Do I need to inform my new college of my mental illness?

Question

I'm still being diagnosed atm, but I know I have some kind of personality disorder/possibly schizophrenia, as well as OCD and very bad anxiety/panic attacks. Because of this I sometimes have difficulty in normal social situations, and towards the end of my last school term I was passing out and having horrible panic attacks and crying spells very frequently.

I start college in a couple of weeks and I wondered if you are supposed to let them know about mental illness in the same way you are supposed to if you have other disabilities such as learning difficulties and behavioral problems?

It mentions on the disability form about autism and ME, but not about other mental illness.

I'm actually really worried about it, because it is very much at the level where I can't live every day life the way other people can and I don't want it to ruin my chances of enjoying college.

Help please. :/

Answer 1

I would defiantly tell them. if something happened and they did not know it could cause more problems.  

Answer 2

It would be a good idea. They may have resources that you could use to help you cope w/ school.

Answer 3

Let's start at the beginning.

I very much believe you when you say you have had panic attacks, but what about the "some kind of personality disorder/possibly schizophrenia"? Especially the latter is a very serious mental health problem and I would advice you to have that checked by a professional. It seems you are already getting that done, so I'd honestly wait until you have some sort of result. :)

If your panic attacks occur frequently and really affect your daily live at school, you should let a school counsellor know -just in case-. It would certainly be helpful to have somebody at the school know and to have somebody you can go and talk to if required, who then already knows about you. If you are undergoing treatment of whatever sort with a professional therapist you should be on the safe side with that and improve over time; so hopefully anxiety issues and panic attacks will occur less frequently and not affect you to such an extent in the future.

All the very best. :)

Answer 4

yes unfortunately you have to let them know if this.  They just have to know and you can still enjoy college to its fullest! :]