do these things yourself and you stay in charge. We do not give financial or legal advice.
Can support help me get back to things I used to enjoy?
Yes. Depression can make you lose interest in things you usually enjoy. A worker can help you try small, familiar activities again, such as a walk, a class or a group, and build up at your own pace.
Can you work with my GP or mental health team?
With your permission, yes. Mental health services provide treatment, and NDIS supports help with daily living and goals. They are meant to work together. We can share the updates you agree to and follow practical tips you choose to pass on.
More help
Organisations that can help
Beyond Blue: Free phone and webchat counselling, open 24/7 for everyone in Australia. Call 1300 22 4636.
Medicare Mental Health: Free, confidential help to find the right mental health support. No referral needed. Call 1800 595 212 on weekdays.
Mental Health Carers NSW: The peak body for mental health carers in NSW, with a free network for carers, families and friends.
Other conditions
We also support
Skillwise supports people with a range of disabilities across Western Sydney. See all conditions we support.
Supports we provide
Ten ways we can help
From daily living at home to work, community and life changes, find the support that fits your NDIS plan.
Get started
Start with one conversation
Call us, send a referral or drop into our Rooty Hill office. We’re open Monday to Saturday, 8am to 5pm, and our team speaks English, Urdu, Punjabi, Hindi, Arabic, Dari and Pashto.