Disabled student with mental health problems having to quit?

caela_2

bestpud wrote: »

You aren't talking about one or two missed lectures though! You hardly attend at all!

If you cannot actually get into uni then you need to go to student services and make proper arrangements to work from home.

Reasonable adjustments would be you emailing to say sorry you can't get in for the lecture this week and them passing on any notes in accordance with your needs.

You are asking too much when you expect them to email you when you've not turned in for weeks on end and they've had no explanation!

Also, are you really expecting tutors to visit you at home? I don't get why you complain they are not supporting you by sending info about sessions but then you moan you can't get to them anyway!

An occassional email from them just isn't going to make a difference, is it?

You say student support have also failed you but again you've not gone to see them! They would go with you to meet tutors and discuss this but you won't do that.

You are apparently well able to stand up and be counted now but you couldn't do anything to avoid this situation in the first place? Is it easier to contact then with a complaint?

Sooo, I can't answer the assessment issue but I imagine they don't want to waste time marking work for a student who seems to have dropped out! You need to go through the proper channels - you can't just decide which assessments you will do and leave it at that!

I very much doubt it was discrimination - I mean, why would it be? Are you saying they decided to leave out 'the one with the disability'?

I'd say there is more to it than that tbh.

I think you have very little chance if getting your fees returned imo but it's worth a try.

As for the therapy - the 'best' will differ for every client and it's daft to write off future therapy on the basis of one that didn't work for you. Money doesn't always buy the best but that's a different debate I guess.

It seems most people feel you are expecting too much but you don't like that answer so are you going to wait until someone comes along and tells you what you want to hear?

Seriously, plug it in mate lol. They are not even managing the reasonable measures you stated in your post, so even by your standards, they aren't doing their job. This is stuff I have asked of them when I have contacted them in the past.

If I don't turn up for weeks on end, it's not that they have no explanation, I have sent in numerous doctor's notes and had many meetings with both student services and my module leader to let them know what the situation is. In addition, I have contacted lecturers individually to let them know when I am having trouble attending.

Have I ever suggested that I expect the tutors to come to my house? Don't be so ridiculous; I have asked them to provide information which can be sent via email or reserved for the times when I am capable of attending. If they had provided this basic level of support in the first place, primarily maintaining an open line of communication, I may have been able to keep up with the work so that I didn't feel alienated and out of control. It was only at the stage where things fell too far behind that my motivation suffered and I was unable to attend any further lectures. To clarify, for the last time, I do not need them to send me info on when the lecture are. Instead, I need them to contact me with any additional information relevant to my course which I may have missed, or maybe have student services or my personal tutor keep in touch to help monitor my progress. I do contact university myself at times, but at times when things are more difficult, I need this support.

I don't know why you assume that I haven't gone to see student services, but I feel on the whole, you seem to be drawing your own conclusions without properly knowing the situation. I have been to see student services many times and whilst they have offered me a level of support, they have failed to liase with my tutors as arranged. They set up some support, but the support I need was not so much the fringe support but the basic, core support of letting me know about the actual work on the course, not helping me 'manage my time' etc. Whilst some study skills organisation was helpful, relying on this as the only support is a waste of time since without knowing what the work is, time management is irrelevant! This information is vital to me passing my degree and it's what I had requested in the form of email support. They can give me a whole year to do one module, but if I don't know what the work is, I can't do it.

I don't think you have read my posts propely. The work they didn't mark was last year, not this year when I expressed concerns over quitting. Regardless, if I pay them, they better do their job, whether or not I go on to quit. I can't believe you would say why should they be bothered, it's really a childish response and you must know that it is their job to mark any work which has been submitted.

Regarding therapy, I have tried more than one doctor; the one I gave was an example. I have tried many routes, including NHS, counselling, private care, etc. None worked, whilst some helped me experience a different perspective, overall I learnt no-one is apt to tell you how to live a normal healthy life, because no-one knows. They just give you their spin on it and who's to say my views aren't as valid. That was the biggest turn around for me, realising that I should just get on with things myself and quit the never-ending processes of therapy.

As for waiting for someone to tell me what I want to hear, no, actually I have already resolved to take action myself. I have already been in contact with SKILL and other universities to see what their provisions would be. We'll see what the outcome is although I'd rather reach an amicable outcome.

caela_2

Dave101t wrote: »

wont be me, bestspud.
seems like they dont have the ability to complete the course and are somehow looking to 'blame' anyone but themselves....buts thats only my professional opinion (a dosser who scraped his 2:2)

Having been a straigh A student prior to my mental health problems, I really doubt it's the 'ability' to complete the course which is the real problem here. And if you're suggesting it's because I'm lazy, although depression and sleep disorders can be seen as 'laziness', I really hope they're not.

