TORONTO, December 10, 2004 -- Despite the fact that they often suffer in silence with their illnesses, most students with psychiatric disabilities eventually go on to academic and career success, according to Enid Weiner, the coordinator of York University’s Psychiatric Dis/Abilities Program. Weiner made her comments in a presentation at a recent conference on the 'Canadian Student Experience', sponsored by the Faculty of Education.
Weiner notes that although higher education provides opportunities for students with psychiatric disabilities to assume meaningful roles in their lives, there is still a stigma attached to mental illness making it a ‘hidden disability.’ She notes that mental illness can include depression, SAD, anxiety disorders, eating disorders, various personality disorders, as well as schizophrenia, etc.
“As a result of the stigma of mental illness, many affected students are reluctant to disclose that they have difficulties,” says Weiner, adding, “This dilemma is a double-edged sword. They need to disclose to access supports, but fear that if they do, they will be misjudged.”
Weiner seeks to dispel many of the myths surrounding students with mental illness, noting:
· They are as intelligent as the general population of students
· They do just as well as the rest of the student body
· Although some may have relapses that affect their academic performance, they do recover and complete their studies
· They are not more violent or dangerous than the general public
· They successfully pursue careers running the gamut from accountants, artists, bankers, CEOs, doctors, entrepreneurs, lawyers, professors, psychologists, real estate agents, social workers, teachers, web designers, writers, etc.
Weiner notes that it is important for students with psychiatric disabilities to avail themselves of effective supports, including peer support, as well as other university support services that are in place for them. Without breaching student confidentiality (i.e., the diagnosis), disability service providers need to inform professors of the kinds of academic accommodations their clients will need. The expertise of the disability provider (knowledge about mental illness, the mental health system and the university system) makes it easier for affected students to deal with the administration and makes it less likely they will withdraw from university prematurely.
“Students with psychiatric disabilities are wonderful models for those of us who have chosen to work in the field of higher education,” said Weiner, “They play a vital role in demonstrating how important it is to never lose sight of our own goals, and to view all struggles as part of the trajectory of life, with its constant shifts and variations.”
York University is the leading interdisciplinary research and teaching university in Canada. York offers a modern, academic experience at the undergraduate and graduate level in Toronto, Canada’s most international city. The third largest university in the country, York is host to a dynamic academic community of 50,000 students and 7,000 faculty and staff, as well as 180,000 alumni worldwide. York’s 10 faculties and 21 research centres conduct ambitious, groundbreaking research that is interdisciplinary, cutting across traditional academic boundaries. This distinctive and collaborative approach is preparing students for the future and bringing fresh insights and solutions to real-world challenges.
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For further information, please contact:
George McNeillie, Assistant Director, Media Relations, York University, (416) 736-2100 x22091/
gmcneil@yorku.ca
