This can include: mood-related disorder (depressions), anxiety-related disorders (phobias, panic, compulsive behaviours), psychosis (schizophrenia), eating disorders (anorexia, bulimia) and personality disorders. If you are aware that a student has a mental health issue, here are some things to bear in mind when inviting to and conducting a meeting.
• Provide in advance a very clear resume of the purpose of the meeting, who else will be attending and their roles.
• The anxiety of self disclosure may be specially acute
• Past medical history and the frequency of mental health episodes may indicate the possibility of cancellation
• Fluctuations in concentration or mood, confusion or disorientated thinking may occur
• Self-perception may not be the same as that of others
• The day-to-day effects of medication may be detrimental
• Additional fatigue is likely to be caused by the meeting process
• Offering to be flexible and making alternative meeting times may be required
• Providing quality written information at the meeting for post-meeting uses is essential to support further action
If the applicant attends a meeting and is unable to answer ordinary questions and is acting in appropriately, it might raise doubts about their ability to cope with the requirements of the programme. Further work needs to be done in liaison with other services and external agencies to clarify the student’s fitness to study and practice. This needs to be handled delicately in order not to further distress the student.
(adapted from An audit and guidance tool for accessible practice within the framework of teaching the learning, SWANDS, 1992 – 2002).
For further information to help support students with mental health issues