University- being labeled as disabled

[-Shae-Lynn*]

My mom called the secretary of student services and they had this long talk about me.
She said that if I can get my psychiatrist to label me as disabled then university life will be much better. I'll be able to make accommodations so that life is a lot easier. I've been diagnosed with Borderline personality disorder which can be pretty debilitating at times but I'm not sure if I want to be labeled as disabled...

What do you guys think? I think it's worth it, if I can get labeled.

[rockaroni]

To be fair, its not a label that's written on your head with big shiny letters. I'm classed at uni as having a disability, due to BPD/depression (and mild dyslexia). Its really not that big a deal to deal with having a label and all the advantages (so to speak) that come with it. So far its helped me with accomodation (I've had to move back into halls in my second year due to problems in a student house), assignments (2 week extention if necessary), exams (seperate room, rest breaks, 25% extra time) and equipment (free computer/printer/scanner/dictaphone/internet/other stuff). So if you can get the status, it's probably worth your time and will help your time at uni no end.

[Snow White.]

Not sure you if you want to be labeled as having a disability. Hmm. I sortof understand your point, however there is nothing wrong with being disabled (in any form) it simply means you might need extra accommodations to help you achieve to your best standard. It's there to help you, I say go for it.

Being labeled as disabled doesn't necessarily mean you can't get out of bed and get to uni; you said yourself the condition can be pretty debilitating at times and sometimes illness/disabilitys are not constant, they ebb and flow, and I think that it's a great thing to get the uni aware and get all the support you need (for the worst case scenario). Even if you think you're doing okay now, better safe than sorry.

My uni has been amazing since I registered with the disability resource centre, helping me with assignments and the like. (At the time I registered I was actually recovered from depression but registered "just in case".. I relapsed a month later and was so greatful I had the insight to register and get their support!)

I really think you should try and get their help because as said above it will help you at uni a great amount, and you deserve to have all the conditions made for you to be able to do your best :)

[lozza]

I am also registered with the disability unit at uni....
I find its really helpful cuz not only do I get help where needed... but most of the time my disability worker from uni is able to arrange everything on my behalf which I find for me makes it way less stressful

[rainbowicdarkness]

If you think it will help, go for it. I'm one of those people who refuses to get help until the Dean makes me(which he has), so I personally wouldn't do it (but then again, I won't admit that I need help with my learning disorder either). But the people I know who have done it willingly, have been able to do much better with the help, than if they would have done without it. Their studies approved and the like, it's actually pretty neat.

[-Shae-Lynn*]

Thank you everyone.
I'm going to get the forms filled out and see what happens :)

[CherryDarling]

Maybe it's the way they worded it? I am registered with the disability office at Uni to get extra support. My psych didn't have to specifically say I was 'disabled' it was more they needed proof of my condition. So I never really thought about it as a lable. Truth be told mental health problems can be disabling and the support I got from Uni was so awesome it was worth it.

[Entropy]

I know what you mean, my senior tutor at uni today said that if I get diagnosed with a long term condition she wants to put me in touch with the disability services at uni so I can get some support. It sounds scary to me too but I know that people just want to help.

[sherlock holmes]

When I apply for uni I shall mark myself as having a mental health disability. I did the same when applying for college. I didnt think anything of it really, I cant say if I will or wont need extra support but it's nice knowing it's there.

[Snowdrop]

I'm down as having a mental health disability. They won't treat you differently because of it or anything, it'll just be so they know and can support you when needed :)

[dark faery princess]

Quote:

Originally Posted by rockaroni

To be fair, its not a label that's written on your head with big shiny letters. I'm classed at uni as having a disability, due to BPD/depression (and mild dyslexia). Its really not that big a deal to deal with having a label and all the advantages (so to speak) that come with it. So far its helped me with accomodation (I've had to move back into halls in my second year due to problems in a student house), assignments (2 week extention if necessary), exams (seperate room, rest breaks, 25% extra time) and equipment (free computer/printer/scanner/dictaphone/internet/other stuff). So if you can get the status, it's probably worth your time and will help your time at uni no end.

Says it all really! I'm classed as having a disability, but it's not due to BPD (which I also have) it'sa physical thing for me. Like everyone else has said, it's just to give you extra support. PM me if you wanna know anything, I'm in my third year now x

[dark faery princess]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aimee in Wonderland

there is nothing wrong with being disabled (in any form)

Oh how I wish everyone thought like that, then there would be less stigma attached to disability and people would feel less ashamed and able to ask for help when needed

x

[DannieGirl]

i have bpd too and i told my college when i started this years course and they have been so so supportive, my attendace is below 50% and i've not been kicked off the course. letting them know can help. but it's up to you