Studying in Canada with mental health challenges

Credit to Author: Geneviève Beaupré and Susan Qadeer| Date: Tue, 29 Jan 2019 23:57:43 +0000

It’s Bell Let’s Talk Day on January 30; we want to talk about handling mental health for students doing post-secondary studies

According to the Canadian Mental Health Association, approximately 20 per cent of the population will have a mental illness in their lifetime. Some illnesses are more prevalent among young adults, and going to college or university when you are coping with mental health problems may make studying more challenging as a newcomer in Canada or international student.

But there are steps you can take to manage some of the obstacles.

Consider getting a mental health assessment

Many students have occasional bouts of anxiety, difficulty concentrating and low moods. However, if this becomes very frequent and interferes with an ability to be an effective student, you will want to investigate what is happening. A consultation with a counsellor or family doctor is a good first step, to see if some treatment might be recommended.

Having significant difficulty with mood, sleep, concentration, anxiety, thinking or emotions calls for an assessment. This is particularly important if it feels like you no longer have control over feelings or thoughts. Waiting too long to seek help may increase problems. It is often easier to turn around a problem before it becomes entrenched.

If your doctor diagnoses you with a mental health problem, you may be either treated or referred for treatment. One of the things you may want to discuss with your health care provider is their advice on taking full-time or part-time post-secondary studies.

Seek help from your school or counsellor

As a student with mental health challenges, you may register with the office that arranges academic accommodations for students with disabilities. This office is often called Disability or Accessibility Office.

Academic accommodations may include extensions for assignments, extra time for writing exams, a scribe to help with note taking, or a reduced course load, to name a few. These are determined individually on a case-by-case basis and are based on the impact a disability has on learning. Ensuring that you have accommodations in place could make a big difference to your academic success.

It is important to note that the Disability or Accessibility Office can usually only offer help from the time you register with them. Waiting too long to decide that you need this support may result in failures, so try to register early.

In addition, most schools have counsellors available to meet with you to discuss your mental health concerns and their impact on your studies. They can also support you in developing coping strategies to increase your focus in school and to enhance your overall wellbeing. They can also help you manage through a mental health crisis.

Other academic steps that might help mental health challenges

There is no doubt that some mental health symptoms make studying more difficult. Ensure you are well prepared before you take on an academic program.

One way to do this is to make up academic deficiencies before you begin. For instance, if your math skills are weak and you are considering a program that calls for strong math skills, taking a continuing education course in foundational math before you start your program will help you be better prepared. It may also reduce the stress of catching up on basic skills when you are also trying to learn more advanced material.

The stress of school can exacerbate an existing mental health problem. It may be best to tread carefully when choosing the amount of work you can handle. Taking a little longer to complete your studies by starting part time or with fewer courses may be a successful strategy.

Even taking a semester or year off until you are better able to cope with school stress may be a good plan. You can always add more to your schedule later if you feel you can manage well.

In addition to furthering academic and career objectives, studying is an opportunity to connect with other students and provides some opportunities to socialize. Schools have many support services including accessibility consultants, counsellors, peer support programs, tutoring and writing centres, academic advising services and faculty who may provide input on your academic and career interests.

Schools often have work opportunities for students and this is a way to test out and learn a variety of work skills.

What else might help you cope?

The advice that is given to all students is particularly true for students with mental health concerns. While school may be difficult and time consuming, it is still important to look after one’s need for sleep, good nutrition, staying connected socially, finding time for exercise and so on.

Managing stress levels is important for all students. And your physician should be aware of your academic plans and of any medication issues that could impact your studies.

In addition, you will want to connect to other students in class for academic backup if you miss class. It can be helpful to get to know your professors as you may need some flexibility if and when your mental health symptoms flare up.

Some mental health problems are transient; some long lasting. School can be part of a life plan that adds intellectual growth, a career, friends and a life-changing experience. While a mental health issue may make school more difficult, it’s not insurmountable. Schools are prepared to help.

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