Declaration of mental health difficulty
Information about mental health and wellbeing
Commencing a course at university is an exciting and challenging experience for anyone. There are many things to consider and many unknown factors that could cause anxiety, such as: Am I doing the right course? Where will I live? Will I make friends? How will I manage my finances?
For students who have experienced mental health difficulties such anxieties can seem daunting. Coping with the rigours of university whilst dealing with the reality of living with mental health issues can be extra challenging. It is therefore important that before you choose a university and commence your studies you consider the support and structures that will be in place to ensure that your time at university is a positive experience.
To help you with this process, this leaflet attempts general answers to frequently asked questions. We would also encourage you to contact the university of your choice direct, and make further enquiries about services offered at that particular institution.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Will there be someone who knows about mental health issues that I can talk to at university?
If I leave my home area to go to university, how will I continue to get medical support?
If I have a mental health difficulty, should I declare this when I apply to University?
When applying for a place at university and then enrolling, you will be asked for a lot of personal information, for example whether you have any disabilities or health issues. Some students worry that they could be disadvantaged if they declare their history, but there is legislation to protect you from this sort of discrimination.
Some students choose to give the academic registry permission to discuss their needs with whomever they deem ?need to know?. Other students will confide in staff individually as and when they feel it is appropriate or necessary. The choice is yours and either way can work effectively.
However it is important to know that universities seek this kind of information to ensure that they are providing the best support for their students, and to enable them to properly advise students about their choice of academic subjects. Remember, if you have support needs and you have not informed the relevant people, the university may not be able to meet these needs effectively.
What sort of support could I expect to find at university?
Am I entitled to financial support to pay for extra resources I may need?
