The things they don't tell you

The future depends on what we do in the present. - Mahatma Gandhi

Did you know that you can ask for reasonable accommodations if you have a psychiatric disability?  I didn't.  Not until I started my new job.  I was getting the tour of the offices when my supervisor pointed out the counselor's office that handles learning disabilities, then pointed out the office of the counselor that handles physical disabilities and psychiatric disorders.  My ears perked up.  Psychiatric disorders?  You can get services for that?

NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) states:
Serious mental illnesses include major depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), panic disorder, post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and borderline personality disorder. The good news about mental illness is that recovery is possible.

With the diagnosis of MDD, I have a serious mental illness.  One that can be debilitating.  Institutions, like schools, are starting to recognize this.  I can get safeguards put into place in school.  Reasonable accommodations.  Like, if I need to leave in the middle of class because the anxiety is becoming overwhelming.  Taking tests in a less crowded space, not with the other 47 people in the lecture.

Of course, you have to have documentation to get these services, and you have to be willing to meet with the counselor in charge, and work out what accommodations you will need.  No Joe-Sixpack ;-)  can walk into the office, say I'm majorly depressed, and expect miracles.  You have to let someone know.  You have to prove it.  You have to work hard in classes.  It isn't a way out.  It's something to help, so you don't crash.  It lets one more person know that red flags could be shooting up.  You have to be aware that the services exist.

During a recruiting session today, my supervisor answered a question about if the school accepts students with disabilities.  The answer, of course, is yes.  She then went on to specify that there are services for learning disabilities, physical disabilities, and psychiatric disabilities.  Psychiatric Disabilities.

By talking to one person, a whole group of potential incoming students are now aware that if they have a serious mental illness, they too are able to get help.  In order to make people aware, and to make things change, sometimes we need to talk.