Transitioning and Succeeding in College for Students with Mental Illness

Written by Deborah Larew, Ph.D., Disability Rights Florida PAIMI Advisory Council Member

In thinking about the upcoming Mental Health Awareness Month, October 4-11, I wanted to offer some thoughts about the students entering into the postsecondary college settings. According to Johns Hopkins, 26% of Americans 18 years of age and older suffer from a diagnosable mental illness.

Over the past 30 odd years, I have worked in Disability Service offices for a community college, a private, liberal arts residential college, a research university, and a state college. One thing I have seen about the incidence of mental illness among college-age students is that it knows no social status. The socio-economic background of the student has no bearing on the onset of mental illness. Mental Illness can occur in families who are loving and supportive and in families who are toxic and dysfunctional. The commonality of college students with mental illness, from my experience, is that they battle the stigma and seek understanding and acceptance. In my experience, the families of the student are seeking the same.

In our upcoming webinar on October 20^th at 6:00 PM on Zoom at the Disability Rights Florida, we will discuss some of the strategies for transitioning and succeeding in college for students who have a diagnosis of Mental Illness. We will discuss some of the various legal and regulatory practices associated with disability accommodations and services along with the resources commonly found at various institutions.

One of the reasons I am so passionate about this topic is that I have lived it in my own family. As the parent of a student diagnosed with Mental Illness in the second year of college, I understand the confusion and questioning that fill your head. I understand the fallout and the ramifications of the Baker Act and hospitalizations. It is a confusing and terrifying time of sitting in Emergency Rooms, wondering what you could have done differently, and will you ever see that child again as they once were? I understand the constant concern of your loved one!  

However, there is so much hope that I want you to know about. Each individual is unique. The diagnosis, whether Schizophrenia, Bi-polar, depression, ADHD, etc., has no bearing on how we proceed in providing accommodations and services to the student. We always say, “if you met one person with (fill in the blank), you’ve met ONE person with (fill in the blank).”

It is extremely important for the student to self-advocate and describe to the disability service office how the college can be supportive. Do not apologize nor tolerate judgment. The college may not be able to give you everything you want and need but find that person; I mean that person who understands and gets it. Who cries with you and laughs with you because the condition does not intimidate them. It may take some time to find that person but keep on. It may be the disability advocate; it may be a counselor or professor. It may be your roommate or a trusted mentor. Find that person and visit them often.

I hope that you will find that kind of support from the disability services office. Regardless, continue to self-advocate and work within the processes to obtain the accommodations allowable.

I would like to offer some strategies for students entering college with a known diagnosis:

• Research your institution’s disability office. Find out the documentation requirements and have that ready to go.
• Apply for the accommodations PRIOR to when any difficulties arise! There are no retroactive accommodations.
• Seek out and use the support services- tutoring, counseling, Student Development activities, sports, or other recreational activities.
• Do not give in to the Freshman 15 (a tendency for students to enter college and behave irresponsibly as far as eating and drinking). Remain healthy and strong.
• Do not self-medicate. Others may be partying but know yourself and your limits.
• Follow your doctor’s advice.
• Seek out your supports. Whether that is a support group, a sponsor, a friend, a mentor, or family, they are still there for you.
• Seek out organizations, such as NAMI, in your area.

For students whose onset is sudden or unexpected, there is still hope. Seek out your college’s disability services, college Ombudsman, Counselor, Dean of Students, etc. for advice. Many colleges have processes in place, such as Medical Withdrawals, that minimize academic ramifications if the student needs to leave for a semester to recover and become stable. Often times it is desirable to treat the student and maintain the academic status but that is an individual decision best informed by you and your doctors.

Please join us on October 20^th for the Disability Rights Florida webinar to learn more and share with others the importance of planning for college transition! Stay safe; stay strong!