Interacting with Persons with
Disabilities: Part VI: Mental Illness
There are many simple things you can do to ensure effective and productive
interactions with individuals with disabilities. The following are some practical tips for
interacting with persons with mental illness.
What does it mean if someone has a mental illness?
One in 5 Canadians, or 20% of the population, experiences a mental illness in their
lifetimei. In recent years, through university counselling centres and health services,
universities have identified an increase in the number and complexity of mental
illnesses present on campus.
Mental illness is often not obvious to others; typically you do not know if someone has a
mental illness unless the individual chooses to disclose to you. Individuals with mental
illness may find it difficult to disclose their disability to those in the academic
environment due to fear of stereotyping and misconceptions, fear of being treated
differently (stigma), fear of not being seen as competent, or for other reasons. Because
of the episodic nature of mental illness, people with mental illness may go through
periods of acute illness and through periods of stability and success.
If you are aware of a person’s mental illness, it should not affect the way you interact
with them. However, if someone is experiencing difficulty in controlling their symptoms
or behaviour, or is in a crisis, you may need to help out. In these situations, it is best to
stay calm and professional and let the person tell you how you can be most helpful.
The following instructional strategies will help create an environment that is inclusive to
people who live with mental illness.
Suggestions for interacting with persons who have mental health disabilities:
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Treat a person with a mental health disability with the same respect and
consideration that you do anyone else.
Be confident and reassuring. Listen carefully and work with the person to meet
their needs.
If someone appears to be in a crisis, ask them to tell you how you can be most
helpful. However, in an acute crisis situation, seek emergency help
immediately.
Learn about the resources available on campus or in the community to assist
persons with mental health disabilities.
If you are unsure whether or not to intervene, seek appropriate supports on your
campus.
Source: A guide for professors – Minimizing the impact of learning obstacles
(http://www.sass.uottawa.ca/access/professors/
To obtain this document in an alternative format, please contact:
Council of Ontario Universities
180 Dundas Street West, Suite 1100, Toronto ON M5G 1Z8
Tel: 416-979-2165 | [email protected] | Fax: 416-979-8635 | Web: www.cou.on.ca |
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Center for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH). Mental Health and Addiction Statistics, quoting Health
Canada, A Report in Mental Illness in Canada, 2002.