The Student Mental Health Crisis – What Next?
I’m speaking on a mental health panel at the Oxford Union at Oxford University in England on October 25th and could use your help. If you are a college student or know a college student in the US who has bipolar disorder, what is available at school for helping the student? I’m sure the British crowd will ask me about the US system. I know a lot about it from a parent perspective and would like to hear from someone who is actually in school. Thanks!
From the Oxford Union website.
The Student Mental Health Crisis – What Next?
25% of adults suffer from mental health conditions; this figure doubles among Oxford students. Many believe that drastic action is needed to respond to this crisis in care, engaging with both the general stigma and failing institutions.
Panellists:
Stephen K Amos – Stand-up Comedian and patron of mental health charity Time to Change
Dr Linda Papadopoulos – TV psychologist and academic
Dr Nicola Byrom – Founding chair of the charity Student Minds
Julie A. Fast – International bestselling writer on bipolar disorder and depression
Liz Fraser – Director of Headcase
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It would be great to hear your opinion on what you feel is working and what is not working here in the States. You can find more information about this topic on my Julie A. Fast Facebook page.
Julie
I’m a student with Bipolar. It has significantly impacted my school work. Including missing finals week this term and having to petition for incompletes. I missed the week because I was in the hospital for a “severe manic episode.” I was compliant with my medicine, but apparently, we had too many antidepressant medications in the mix.
So, Incompletes are an option. The student then has an additional 6 weeks to complete the course work during the following term.
Also, at my University (Regent) the teachers often grant grace for late or missing assignments, particularly if you’re open to explaining the specifics. I have no problem letting my professors know that I have bipolar, but I may be an outlier.