Working with Students who have a Mental Health Condition

Download this Information Sheet : PDF : 93KB.

Overview

Mental health conditions is an umbrella term used for a range of illness affecting a persons psychological wellbeing. Mental health conditions include anxiety disorders, eating disorders, depression, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorders. As many as one in five people will develop a mental illness at some stage of their lives. Some people will experience an illness only once whereas others have a more chronic condition. Many students have effective treatment and support in managing their illness and can experience lengthy periods of stability with their mental health.

Disclosure and confidentiality are issues of significant importance for most students with a mental health condition due to the stigma and negative attitudes that exist. Visit the confidentiality and disclosure section of this staff handbook for further information.

To be eligible for DLU services

A report from a relevant treating health professional such as psychiatrist or psychologist is required. Due to the fluctuating nature of many mental illnesses, students may be required to regularly update their medical documentation to ensure that DLU staff are aware of current health and medication issues. DLU staff also collect a detailed history of the student with regard to previous education and/or employment participation.

Common barriers at university

A student who has a mental health condition may experience one or more of the following barriers to learning and inclusion. Please note this list provides only a sample of common barriers.

• Attitudinal barriers due to assumptions of what a student can/cannot do or a perception that they will cause additional work for staff.
• Difficulty in meeting deadlines - particularly when there has been a period of ill health or there are competing deadlines.
• Regular attendance at classes can be difficult for some students due to social confidence and/or impact of medication.
• Anxiety can severely limit and mask a students performance.
• Social isolation can occur as it can be difficult for students to initiate or participate in conversations due to negative self esteem. Students may have had previous negative study experiences due to their mental illness.
• Impact of illness and/or medication can include irregular sleep (needing lots of sleep or only sleeping 2-3 hours a day), lack of appetite, fatigue, reduced concentration, reduced motivation and inability to maintain attention to a task.

Common examples of assistive technology

Most students with a mental health condition are not significant users of assistive technology however some more common technological supports include

• Tape recorders to record classes due to reduced memory and concentration
• Use of I-Lecture facilities where possible

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Common Academic adjustments

• Extensions on assignments
• Alternative Examination Arrangements e.g. additional reading time, rest breaks, sitting exam in single room
• Copies of overheads, lecture notes, information available on web or I-lecture - this allows students to focus on content rather than notetaking tasks
• Consideration of how the student will manage group tasks, oral presentations etc.
• Preferential seating e.g. next to door and an understanding student may need to leave room if experiencing a panic attack
• Access to academic staff to clarify class information. It is appropriate to set boundaries if a student is requesting significant amounts of time.

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Useful Links and Resources

Creating Accessible Teaching & Support - click on the practical strategies section.

Australian Disability Clearing House on Education and Training (ADCET) is a web based information source that provides up to date, accurate and comprehensive information about inclusive teaching, learning and assessment strategies, accommodations and support services for people with disabilities.

What are Reasonable Accommodations for people with Psychiatric Disability is a resource that explores reasonable accommodations in education and other life areas. Produced by Boston University.

Supporting Students with Psychiatric disabilities in the University Environment (PPS : 434KB) is a University of Tasmania resource specifically looking at services in Tasmania but with a range of useful information relevant to an academic context.

Beyondblue: the national depression initiative. An independent national organisation focusing on education for people living with depression, their carers and the broader community. Also offer a range of programs and services.

Sane Australia. Information and resources on mental illness

Black Dog Institute is a clinical, research and educational body dedicated to improving understanding, diagnosis and treatment of depression and bipolar disorder.

Staying Sane on Campus is a booklet produced by the University of Melbourne that provides tips and techniques for managing Uni when you have a mental illness. Free copies are available at the DLU.

Creating Accessible Teaching & Support...for students with mental health conditions is a booklet addressing inclusive teaching strategies and practical support for students with a mental health condition. Free copies are available at the DLU.

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