Mental Health Difficulties

Background Information

Although everyone experiences periods of stress and depression, some people's reaction to these periods may lead to feelings or behavioural symptoms which may be considered inappropriate or unacceptable. Symptoms may include anxiety, severe depression, altered sensory perception, mood swings, obsessions, phobias, delusions, changed behaviour and attempted suicide. Anorexia and Bulimia Nervosa are increasingly common mental health difficulties affecting young people.

Many conditions are temporary and may respond to rest, medication and/or counselling. Others are longer term and the person may experience interspersed periods of good and poor health. It is estimated that one person in four experiences mental health difficulties at some time in their lives, particularly between the ages of 18 and 25.

Myths abound about mental health difficulties, and it is important to realise that the most common symptoms of mental ill health are withdrawal and depression. Only a very small minority of people who experience mental health difficulties will become violent or exhibit anti-social behaviour.

Implications for Studying

Studying in Further Education tends to be stressful for everyone at times. But a student with a mental health problem may be more than usually affected. Academic pressure, isolation, severe homesickness, lack of personal support, forming new relationships and alcohol or drug abuse can all be the trigger for mental health difficulties in some students. Good pastoral tutor and student support systems which allow students to discuss problems as they arise, speedy and clear feedback on assignments, and deadlines which do not conflict with demands from parallel courses can all help to alleviate this stress for all students and may avert the onset of difficulties for some.

The combined effects of medication which can leave people drowsy in the morning, and the disturbed sleeping patterns of many people with mental health difficulties can make keeping up with work particularly difficult.

Other people's attitudes and misinformation may provide the biggest barriers. It is often a student's friends who will first notice that he or she is behaving in an unusual way and who may be able to guide the individual in the direction of counselling or other services. However, other students' needs must be considered and friends should not be expected to take undue responsibility for 'looking out for' an individual who is experiencing mental health difficulties, nor should students exhibiting anti -social behaviour be allowed to monopolise the attention of tutors to the detriment of the rest of a group.

General Strategies

Providing a service for all students that is responsive and flexible to individual needs will be particularly beneficial to those at risk of developing mental health difficulties as well as those with pre existing emotional distress. Accessible staff and tutors and a timetable that allows sufficient time for relaxation, exercise and social activities, will enable all students to concentrate better on their studies and more fully enjoy their experience in Further Education. When difficulties do arise, all staff need a clear procedure for referring students on to more specialist support. In institutions specialist support is available through the counselling service. Even if adequate support is available internally, it may be helpful to find out what community facilities are available in case they are needed in the future.

For many students flexibility over teaching styles and deadlines will contribute most to their success. A student may need to withdraw from a course for a short while or to spend some time studying at home away from the stress of group discussions.

Some students may appreciate a private room set aside where they can rest or be alone or some students travelling on public transport may be difficult and alternative arrangements may be necessary.

Emergency situations

Emergencies are rare. Nevertheless, it makes sense, and is reassuring to staff, to prepare clear procedures to follow should such a situation arise. In most cases, calm behaviour by others is all that is required. If students do become severely disoriented or dangerous to themselves or others it may be necessary to call a GP, the local hospital accident and emergency department, social services, or in extreme circumstances, the police.

Technology

There are no easy technological solutions, for students with mental health difficulties. However, equipment can be helpful for some students in certain circumstances. In particular students who experience agoraphobia, or who find large groups of people stressful find it helpful to have a computer so they can study more at home.

Be prepared to make arrangements appropriate for examinations. These may include the use of an amanuensis, a computer, extra time, rest breaks, or a separate room. Also, be aware that necessary arrangements need to be made with the relevant validating body at some point prior to any examinations. If you need to apply for these concessions for an exam, please check with the Additional Learning Support office.