Btw, a 2:2 without trying is pretty impressive, so well done. I'd certainly be more than happy if I could leave with even a pass mark. You really have accomplished a huge task in getting a degree, if anyone knows that it's me lol

bestpud

caela wrote: »

Seriously, plug it in mate lol. They are not even managing the reasonable measures you stated in your post, so even by your standards, they aren't doing their job. This is stuff I have asked of them when I have contacted them in the past.

If I don't turn up for weeks on end, it's not that they have no explanation, I have sent in numerous doctor's notes and had many meetings with both student services and my module leader to let them know what the situation is. In addition, I have contacted lecturers individually to let them know when I am having trouble attending.

Have I ever suggested that I expect the tutors to come to my house? Don't be so ridiculous; I have asked them to provide information which can be sent via email or reserved for the times when I am capable of attending. If they had provided this basic level of support in the first place, primarily maintaining an open line of communication, I may have been able to keep up with the work so that I didn't feel alienated and out of control. It was only at the stage where things fell too far behind that my motivation suffered and I was unable to attend any further lectures. To clarify, for the last time, I do not need them to send me info on when the lecture are. Instead, I need them to contact me with any additional information relevant to my course which I may have missed, or maybe have student services or my personal tutor keep in touch to help monitor my progress. I do contact university myself at times, but at times when things are more difficult, I need this support.

I don't know why you assume that I haven't gone to see student services, but I feel on the whole, you seem to be drawing your own conclusions without properly knowing the situation. I have been to see student services many times and whilst they have offered me a level of support, they have failed to liase with my tutors as arranged. They set up some support, but the support I need was not so much the fringe support but the basic, core support of letting me know about the actual work on the course, not helping me 'manage my time' etc. Whilst some study skills organisation was helpful, relying on this as the only support is a waste of time since without knowing what the work is, time management is irrelevant! This information is vital to me passing my degree and it's what I had requested in the form of email support. They can give me a whole year to do one module, but if I don't know what the work is, I can't do it.

I don't think you have read my posts propely. The work they didn't mark was last year, not this year when I expressed concerns over quitting. Regardless, if I pay them, they better do their job, whether or not I go on to quit. I can't believe you would say why should they be bothered, it's really a childish response and you must know that it is their job to mark any work which has been submitted.

Regarding therapy, I have tried more than one doctor; the one I gave was an example. I have tried many routes, including NHS, counselling, private care, etc. None worked, whilst some helped me experience a different perspective, overall I learnt no-one is apt to tell you how to live a normal healthy life, because no-one knows. They just give you their spin on it and who's to say my views aren't as valid. That was the biggest turn around for me, realising that I should just get on with things myself and quit the never-ending processes of therapy.

As for waiting for someone to tell me what I want to hear, no, actually I have already resolved to take action myself. I have already been in contact with SKILL and other universities to see what their provisions would be. We'll see what the outcome is although I'd rather reach an amicable outcome.

To be fair, you have only talked about what they haven't done and not what they have so it's hard to work out what is going on. You are very much avoiding any sense of personal responsibility so talk a lot about their 'failings' but little about anything else.

I understood from your earlier posts you needed motivating as much as anything? And you struggle to organise yourself?

If it is mainly information you are lacking then maybe the OU will work for you as you'd obviously be sent all you need.

So what have they actually provided you with? Is it that they don't provide it, or they will only provide it in a form that means you need to go into uni?

If you are going to complain, you need to be clear about what you have done and what they have done, so any gaps can be identified. I still think it is student support rather than lecturers you should be targeting.

I really don't understand why they'd deliberately leave your assessments unmarked? Why are you saying it's discrimination? Did they have your needs assessment to consult at that time?

The_One_Who

caela wrote: »

This information is vital to me passing my degree and it's what I had requested in the form of email support. They can give me a whole year to do one module, but if I don't know what the work is, I can't do it.

Regarding therapy, I have tried more than one doctor; the one I gave was an example. I have tried many routes, including NHS, counselling, private care, etc. None worked, whilst some helped me experience a different perspective, overall I learnt no-one is apt to tell you how to live a normal healthy life, because no-one knows. They just give you their spin on it and who's to say my views aren't as valid. That was the biggest turn around for me, realising that I should just get on with things myself and quit the never-ending processes of therapy.

