I Chose To Disclose
Our campaign to encourage people to disclose their mental health condition to their education provider.
Take part
We would like people who have disclosed (shared information about their mental health condition with their education provider) to take part in the 'I Chose to Disclose' campaign!
We will be sharing stories from those who have disclosed a mental health condition via our social media accounts and website.
We'll be targeting cohorts of students we know are under-represented in disclosure statistics, such as men and BAME students and hope to build a bank of positive case studies to share.
If you would like to help us promote our campaign, please download and use our resources by clicking on the link at the bottom of the page.
You can see some examples of stories we have shared in our Blog, under the 'Disclosure' category.
If you are a student, or have graduated within the last five years, and would like to take part, please complete our short form below. We'll be asking you to share your experiences in a format you feel comfortable with.
If you would like to include a photo or image, you will need to email this separately to: [email protected]
- Please remember that our aim is to encourage more students to disclose by sharing the benefits!
- We understand not everyone' experience of seeking support is great - we encourage you to feedback directly to the service involved, or speak to your Students' Union for advice.
Background
Although there has been a huge increase in the numbers of students disclosing mental health conditions over the past five years, a Unite Students Insight Report (2019) identified that of all students who had mental health issues only 53% disclosed their issues to university. This shows that figures of student mental health are underestimated.
Furthermore, an Office for Students insight brief on mental health (2019) revealed that females were 2% more likely than males to report their mental health difficulties to their university. This report also highlighted that students from an Asian background were the least likely to disclose their mental health difficulties.
There is also research to indicate that students/applicants in certain subject areas such as medicine and dentistry and some high tariff and vocational courses are less likely to disclose (Grant et al. 2013; UCAS, 2021; Robertson et al., 2022).
Reports suggest that one barrier to disclosing could be the lack of clarity within the process of disclosure. For more information about this please see our webpage Disclosing a mental health condition.
Our 'I Chose To Disclose' campaign was launched in 2017 to try and dispel myths associated with the perceived dangers and disadvantages of disclosure, and equip current and prospective students with mental health conditions to make an informed and confident decision about sharing information with their university about their mental health.
Read more about our campaign in two recent UMHAN articles: a UMHAN blog written by Charity Manager, Sam Gamblin and a blog for the think tank HEPI by UMHAN's Rachel Spacey and Sam Gamblin for University Mental Health Day, 2024.
Why is it important?
The main purpose of encouraging disclosure of mental health conditions and other disabilities is to ensure that students are able to access additional support they may be entitled to while studying. While not all students who share information about their mental health will need support from specialist services, generally those with conditions deemed to be substantial, long-term and recurring will be entitled to receive Disabled Students' Allowances support. Additionally, these students are protected by the Equality Act 2010, and should be able to access a range of adjustments designed to 'level the playing field' - for example, exam accommodations, alternative assessments or flexible deadlines. And for those students unsure as to whether their condition meets these criteria, disclosure can be a way of finding out.
Half of all mental health issues appear around the age of 15 and then 75% by the age of 24, therefore, for many students their years in education are also a time when they may be coming to terms with a new diagnosis, a mental health condition may be emerging and/or they may be accessing external support for their mental health. By disclosing a mental health condition, students are put in contact with the appropriate support staff professionals at their school/college/ university, and provided with any necessary support. This may include risk/safety planning, liaison with local NHS services, 1-1 support, exam and other teaching/learning accommodations.
UMHAN members, for example, provide student-centred, empowering and empathetic support to students with mental health conditions. In our most recent Member Survey 2023 Specialist Mental Health Mentors describe their most effective strategies which include listening to students, building relationships and employing support strategies tailored to the individual whether that be in relation to their mental health needs or academic needs. Mental Health Advisers often liaise with university staff and departments; provide advice, guidance and signposting to relevant services and help students develop coping strategies.
The Government has recognised that for young people with mental health conditions, early intervention is vital in ensuring their long term health and to stop issues escalating (Dept. of Health and Dept. for Education, 2017).
Our campaign
We want to:
- Increase the information available for current and prospective students about what happens if you disclose a mental health condition to the university
- Remove the barriers and empower students to make an informed decision about whether they choose to disclose or decide not to
- Dispel myths associated with the perceived dangers and disadvantages of disclosure
- Highlight the wide range of support available.
There is no right or wrong decision in disclosing and it is a unique and individual choice.
However, seeking support from a university had a positive or very positive effect on work/study for 78% of students and 74% of staff who had chosen to disclose according to a report from the Equality Challenge Unit (2015).
