 This is probably one of the first worries you have. Do I tell anyone? What if people find out? What will they say about me? Will I still have any friends? How will I look them in the eye?
There can be advantages and disadvantages to the disclosure of a mental health issue and a range of good and bad consequences. Mental illness can be an invisible disability and will manifest uniquely in each person.
Advantages of disclosure
Disclosure of mental health issues to friend, family and relevant university services may ensure that your time at university is positive. Mental health issues are not always obvious without you telling someone and disclosure can allow you to access the support you may need.
Some of the positive outcomes of disclosing are:
• being better understood and accepted
• getting referred to the right UWA services such as Uni Access, Counselling Services, Learning Skills Advisors or the Student Faculty Advisor
• increased emotional support from family and friends
• greater interest, care and follow-up from UWA staff
• not being seen as a ‘difficult or irresponsible’ student
• receiving correct advice on student rights and advocacy
Disadvantages of Disclosure
Unfortunately, myth and misinformation still surround mental health issues. In some instances disclosure results in stigma, in that people treat you differently or have a tendency to see you as your illness especially if they feel unsure about themselves or do not know anybody else with a mental illness.
As hard as it can be, remember this is their problem, not yours.
Some of the negative outcomes of disclosing can include:
• being misunderstood
• people putting a greater emphasis on your behaviour rather than you
• missing out on help that could come in very handy
• missing out on support and understanding from family and friends Things to think about when deciding to disclose or not to disclose
What is my purpose in disclosing?
Knowing what you want to achieve from telling people, can help you determine who you disclose to. It is not always important for everybody to know everything about you. You may choose to tell some people only part of the story and others more of the picture. You may feel OK about telling some people how you are feeling and what is happening for you. With others, you may choose only to let them know the problems you are having with your studies, rather than why you are having them. Who am I telling?
Some people disclose openly and liberally, others keep it on a ‘need to know’ basis. It is possible that friends, family and house mates may suspect that something is ‘not quite right’ and have been waiting for you to say something. It can be a relief for all to get it out in the open.
At UWA, the ethics of confidentiality provide you with some protection. Registering with Uni Access will ensure that the exact nature of your condition is kept confidential, while making sure that you still receive the learning supports you need. (They will however, require documentary evidence as to the nature of your mental health condition.) The UWA Counselling, Medical Centre and Learning Skills Advisors work under the same confidentiality code. What am I going to say?
Mental health issues affect people in many different ways. Describing your symptoms can assist in giving others a greater insight into the kinds of supports you need. For some people, such as Uni Access, documentation outlining your diagnosis is initially important, but ultimately they will be more interested in how your mental illness impacts on your ability to study than the name of your condition. In this way it is possible to apply for Special Consideration, Alternative Examinations or extensions to assignments with an appropriately worded letter from the Counselling Service, Medical Centre or Uni Access. Will this person tell anyone?
At UWA confidentiality is taken very seriously. University staff should tell you if they are planning to tell anybody else about your issues and why. For example, the Disability Office may inform your faculty that you are registered with them to ensure you are eligible for Alternative Examinations. Your diagnosis does not need to be mentioned, simply the fact that you are registered with Uni Access and a list of the study supports you need are all that is required. Confidentiality cannot be assured where it is believed that you are at risk to yourself or others, or if there is a legitimate concern for your wellbeing. While there are strict guidelines about confidentiality at UWA, friends are not always so discrete. If you are worried about other people knowing, it can be important to be selective in whom you tell. If this is an issue for you, think about who you tell and also what you tell them. Perhaps having another read of the above few paragraphs will help you sort this bit out. | 