I can't speak for your department, but I know mine put reading lists and essay questions and deadlines online. Really, that is all you need to do the work. What, exactly, are you wanting them to send you?

Also, what have they put in place for you? Anything that hasn't been done falls on the shoulders of student support and/or disability services, not the lecturers. They are there to lecture and mark work, not hold the hands of the students.

As for the counselling, if you don't want to get some help or view life with a different perspective, then what is the point in moaning about it, what does it achieve? Again, therapy is not a cure. It is there to help you come to terms with things, to try to adapt your thinking to a more positive light, etc. They won't 'fix' you and make you able to do everything without struggle. There are so many different types of therapy, such as group therapy, CBT, exposure, and many, many more. Have you tried all of them? I highly doubt it.

Oldernotwiser

caela wrote: »

Seriously, plug it in mate lol. They are not even managing the reasonable measures you stated in your post, so even by your standards, they aren't doing their job. This is stuff I have asked of them when I have contacted them in the past.

If I don't turn up for weeks on end, it's not that they have no explanation, I have sent in numerous doctor's notes and had many meetings with both student services and my module leader to let them know what the situation is. In addition, I have contacted lecturers individually to let them know when I am having trouble attending.

Have I ever suggested that I expect the tutors to come to my house? Don't be so ridiculous; I have asked them to provide information which can be sent via email or reserved for the times when I am capable of attending. If they had provided this basic level of support in the first place, primarily maintaining an open line of communication, I may have been able to keep up with the work so that I didn't feel alienated and out of control. It was only at the stage where things fell too far behind that my motivation suffered and I was unable to attend any further lectures. To clarify, for the last time, I do not need them to send me info on when the lecture are. Instead, I need them to contact me with any additional information relevant to my course which I may have missed, or maybe have student services or my personal tutor keep in touch to help monitor my progress. I do contact university myself at times, but at times when things are more difficult, I need this support.

I don't know why you assume that I haven't gone to see student services, but I feel on the whole, you seem to be drawing your own conclusions without properly knowing the situation. I have been to see student services many times and whilst they have offered me a level of support, they have failed to liase with my tutors as arranged. They set up some support, but the support I need was not so much the fringe support but the basic, core support of letting me know about the actual work on the course, not helping me 'manage my time' etc. Whilst some study skills organisation was helpful, relying on this as the only support is a waste of time since without knowing what the work is, time management is irrelevant! This information is vital to me passing my degree and it's what I had requested in the form of email support. They can give me a whole year to do one module, but if I don't know what the work is, I can't do it.

I don't think you have read my posts propely. The work they didn't mark was last year, not this year when I expressed concerns over quitting. Regardless, if I pay them, they better do their job, whether or not I go on to quit. I can't believe you would say why should they be bothered, it's really a childish response and you must know that it is their job to mark any work which has been submitted.

Regarding therapy, I have tried more than one doctor; the one I gave was an example. I have tried many routes, including NHS, counselling, private care, etc. None worked, whilst some helped me experience a different perspective, overall I learnt no-one is apt to tell you how to live a normal healthy life, because no-one knows. They just give you their spin on it and who's to say my views aren't as valid. That was the biggest turn around for me, realising that I should just get on with things myself and quit the never-ending processes of therapy.

As for waiting for someone to tell me what I want to hear, no, actually I have already resolved to take action myself. I have already been in contact with SKILL and other universities to see what their provisions would be. We'll see what the outcome is although I'd rather reach an amicable outcome.

If you speak to people IRL the way that you speak to people on here then I'm not surprised that you aren't getting any co-operation!

Not only are you asking for help that is above and beyond what anybody would expect or hope for but you also seem to be demanding it as a right and not asking for it as a favour. If you have problems with attendance then you should not have enrolled for a full time university programme which requires it.

eira

I did do a detailed post but deleted it accidentally !

The responses on this forum are a fair representative of society's responses-although the posters have nothing to gain by being supportive or negative.Universities are not generally supportive environments-I bet most ex-university students know of people who fell by the wayside

You said you want action. Re -treading old paths will get nowhere,you've made the realisation that therapy basically doesn't help unless it gives you the skills to help yourself

SKILLS will help you get access to voluntary work.The OU has a whole section on its help for disabled students.It is tough but you have superb course material, online/phone tutor access, tutorials locally and additional activities. Try looking at the subjects you got As for-try a different tack-social studies/literature.The OU now does short courses as well

Read the threads and consider your responses and those of others.Consider
-why the lack of motivation, do you really want to be at university
-how much funding time have you got left
-why did you 'suffer' in the job
-what therapies have you tried? If you're depressed are you getting medication?
-what are the positives in your situation?

