There’s an online myth that people with mental health conditions cannot do school work, office work or daily tasks. Nothing could be further from the truth. And some affected, like my patient Shraddha, who battled bipolar disorder, are examples of how support and therapy can improve and motivate a person to excel in life.
The fact is mental health issues encompass a broad spectrum of over 200 diagnosable conditions, ranging from schizophrenia to sexual dysfunctions and from anxiety-depressive disorders to dementia. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 1 in 8 people globally live with a mental health condition. Though there are certain conditions like neuro-developmental or neuro-cognitive disorders that do adversely affect schoolwork, office work or daily tasks, the belief that all mental disorders affect mental capabilities is wrong.
A 2020 study in the Journal of Psychiatric Research found that students with mental health conditions who received appropriate support had comparable graduation rates to their peers.
Shraddha was diagnosed with bipolar disorder at 20 while pursuing her second year of medicine. She had irritable moods throughout the day interspersed with spikes of intense activity levels. She could not sleep beyond three hours daily. Normally a shy girl, she suddenly took to socialising and became an online shopaholic. She even developed paranoid beliefs against her father, suspecting that he was cheating on her mother and having an extramarital affair, just like her classmates’ parents, who subsequently divorced.
She even failed her first-year exams. This was followed by an episode where Shraddha felt significantly depressed and guilty, with feelings of worthlessness. She reported being fatigued all the time, having difficulty concentrating and struggling to find interest in the studies she once enjoyed. Some of her professors even questioned her ability to continue her medical education as she missed study schedules.
Ultimately Shraddha was diagnosed with the milder Bipolar 1 Disorder. The treatment plan consisted of medications and psychotherapy. Shraddha was given medications to stabilise her moods. She also attended weekly cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) or talk therapy sessions, which helped her develop coping strategies for managing her stress and time. The psychologist interacted with Shraddha’s professors so that she could have some flexible deadlines and attend only important lectures or join them virtually if needed till she managed time better. She was encouraged to build a network of understanding friends and mentors who provided emotional support and practical help, such as sharing notes or helping with study sessions.
Despite the initial challenges, Shraddha thrived academically with the support she received and graduated with honours. Not only that, she earned a scholarship programme to pursue a master’s degree in her chosen field of study in the UK. She became a member of her university’s mental health awareness club and shared her story to inspire others and promote understanding about bipolar disorder.
Shraddha’s story demonstrates that individuals with mental illness can achieve remarkable academic success when given the right resources and support. Flexible academic policies can make a significant difference in enabling students with mental health conditions to succeed. Regular counselling sessions, a strong support system of friends, family, and mentors can help counteract stigma and provide encouragement.
All people with these conditions need is a guided nudge to understand and achieve their potential.
(Dr Ajinkya is psychiatrist at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Mumbai)
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