University and mental illness.

I'm a first year physics student, who's been suffering from depression, self harm and anorexia for the past ten years.
This week, I finally plucked up my courage and went to the university mental health team.
They've recommended that I go to my GP and get a formal diagnosis.
I'm not sure how I feel about it. I mean, I'm glad my suffering has been validated, and now I know that I really am mentally ill. At the same time I'm frightened that I might end up in a mental institution, on medication, or in hospital, none of which I want to happen.
Do you think I should go to my GP? I may even get financial support from the university if I get a diagnosis.
Thanks, Lycantia.

[offlineforever]

I would advise you do. The uni seem keen to be willing to help and support you with this. The support they are on about is (Disabled Student Allowance) DSA, which a lot of people with MH issues are entitled too.

I don't know if you are aware of the fact that there is a Uni Student thread on RYL, I've added the link, feel free to pop in and discuss stuff to do with university.

http://www.recoveryourlife.com/forum...d.php?t=148239

[Too Shy]

I agree with Doctor Colbertface, I would recommend that you do speak to them.

They won't be wanting to put you in hospital, they're there to help you, and there are lots of options that they might give you for treatment - they may suggest medication but even if they do you have the right to say no (I've been having treatment and therapy on and off for eight years now and never had medication), and they might offer you support e.g. counselling, psychological therapy, and the support you need for uni.

There are all sorts of things the university can put in place to help you if you get a formal diagnosis or a letter from your GP as evidence - financial support if necessary, a mentor, concessions and extensions if you're struggling, etc etc.

So yes, I would definitely suggest speaking to them. :)

x

[EMH]

I agree with above, go and see your GP. Theyre not going to do anything extreme like put you in hospital, they want to help you get stable and carry on with your uni course. You dont have to take meds if you dont want to, ask if you can just speak to a counseller instead?
Hope everything goes okay.

[tiptoes]

I'd recommend speaking to your GP and any pastoral supervisors you have.
I've had issues through out my undergrad and now through my phd. Help through my GP/NHS in combination with university and departmental provision really can make the difference between stumbling along and managing.

[random.swirls]

Definately speak to your GP.

They won't contemplate putting you in hospital unless you really need to be there and from what you've put here it doesn't sound like this is the case. There is a lot of help that they can offer so I would highly reccomend it

Good luck

[black_sheep]

yep - all the above. i did it & got good support from both uni & gp. they won't force you to go anywhere & get ur consent b4 contacting ne1. u might not even know what support u can get untl u speak 2 them - & they can get the ball rolling quicker for u. (sorry 4 txt speak typing - v tired)