Did you know, data reveals that 1,180 students who experienced mental ill health, left courses early in 2014-15, up 210% from 2009-10? Shocking, right?
As part of @TimeToChange’s StoryCamp, I am writing about my experiences that might be less understood.
One of the things I feel isn’t understood or isn’t talked about so much is how mental health problems can affect your studying/work situation.
When I was first diagnosed with psychosis, I was studying psychology at university and I was on a positive trajectory. Then I was sectioned under the Mental Health Act, meaning I was hospitalised against my own will. So, I left university in January 2018. Then in June 2018, I was sectioned again.
After leaving hospital and coming back into the community, I had to live with the uncomfortable reality that I may not go to university for a while. To make matters worse, I received emails from the Student Loans Company in the UK, saying that I owe them grant overpayments. This increased my stress levels.
More recently, I have sent complaints to the organisation that asked for the payments. It’s a shame that some organisations aren’t empathetic towards individuals who have been through a lot with their mental health. However, I hope that I can challenge them to change their policies and regulations, so that they don’t discriminate against people with mental health problems.
I have spent many nights crying because of my thoughts that my mental health hindered my prospects of getting the dream career or finishing my studies. But over time, I’m starting to shift my perspective and look at my mental health condition as something that can be used to my advantage.
Because of my mental health experiences, I am able to empathise with people and show them more compassion. It also enhances my passion to pursue a career as a mental health social worker, because I have received support from mental health support workers and I see the opportunities for me to support and give back to my community.
Please share with me how your mental health experiences have affected your work or studies.
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