Things we can do to care for our mental health– tailored for people living with disability.
Blog published Thursday 30th July 2026
Looking after your mental health is important for everyone!
However, as a disability service provider we must acknowledge that parts of society remain vastly inaccessible for people living with disability (PWD), which can contribute to mental health challenges.
Social isolation, fewer employment opportunities, false stereotypes and stigmas, are just some of the additional barriers faced by PWD. Because of these barriers, PWD often have to put more energy and effort into navigating the stresses of daily life, which over time can really impact a person’s mental health.
At Liberty Disability Services, our psychology team works alongside PWD every day. We see the small, practical things that can make a big difference in improving mental health and wellbeing.
Caring for your mental health can include simple, consistent habits that help you feel more in control, more supported, and more like your true self.
Disability or not, these are things we can all do every day to help support our mental health, and navigate this great big world we live in.
Here are some easy, realistic tips you can start using in your daily life.
1. Start your day with something predictable
Having a routine can be very beneficial for calming your mind. When you wake up and know what to expect, it can help reduce stress and anxiety for the day ahead.
This might be as simple as:
- Having an alarm set for the same time each day
- Having a morning tea or coffee in bed
- Listening to music you enjoy
- Doing a short stretch or some form of movement
Routines can also support energy levels, sensory regulation, and emotional wellbeing. You don’t need a strict schedule, just a few consistent habits to help keep you grounded.
2. Listen to your body’s energy
Everyone has different energy levels.
Some days you might feel motivated, and other days you might feel exhausted, and that’s okay. The important thing is to listen to your body, and look after it in a way that’s safe, and feels good for you.
Low energy? Time to rest.
Overwhelmed? Take a break.
Big day of plans coming up? Prepare early.
Need support? Reach out!
Your mental health can improve when you listen to your body and give it what it needs. Pushing too hard can cause burnout, especially for people who might already be using so much energy to navigate day-to-day life.
Remember, rest is productive!
3. Stay connected with people in ways that feel safe
Social connection is super important, but it doesn’t have to look the same for everyone.
You might prefer:
- One-to-one catch ups instead of big groups
- Phone or video calls instead of in-person visits
- Online communities (such as Facebook groups) with shared experiences
If you receive support through the NDIS, your supports can help you build and maintain these connections in a way that feels comfortable.
Friendship and connection can truly support your mental health, even if it’s just with one trusted person.
4. Practice grounding throughout the day
Grounding techniques can help when you feel overwhelmed, anxious, or overstimulated.
Some simple practices include:
- Pausing to take some deep breaths
- Holding onto a comforting object
- Noticing five things you can see, hear, or feel
- Going outside for fresh air
These strategies are especially helpful for people with sensory sensitivities or anxiety. They can bring you back to the present moment and help you feel calmer.
5. Celebrate ALL your achievements (big or small)
Although there’s been improvement, much of the world is still inaccessible for PWD. This can make everyday tasks just that little bit harder, because of the extra effort and energy it takes to achieve these everyday things.
That’s why it’s so important to recognise and celebrate everything you do achieve.
This might be:
- Getting out of bed on a hard day
- Attending an appointment
- Preparing a meal
- Asking for support
Your progress matters, no matter how small it seems. Acknowledging these wins can boost confidence and improve your overall mental health.
6. Seek extra support
Sometimes, caring for your mental health can become difficult to do on your own.
Having extra support from a trained practitioner (such as a psychologist) can be incredibly beneficial for looking after your mental wellbeing and supporting you to move forward.
A psychologist can help you:
- Understand your feelings
- Manage anxiety, stress, or low mood
- Learn coping strategies
- Rebuild confidence and independence
- Work through tough times
Whether you want to unpack something you’ve experienced, or need support navigating daily life, a psychologist can offer you guidance and direction.
Liberty’s psychology team takes the time to understand you as a unique individual with unique goals and needs. We strongly believe mental health support should be personalised, respectful, and empowering.
If you are looking for a trusted psychologist, contact us for a chat.
7. Make time for things you enjoy
Joy is an important part of mental health. Even small moments of enjoyment can improve your mood and help reduce stress.
Think about what you enjoy:
- Listening to music
- Doing something creative, such as drawing or painting
- Watching your favourite movie
- Spending time with animals
- Being outside in nature
Taking the time to do something that makes you feel happy is so important! Even setting aside 15 mins to do something you love can help refill your cup.
8. Communicate in a way that suits you best
Sometimes it can be hard to voice how you’re feeling, and that’s okay. There are different ways we can communicate and express what’s happening in our minds.
You can:
- Write things down
- Pre-record a video/voice note
- Use visuals or communication aids
- Ask someone you trust to help you explain
Communication doesn’t always have to be spoken words. You can communicate in whatever way is easiest for you. Doing so can help others better understand your needs and provide more meaningful support. Plus, it can potentially reduce frustration and allow you to feel heard.
9. Break things down into small steps
There’s no denying it, life can be overwhelming!
Everyday tasks can sometimes feel too big or complicated, especially if you’re running low on energy. That’s why it’s important to break things down into small, simple steps, and focus on one thing at a time.
For example, instead of “I need to clean the whole house”, choose one room to clean.
Once you’ve cleaned that one room, check in to see how you’re feeling. Take a break if needed, and then go to the next room.
Or, if you’re not feeling up to it – celebrate the fact that you cleaned one room, and then allow your body to rest.
Small steps lead to big progress over time.
10. Most importantly, be kind to yourself.
Living in a world that doesn’t always cater for disability can come with challenges. One of the best ways to care for your mental health is to treat yourself with kindness and compassion.
Remind yourself:
- It’s okay to have hard days
- Rest is productive
- You deserve happiness
- You are enough, exactly as you are.
Self-kindness is one of the most powerful tools for mental health support. When you believe in yourself, value who you are, and treat yourself with compassion, you’re practising the purest form of care there is.
How Liberty Disability Services can support you
At Liberty Disability Services, we are passionate about supporting people to live full, meaningful lives. Our psychology team wholeheartedly embraces all walks of life, and provide tailored support specific to each individual’s unique needs.
Our goal is to support you in building confidence, developing coping strategies, and feeling supported in your NDIS journey.
We work alongside you to:
- Understand your goals
- Create personalised support plans
- Provide consistent, compassionate care
You are at the centre of everything we do.
Overall,
Caring for your mental health doesn’t have to be complicated. Small, consistent habits can make a BIG difference over time.
Whether it’s creating a routine, connecting with others, or accessing the right psychology support, every step you take matters.
If you’re looking for a mental health support team that truly understands disability and diversity, Liberty Disability Services is here to work with you, for you.
Accessible versions of this blog
Our Psychology Team
Peter Simpson
Michael Bonwick
Amy Lingard
