[turquoisesea]

Hey everyone. I'm finally mostly-moved-in to my new apartment! It's my boyfriend and one "apartment-mate". There are two bedrooms and TONS of living space. It's wonderful. I took sometime to get used to the roomie and to get internet (so I haven't been online as much).


I have started school. I had a hard first and second day of school because I took time off which means I know almost no one in my classes =(
As time goes by I'm feeling better =)

Today I found out that I probably need to sign some kind of "contract". Something about my mental illness even though my therapist sent a letter saying I was ok to go back and it was in my best interests. I hate the school I'm going to because they treat people with any history of mental illness like crap. It makes me sad, it makes me cry, and it makes me want to leave the school.
Also I can't have a test for a special certificate since I'm "off-sequence" which I was hoping to do since Freshman year. I guess that's how it goes but it's a bit disappointing.

So I'm a mix... sad at time because of these things but I'm also well enough for now to take classes. I've been practicing and am hoping to figure these things out - I can't stand being treated like a sub-standard human - I would never treat anyone like that just for having been sick!


To all my friends here - I have missed you and am sorry I haven't been here for the past few weeks!

You are succeeding. Good for you.

[justfloating]

((((((((((turquoisesea))))))))))))

Welcome back!!!

[idontknow13]

(((((turquoisesea)))))
So glad to know you are doing ok, that is great news, glad to know you are back in school and happy about your new digs, you deserve all the good things that are happening to you.
So glad to hear from you, Keep posting

[lonegael]

Step by step, you're moving forward! Great job! Don't let some of this stupid burocratic stuff wear you down. Think just, it's in their job description to be offensive and annoying and they'd probably get fired if they aren't :-)
Think of you and very glad that your apartment issue cleared itself up! Huggs!

[Rohag]

Glad to hear again from you, Turquoisesea, and relieved you're back on course! Wishing you successful studies!

Originally Posted by turquoisesea

...I found out that I probably need to sign some kind of "contract". Something about my mental illness...they treat people with any history of mental illness like crap. It makes me sad, it makes me cry, and it makes me want to leave the school.

You are rightly upset. Do your best to keep documentation on all your dealings with the institution. I'm no lawyer, but it's possible your school may be violating state or federal laws. The following folks might know:

• National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
• ADS Center (Resource Center to Address Discrimination and Stigma established by the US federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration - SAMHSA)

[turquoisesea]

Thank you everyone

Think just, it's in their job description to be offensive and annoying and they'd probably get fired if they aren't :-)

That actually really helps =D

Also thanks for the advice Rohag - I will look into these things. One problem I've had with keeping documentation is that alot of things are delt with verbally. For instance, I don't have proof that I asked for but was denied information about medical leave when I was forced to go on it. Is there any way to have "proof" for this, or get documentation for verbal things?
I've thought about trying to record any meetings with administration with a voice recorder I own for recording my music.....

Thanks again everyone *hugs to all*

[sanityseeker]

My advice is to document everything. Don't make verbal request but rather make them in writing and ask for a response in writing. Same thing if they request something from you. Ask them to put it in writing. You can also ask for a copy of the school policies if you are concerned their request might be unreasonable or unfair.

Recording conversations seems a little James Bondy to me. lol. You would probably need to ask their permission and then you might just as well ask for the communication in writing.

[sunflower55]

I've thought about trying to record any meetings with administration with a voice recorder I own for recording my music.....

Please do be careful here.
In RI, where I live, you must ask permission to record people.
And be sure to get that permission ON the recording if they give it too!
If not, you are violating their rights. *You* are in legal trouble.
Each state has their own laws on this matter, so, that's why you need to use caution.
But, getting the permission on tape is pretty safe.

Getting the school policies is good practice.
So is asking for things in writing and requesting written responses.

Of course, we all know how difficult this can be when you are sick to begin with. So, if you have someone who can help during a difficult period, someone who will protect your interests, that would be great.

Best wishes on your classes and your new apartment!

Peace!

[Berries]

(((((((((((turquoisesea))))))))))

I'm so happy for all the good things in your life now.

Sorry about the negative things. But you seem strong enough to handle them.

Good for you! You've really worked hard in your recovery.

KUDOS

[turquoisesea]

Thank you so much everyone =)

Sunflower, thank you for the advice about the recording. I looked up New York State Laws and it *looks* like it's legal to record without the other persons direct consent in a face-to-face setting as long as I am the other part of the conversation. I'm not 100% sure, so i'l double check before I take any action.


((((((Berries))))))))))

sanityseeker - yes I'll have to try to keep better documentation - I'm not so good at that )

[sanityseeker]

Hi Tourquois... one advantage in asking for documentation is that it ensure you are given accurate information and that actions are taken in accordance with policy. Your diliegence will ensure their diligence.

Good luck.