I get the distinct impression that you know what you have to do.As I said ,read through your posts and the responses to them. No one and nothing will help unless you can seize control of your actions and perceptions

melancholly

sorry, can't face wading through another lot of epic posts of self pity. i know that sounds harsh but all i hear is someone refusing to look at themselves in any way and refusing to see that their behaviour may be part of the problem.

one phrase sticks out - "Regardless, if I pay them, they better do their job, whether or not I go on to quit". so many things i could say and so many that i won't.

another one to add to blocked posters, otherwise i won't be able to help myself but to read more posts that will get me frustrated!

eira

Just wondering what's happening as this is the end of the university year. The module results are usually in and exam results are pending. You will know what you have 'under your belt' points/qualification wise. This is decision time as to the best way forward. At least cast an eye over the alternatives-there's a time limit for course application

There has been some sterling advice on this thread, some from people who sound as if they've been there. There's courage in recognising that sometimes it's time to change the hamster wheel

Penelope_Penguin

caela wrote: »

I can't believe how slowly people are moving to accept mental health and it's problems- even the DWP themselves has only just, this year in 2010, altered their forms to address mental health as well as physical problems and they only even accepted mental health problems as a disability back in the mid 90s when an agrophobic took them to court.

I don;t know where you get this from? DLA, AA and IB forms have contained questions relating to mental helath descriptors for years.

Peekaboo

Ok, I'm here to give my 2 cents!

Basically, from what I see you like your course, you enjoy what you do, but its the intensity of the course that drains you. Is there an option to do it part-time? I know with my Uni they offer that with some courses - i don't know much about the course you are doing. If not, then can you transfer to another University that may offer a part-time alternative?

From what it seems - ignoring the whole mental issue side of it, which I can't comment on much - Your lacking in the concentration side of it. Part-time may help with that, but it's also probably useful to get a really set schedule going. Not overly so, I mean like leaving yourself plenty of time for sleep, even if you do nothing but lie in bed resting - it's what that time is for!

As far as communication goes - I'd avoid emails like the plague. My lecturer (who, admittedly, does go above and beyond) has an inbox full of emails, and I do occasionally get lost in translation, especially this time of year with exams and coursework to mark. Going in face-to-face, spending one day and talking to the people who are in ANY way involved in your situation may be able to clarify what the problem is, and the solutions available. This includes counsellors, therapists, classmates, lecturers, student support services EVERYTHING - i know you say you've exhausted it, but getting a wide variety of information from a variety of sources may be a good way of getting clarification of where the issues lie - you say it's communication, but perhaps you're just communicating with the wrong people?

I must say I feel, personally, that what you ask from lecturers is above and beyond what they can provide. I went through a lot in my 2nd year, and most of them gave me extensions, but thats all that they could do in the circumstances. There is only so far that mitigating circumstances can be pushed before they begin to resist you. Even with marking, I've had stuff back late, more often than not, and they go off to get moderated if the mark is particularly good, or an expected fail.

So, to summarise (lol):
Talk to anyone and everyone you can about your sitation
Consider part-time courses, OU distance learning is another one to consider, but as your problem is motivational (at a basic level) something less intensive might be best.
They do allow you gap years between years of study - I know a couple of people who did that. Perhaps just taking a break might help?
Are there any other routes into that field you want to work in? Short-courses that build up to the main qualification?
Just take a step back, allow yourself time to get frustrated and then just try to spend a few days getting into a routine you're happy with, frequent breaks, volunteering with cats I find the gym helps me get focused and makes me feel great! Weathers getting nice, so even just getting out in the sun would be a boost I imagine.
I know you said you exhausted therapy - but when was that? Don't you feel you've come on more since then? Even a tiny bit? Maybe that little extra could be a bonus to helping get things under control Maybe go without the express intention of getting help, but getting an opinion or a second pair of eyes to look at a situation - don't expect much from them and then even the littlest thing they say will come as a suprise and you might be able to find it useful :rotfl:


Apart from that there's not much more I can say - you do seem quite abrasive to those who are honestly trying to see things from your point of view, but we have the advantage of outside perspective - what may seem reasonable to one is unreasonable to another etc. Don't take it to heart - most don't mean it like that (written word is awful for emotions)!! You want action - you'll have to take it further than just emails. It's far more effective to be in their face and right there in front of them to get the stuff you want!!