<p>I think it is worth reminding everyone that not everyone with a mental illness is suicidal or in any danger of harming themselves or others. I have a severe anxiety disorder and dysthymia and I have absolutely no problems with school or with anything and do not require any supervision or assistance. Life is hard, but I compensate for it and I take care of myself. I did want to make sure I attended a school that either granted ample access to counseling services or had a doctor in town I was comfortable with just in case I ended up needing it, and thus far I haven’t. If anything it makes me a better student because I have to take EXTRA care in getting enough sleep, eating well, exercising, and most importantly managing my stress. It isn’t as though there aren’t millions of mentally ill adults in the workforce and raising families who are still very functional despite their illness. Whether or not a mentally ill student can handle going to school depends greatly on the specific illness, the severity, and the ways in which it manifests. </p>
<p>I agree that these decisions need to be made with a therapist who is familiar with the patient’s symptoms. That is really the best way to handle these matters.</p>
<p>However, one other general idea that I thought of though (that my doctor forgot to mention) is making sure there is an affordable pharmacy nearby. At my fiance’s school his only option is the pharmacy at student health unless he wants to walk three miles, and it is much more expensive there than a walgreens or something would be for some reason. His antidepressants cost him $70 there and less than $20 at a regular pharmacy. And my school’s pharmacy doesn’t take out of state insurance so my roommate had to find a pharmacy in town to get her scripts filled. You want to make sure it is easy for you to get any medications you may be taking.</p>