When Natalie first spoke to us, she shared something many families feel but rarely say out loud. She had avoided the NDIS for a long time.
Not because she didn't care. But, because a past experience left her overwhelmed and unsure she could face it again. Natalie is a mum caring for both of her children. She’s also a nurse and support worker, but despite her experience, finding her way through the NDIS still felt daunting.
“Breathe. And don’t let one bad experience stop you.”
If Natalie could speak to herself at the very beginning, her advice is simple.
“Breathe. It is so overwhelming when you get this plan thrown at you with no instructions and far too much information.”
What helped most was realising that one bad interaction does not define the whole system.
“If you have a bad experience with someone who is meant to help, do not let it stop you. Step away if you need to. Take small steps.”
For Natalie, the hardest part was learning to accept help after doing everything on her own for so long.
“It is ok to accept help.”
Finding space for yourself when there is none
Like many carers, Natalie always put everyone else first.
“I used to hate being asked what I had done for myself that week. The answer was always nothing.”
Only recently has she started allowing herself small moments.
Sometimes it is perfume.
Sometimes moisturiser.
Sometimes thirty minutes alone with a coffee.
“They are tiny things but sometimes that is all you can manage.”
The importance of people who understand
Support came from people who truly understood her world.Her own clients, support coordinators and community organisations like Carers WA and Kiind played a vital role early on. Her advice is simple.
“Try to find people who are in the same boat.”
A moment that changed everything
After a recent Guru appointment, Natalie felt something she had not felt in a long time.
Relief.
Hope.
Instead of rushing home to tasks, she chose to be present with her children. Art with her son. Games with her daughter. When she asked her teenage daughter to play, her daughter looked surprised.
“Really? Thank you so much mum. I love you."
"She hasn’t said that in so long.”
For anyone feeling lost right now
Natalie knows many families start the year feeling exhausted and unsure. Her message is gentle and real.
“You are not alone. Take it one step at a time. Small tasks.”
If you have support, lean on it. If you do not, work within your own rhythm.
“Send one email while the kettle is boiling. Do it in your time.”
She shared a moment from a particularly hard day when she bought three one dollar flowers and gave them to strangers.
“That brief moment of human connection was exactly what I needed.”
One of Natalie’s biggest struggles was accepting help. Does it make me a bad mum? Should I still be doing everything myself? Her answer now is clear when it comes to what's best for herself and her kids.
“They cannot be the best they can be if their carer is struggling under the weight of everything.”
Support is not failure. You never know who needs permission to breathe. If this story spoke to you, consider sharing it with someone who might need that reminder too.
“You are enough. You are worth it.”
If you are feeling unsure or just need a bit of clarity, our Plan Gurus are here to help.
It is a free space to ask questions, talk things through or make sense of your plan at your own pace. No pressure. Just someone in your corner so you can breathe a little easier and focus on what matters most.
Provider Choice shares community stories to inform and inspire. While we highlight real experiences, we’re unable to recommend or endorse specific services or providers mentioned in our articles. The views and advice shared belong to the individuals interviewed.
