Choosing to disclose… but then what
Dr Matthews’ blog addresses the need for unified, student-centric support where personal information can be safely obtained and utilised to best help the student, and prevent all kinds of discrimination from occurring.
DUTY OF CARE
University can be an especially turbulent time in a young persons life as they move towards adult development, and as such, universities have a duty of care which they must uphold.
Mental health practitioners and university staff must work hand in hand at every stage. This ensures students are offered an environment that caters to their comfort and safety when confronting their mental health issues.
The Challenges Of Disclosure
Full disclosure is important to dictate the next steps in helping a student, and figuring out what will be the most effective form of support.
It takes a great deal of courage for a student to come forward and disclose the things they are struggling with. Mental health disorders, such as depression or anxiety, can feel isolating. In many cases, discrimination external to the university has made it hard for students to feel comfortable speaking openly about their struggles.
The possibility that discrimination can be faced after disclosure, and even increase, is truly frightening.
Openness followed by rejection or judgement can be a catalyst. It prevents students from feeling comfortable taking the next crucial steps to get help, and can have disastrous consequences.
The REality For Students
UCAS encourages students to disclose their struggles with mental health issues prior to starting at university. While the intention is to prepare the university for the support they need to offer their new students, it is not quite as simple as showing up and all problems being solved.
Problems include long waiting lists, underfunded wellbeing and disability teams, cuts in the NHS, and, importantly, the students themselves often not knowing what or where to access support. All this can get in the way of students getting access to much-needed support. .
THe WAY FORWARD
UMO’s MHNDWP (Mental Health, Neurodiversity, Disability and Wellbeing Passport) could help make it significantly easier for students to disclose their key information, give university staff and mentors an up-to-date insight into their mood and mental health triggers, and forge an accessible and straightforward connection between student and staff via the passport app, OneSpace.
Of course, this cannot account for lack of funding to wellbeing and disability teams, and this problem can only be solved through additional grants from the government and a major public spotlight on the tireless efforts and important work that these teams undertake.