How should university support me?

[kmhc]

Hi
So today I have a meeting set up with a disabilities councellor. This was recommended to me by my academic tutor. Anyways she suggested that I might be afforded longer deadlines and stuff like that due to having major depression. The thing is, I feel really bad about it. I feel as if I am some how milking the situation a bit. I do however find it really hard to study and revise, in fact I haven't studied at all outside of class since I started university in september.
It would be really helpful to hear what you had to think about how universities should support those with a major depressive disorder. Thank you   +-_

[Owl]

Hello Kmhc,

I have completel 2 years of university and due to my mental illness I was permitted extensions on course work etc. I wish I had been more honest with university to begin with as I often found it difficult to attend tutorials resulting in marks being deducted. Had I inform the university of my difficulties earlier they would have put more supports in place for me. I have had to take a gap in study this year due to a hospital stay etc, and the student support department has been exceptionally helpful. If I were not allowed these things by the university I would have definitely dropped out by now. In my experience mental illness can make it almost impossible to study and meet deadlines, it isn't something that's within your control so don't see it as milking the system.

Fox
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[stewart]

Definitely not milking the system, these things are put in place because they realize that some people need extra time or support.

[nocaph]

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[Catbrian]

I think the fact you suffer major depression and study is a sure sign you are trying to improve your life.  If there are support services in place, then you are in no way "milking" what you need and deserve.

Good luck

[GrumpyChump]

I'm currently in my 2nd year and felt as though I was milking the system when I first enquired. However I find it really difficult to concentrate during lectures and classes, so I need more time to do my own research to gain understanding of whats on the powerpoint slides. Its really difficult to work through this as even though there is a lot of support offered by my lecturers, its difficult to make use of that. The work doesn't get easier because you have more time to do it, it just means you have the same chance as everyone else. Thats the way I see it anyway.