Mental health advice and support

Do I need to declare my mental health issues?

Many students can be concerned about declaring a mental health difficulty and worry this may be seen negatively or that they may be labelled in an unhelpful way. However, there is legislation to protect from this sort of discrimination.

When a student declares that they have a mental health difficulty the University of Exeter has a responsibility to provide the best support and advice to the student.

Students may also be unsure about declaring as they feel their mental health difficulty is not a ‘disability’. However the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA, 1995/ 2005) recognises mental health difficulties as a ‘disability’ and therefore a legitimate reason for students to require and access additional support as well as reasonable adjustments while studying. ‘Reasonable adjustments’ have to be considered to enable a student to access their course with more equality and put the student on a ‘level playing field’ with their peers.

Declaring your mental health difficulties may entitle you to:

• An assessment with a member of the Wellbeing Services team to look at your individual health and study needs
• An individual learning plan which outlines guidance and recommendations to your academic school in relation to your individual needs
• Reasonable adjustments, e.g. special exam arrangements, specific accommodation, field trip support
• Disabled Students Allowance
• Additional support whilst at university

Remember, if you have support needs and you have not informed the relevant people the university may not be able to meet these needs effectively.