Quote:
Originally Posted by Maven
A few weeks ago, I decided I'd contact my college counselor to let her know I have some issues with using the library because of my OCD. I didn't want to make it known that I have mental problems, but I thought maybe the counselor could help me explain to professors if they want the class to do a paper(s) and use the library for research, that I have OCD issues and it's really a major problem for me to touch used books, and be in the library itself. I wasn't trying to say I shouldn't have to do the papers, but I wanted to see if I could get an exception to using the library for papers and reports, instead using other resources. Last fall, we were expected to do a paper and use at least one book from the library. I didn't complete that class.
The counselor asked what I expected her to ask: "Can't you wear rubber gloves?" Besides the fact that being inside the library is dirty to me itself, have you tried wearing rubber gloves and trying to make sure your exposed wrists, arms and even clothing doesn't come in contact with the book, especially if it's a thick one? Often, you'll look through more than one book. Sitting at the tables would be a problem, and I'd have to do some writing or taking notes. Try wearing rubber gloves, holding a pen to paper, and trying to keep your wrists and arms from touching the table (so your arms would be lifted while keeping your hand on the paper to write). It's not as easy as it sounds, and it's all too easy to make a mistake, and--POOF!--now you have to wash and go through an annoying OCD ritual, plus try not to touch your car or other property with the area of skin or clothing that got "dirty". For some reason, I didn't go into all that. I didn't want to sound like a whiner or that I'm unreasonable. I told the counselor that I couldn't even be inside the library without feeling dirty, though.
She told me there was nothing she could do for me, and that I should use my obligations in the library as "exposure therapy". I've come a long way with my OCD, but exposure therapy doesn't work that simply. And I don't need to get all stressed out with my OCD while I'm stressed out trying to get my work done!
Also, this may be nothing, but I sent an email to a potential art professor to explain I had OCD and asked if it would be all right if I used rubber gloves when we worked with charcoal (if we did). I'd still struggle with trying to keep my skin and clothes away from the paper, but I figured I'd ask this. The first time I emailed him, at which time I didn't mention the OCD, he got back to me the very next day. This time, after telling him about the OCD, he hasn't written back yet. As I said, it may be nothing, but this isn't the first time I've mentioned having a mental illness and suddenly getting the cold shoulder.
What do you think about telling counselors and professors about your mental illnesses?
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I have a friend that has an autoimmune disease where he was unable to come in contact with anything outside his sterile environment (his home) basically a bubble boy during his childhood. As an adult he is able to be out in the community but because of his autoimmune disease he must limit his contact with germs as much as possible.
he is a college student. some college students who dont have a problem with germs dont realize that even getting a bottle of soda or cup of coffee from the lunch room or vending machine is a disaster waiting to happen germ wise. he cant even pick up a bottle of his favorite sode, tea, or coffee..use someone elses pen or use his own after its been dropped, not happening...
how he handles objects that have not been sterilized and being in environments where there are germs and people sneezing, wiping their noses, coughing, spitting when they talk and all that gross stuff many of us take for granted is by
....wearing a face mask over his nose and mouth.
.....he carries with him a disposable plastic rain poncho,
....hospital rubber gloves (yes they make some that go clear up the arm right up to the arm pits and they are relatively inexpensive when you consider the expense that it takes should a germ reek havoc in his body...)
he does not shake hands and requires his friends not to hug, or touch unless they don a pair of his gloves..
each time he leaves a classroom or library or lunch room off comes the worn poncho/gloves /mask and on goes a new sterile set.
all he had to do to get permission for this accommodation to his health issue was fill out the required forms with the registrars office. his instructors automatically received a private note from the registrars office that they had a student that fits the ADA for special accommodations and what his needs were.
so all his instructors know not to hand him anything unless he has his "protective gear" on. they dont make a big issue out of it at all. sometimes a student will stare so my friend uses the time during the first session of every class to introduce himself and explain about his "protective gear".
he isnt the only student at this college that has to wear "protective gear" of some kind some people wear face masks for allergies or colds, others wear gloves...
yes wearing protective gear can be a challenge at first but those I know with autoimmune diseases, OCD, allergies and what not tell me its well worth it.
by the way he gets his up to the arm pit gloves through a medical supply store in town.