Frequently Asked Questions

I’m feeling really stressed and I have all this work to do.  Help?

Don’t panic.
Work out how much you have to do, when it is due and if you will realistically be able to complete it.  Work out your priorities: you might be able to take some time off work or cut down on your social schedule to get the work done.  Draw up a time table so you can get through the study in bits and pieces.  Perhaps you need to talk to your faculty about an extension.  Make an appointment with the Learning Skills Advisors so that next time assignments are due you manage it better and avoid the huge build up of panic. 

I’ve been feeling really anxious and having trouble sleeping.  It seems to be getting worse.  Does this mean I have a mental illness?

Not necessarily. 
Everyone feels anxious at times and especially around exams, when big pieces of work are due, but sometimes the anxiety seems to happen for no apparent reason at all.  Mental illness is an umbrella term covering a wide range of illnesses and symptoms.  Symptoms can be occasional or feel like they hang around for the long term.  It is useful to talk to somebody about specific strategies to help make study and life in general less stressful.  

I’ve been diagnosed with a mental illness.  Does this mean I’m going to have to leave uni?  Will I have this for the rest of my life?

No. 
When treated appropriately and early, it is possible for many people to recover fully from most mental illness.  Many students experience a wide range of mental health symptoms from mild to severe.  Some are chronic, while others are short term.  For many students, having a mental illness is similar to having a physical illness that requires ongoing treatment, such as asthma, diabetes or arthritis.  Managing their condition allows them to study and to enjoy their life to the full.  Many who suffer even major mental illness manage to live quite ordinary lives, studying or working while continuing to receive treatment for their illness.  

Can anyone develop mental illness?

The causes of mental illness are unclear.  A predisposition to some mental illness such as schizophrenia, can run in families.  This doesn’t mean that if somebody in your close family has been diagnosed with a mental health condition that you will develop one too.  Many other factors come into the equation such as stress, bereavement, relationship breakdown, child abuse, unemployment, social isolation, accidents, life threatening illness and drug or alcohol abuse, which can contribute to the onset of mental illness.  This holds true for those with a history of mental illness in the family as well as for those where there is no history of mental illness. 

I’ve heard there is a new wonder drug and it makes people happier.  Is this true?

Every now and then the media will tout a new medication as the new ‘wonder drug’.  It is vital to understand that medication is carefully thought about before being prescribed.  You, your environment and your experiences all form a picture that is carefully considered when medication and dosage is recommended.  New developments in medication do not mean that a new drug is the best answer for you.  Always speak to your doctor about your medication – if you hear about something new and you are interested, discuss this with your doctor.