Children and young adults are diagnosed with mental illnesses to an increasing extent. Data from Local Government Denmark shows that anxiety alone has been diagnosed 83% more since 2012. The same data also shows that when the diagnosis is during university studies, it leads to a greater chance of dropping out.
Putting it into words
Many students who deal with mental illness have some degree of fear over what the rest of the world might think. That’s why, even though it might seem a bit invasive, it can be a good idea to talk about it at your studies. In part because it takes some of the pressure off of those dealing with an illness, and in part because other fellow students will become more understanding and helpful if they’re aware of the situation. It also removes the mental distance that can manifest, when people don’t understand each other.
Groupwork
If you have a set study-group, it’s important to inform them of your situation, since it can otherwise affect your group dynamic. Start by talking about the challenges you face and tell them about how it affects you, for good or ill.
Talk about your expectations in the group. Let everyone get their voice in and decide when, how and how often you should be in contact. Be honest with each other. Try identifying potential challenges and solutions to them as much as possible.
There has to be space for YOU
As banal as it might sound, this can also be quite difficult. If you’re dealing with a mental illness, try as much as you can to accept your situation. If you’re in a mental low, or generally in a bad period, allow yourself to feel bad while you’re at your studies. If you feel bad during a lecture, give yourself permission to leave the room, get some air and go back in when you’re ready. If you need to leave the lecture entirely, write to some of your peers who are aware of your situation and ask for notes.
If you experience that one of your fellow students is going through a bad time, you can seek them out and ask whether there’s anything you can do for them. Share your notes and remind them that they’re not alone. You might not get much of a response, but most people are just grateful to be asked.
Self-criticism is your worst enemy
When we feel vulnerable, we have a tendency to overthink. The fear of what others might think of us can sometimes be devastating to our well-being. If you have a mental illness, it’s important to remind yourself that your condition doesn’t define your academic capabilities.
Get help
You can get financial support for up to 24 consultations via a reference from your doctor. The amount is 60% of the psychologist’s total fee. You can read more on sundhed.dk.
