Students with Mental Health Conditions

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Students with Mental Health Conditions

Mental health difficulties are as common as heart disorders and three times more common than cancer. Although figures and definitions vary, it is clear that thousands of people in Ireland will themselves encounter difficulties, or know someone encountering difficulties.

Mental health difficulties include anxiety, obsessions, phobias, depression, bipolar depression, eating disorders and schizophrenia. Many difficulties are temporary and may respond to rest, counselling or medication. Individuals may also experience long term difficulties which are interspersed with periods of good and poor health. The most common symptoms of mental health difficulties are social withdrawal and depression.

Impact on Learning

A Student with a Mental Health Condition may:

Have difficulties concentrating during class
Be unable to organise their time effectively
Be unable to complete assignments on time
Be absent from college for prolonged periods
Have problems attending class or studying due to side effects of medication, e.g. drowsiness, gastrointestinal upsets

Guidelines for Supporting Students with Mental Health Conditions

Refer to the Inclusive Teaching and Assessment guidelines.
Assessments, particularly when formal (assignments and examinations), can be stressful and cause the student to perform below standard. Practice, reassurance and possible extensions on assignments may help a student to overcome this.
For many students, a condition may be variable and they may experience periods of particular difficulty. This may require some understanding and flexibility.
The combined effects of medication and the disturbed sleeping patterns of many people with mental health difficulties can affect a student’s ability to participate and to keep up-to-speed with college work. Flexibility around deadlines is recommended.
People are not always willing to open up about their problems but you can help by offering to listen whenever they feel ready to talk.
If you do not feel equipped to help, encourage them to talk to a professional or expert. Offer to arrange an appointment with the Maynooth University Student Counselling Service, Disability Office or the Student Health Centre.
For more information please see the Maynooth University Student Mental Health & Wellbeing Policy.

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