This article was written by Bridget Ryan (she/her, they/them) using their own experience as well as the opinions and experiences of others on Twitter who identify as chronically ill or disabled.
Disclaimer: this piece is specific to the author’s experience. Not everyone’s experience with chronic physical or mental health conditions is the same. I have ADHD, major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder and other comorbidities. I also have some sort of undiagnosed inflammatory disorder and hypermobility-type Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS).
As someone who lives with several chronic physical and mental health conditions, I know that that experience can be very isolating, frustrating and difficult, especially in an academic setting. Entering college can be a difficult process for any person. The classes are different, you’re living on your own for the first time, you’re in a new environment. The stress of being a college student can create the perfect storm for flare-ups of chronic illnesses. Here are some tips that I have gathered over the past four years to navigate college as a chronically ill person.
1. Get a planner. And USE IT.
I honestly recommend this to any college student. Planners have been an absolute godsend to me since I began college. I have ADHD and a lot of brain fog, so I have a tendency to forget where I’m supposed to be and when. My planner has really helped with this. I usually get a school year planner from Office Max or another office supply store. The one I use has a calendar for each month, along with a few pages between each month, with about ⅓ of a page for each day of the month to write whatever you please. When I was more motivated, I used to use color coordinated gel pens for different events (e.g., work, clubs, classes, doctor’s appointments).
2. Plan days and times to shower and wash your hair, even when you really don’t want to.
When I am in the middle of a flare, the last thing I want to do is shower. However, I have to say that showering does make me feel better. Having a set day and time helps me a lot.
3. Invest in things that will make your life easier.
As a comorbidity of my EDS, I also have dysautonomia. I get really nauseous and lightheaded when I shower. Sometimes I start to pass out. I have a shower chair for this purpose. It took me a long time to really allow myself to buy a shower chair and use it. It felt lazy, and it was like I was admitting to myself that I was disabledwhich I was ashamed of because I didn’t have a diagnosis.
It is not shameful to be disabled. It is not shameful to use products that will help you. It is not lazy to use something that you need, and you aren’t lazy for needing it.
A few other things that have helped me out:a pill organizer (I have multiple weekly ones so that I only have to set out my meds once per month and I know which meds I need to refill a few weeks ahead of time), braces (for the times I sprain joints like my wrists, ankles and knees). I am also in the process of acquiring a mobility aid. My chronically ill friends have recommended a bed desk as well—but this is something that is up to personal preference (for me, it just makes me sleepy to do work in bed, but for others it’s really helpful!)
4. If you have the resources, get help when you need it.
It isn’t shameful to need help! If you are having a hard time, there are resources available. Student Health, University Counseling and Disability Services are some great resources.
5. Register with Disability Services
Unfortunately,you will need an official diagnosis to register with Disability Services. If you do have access to a therapist or doctor who could write a letter with your diagnoses, use this to register. Even if you do not need accommodations now, it’ll help you in the future if you do end up needing some. Register for every accommodation you think you might need, just in case.
Flexible attendance and assignment deadlines have been really useful for me personally.
6. If you need it or want it, use the University Counseling Center.
You get 10 free sessions with the University Counseling Center as part of your tuition! If you need or want to go to counseling, give them a call.
7. Have an open, honest conversation about what you need from your professors.
Many of the professors I’ve worked with have been really understanding about my illness. Of course, not all professors are understanding. Disability Services can definitely help you in talking to your professors. In the case that you have a professor who will not work with you, talk to Disability Services. Professors should make accommodations for their disabled students. Accommodations level the playing field and bridge the gap in accessibility.
8. Do not take on more than you can handle.
It is so easy to take on more than you can handle. Little tasks and requests accumulate into a lot of effort. Learning to say no and set personal boundaries is really important, especially if you have limited energy. Be gentle with yourself. Learn what you can do and what you cannot do.
9. Do not be afraid to ask for what you need.
Ableism is rampant in academia. Asking for what you need can be really hard, especially when there is a fear of rejection or judgment. Asking for what you need is not demanding, or selfish.