[Nike007]

Hello. So I'll give you a background story about why before everyone states that the principal isn't allowed to do that.

So for school, I'm going to Europe to play with my band. It's a ten day trip and is going to be exciting but kinda anxious about it, but not the main issue of what I'm going at. But last night, the school had a information night about the trip and the itinerary and what we need to bring etc.. Then after 45 mins, my principal starts to talk about things. I was doing great, other than worrying about being pickpocketed, but I explained that in a different post. Anyways, and she says that you should let the staff know of any medical conditions. Because of the screwed us society, mental illness does not equal medical conditions normally. But then the principal said that that her statement includes mental illnesses and if you have one, you need to tell her. She gave a story about another student who had a mental illness and couldn't be at a meeting like this is what she said. I assumed she has social anxiety disorder or agoraphobia because it was a big, empty cafeteria that has a bunch of people. I assumed rightly or wrongly so. Not important again. But then it got me thinking "do I need to tell the principal?" One of the staff knows (which is my wonderful music teacher). So after the talk was done, we needed to get pictures done for a yearbook or whatever. So as I walked over there, I asked my music teacher if I needed to tell the principal about my illnesses. She said it would be fine not to because she knows. But then the next day, she came up to me and said I should tell the principal because if something happens like I get a panic attack and she doesn't know, she may freak out and get upset or angry. And maybe get mad at music teacher because she knew and didn't tell the principal. And since I like my music teacher a lot, I agreed to do so, and also because I don't want someone angry at me in the future, especially if I am having a panic attack, which I have a 99% chance since I have to perform three times on this trip with a 18 bar solo. I get panic attacks already. But I like playing so I deal with it. Anyways, so later today after my music teacher told me to do so, I booked a meeting with the principal. I have to wait not this Monday but next Monday since this Monday is part of the Ontario school system holiday called "March break". You have no school for a week.

Anyways, kinda freaking out. I don't really want the principal know, mainly because I don't know her. But I will keep my word to my music teacher, along with other factors, and tell the principal. Also, it's for safety and health concern. Again, would someone hide their illness if they had diabetes? No. Mental illness has stigma. So I am scared. But I find that teachers especially usually have better views on the "new" world compared to average because of exposure to kids. My music teacher doesn't discriminate against me for having MI. She helps me out a lot. So I feel better. But the way the principal said her story, I felt like she was mocking MI slightly. Like, this person couldn't be in a room like this. Just the tone of voice and everything, but I may have read that wrong due to bad interpretation of social cues. I always feel MI is mocked. I wish it wasn't.

So I am scared not only because it's about MI, but because I have at least three, but three currently DXed mental illnesses and I don't want her to think I'm "insane" because I have three. I am really worried about this. How should I approach the situation? How should I prepare? Thanks for your help .

Social anxiety disorder, GAD, OCD, and panic attacks

Lexapro, 10 mg

[unaluna]

Remember you also have rights. I dont know what they are exactly, but you probably have some, like to not be discriminated against. Dont worry about what the principal's personal attitude might be.

[notz]

Will you be seeing your therapist before the meeting with the principal? (I'm assuming you have one) You could discuss this with them. They may have prior experience with such a dilemma.

[Nike007]

Originally Posted by notz

Will you be seeing your therapist before the meeting with the principal? (I'm assuming you have one) You could discuss this with them. They may have prior experience with such a dilemma.

No. I won't be. I don't have a therapist sadly. I'm seeing a social worker the next day though. I wish I could discuss it with them before the meeting but she's not available on Mondays.

Social anxiety disorder, GAD, OCD, and panic attacks

Lexapro, 10 mg

[TishaBuv]

From what I gather it sounds like you are under 18 and going on a trip with the school. From my experience with this, the chaperones need to know what meds you are taking. Sometimes there is a nurse that holds your meds and give them to you as you need them. You can't just bring your meds and take them because the school is responsible for you and trying to cut down on accidents and kids abusing drugs.

If I am right in my assumption, you do not have to tell the principal anything about your diagnosis. You only have to say that you take Lexapro. The reasons why are nobody's business but yours.

[avlady]

as for my opinion, i would tell someone in charge of the event, about your medications to just be on the safe side. i don't think you should have to tell them its a mental problem although.

[Aracnae]

You most definitely don't need to tell them what the medications are for. If she asks, just give as vague a response as possible, like "they're for an emotional issue" or they're for a "mood disorder". Those are common, and they probably won't ask you for extra explanation. Do tell them about the medication, though. They may need to know because of a liability issue.

You generally have to turn over your meds to a chaperone on school trips. There may be a form of some sort that parents have to sign about what you take, when, generally for what condition, emergency information, etc. Be sure all of that gets done. You really don't need to tell the principal great detail. Since you feel the chance exists that you might have problems on the trip though, then it is wise that he know generally what is going on, what assistance you might need or what would be helpful, etc. That way there is no over or under reaction to any problems that come up. Educators deal with these kinds of issues with students all the time, so it will be okay. Just need a head's up so they aren't taken off-guard and unawares.

[Nike007]

I just wanted to reply to everyone in general. So I am in high school. And the chaperone (well whoever reads our forms) does know I'm on medication. I submitted the forms and yep. The CYW said they would want to know what disorder(s) so they know what to do. Like, as an examples, I get panic attacks, and if I have a panic attack on the trip, someone would know how to deal with it. And the odds of this happening are 99.99% because I have major performance anxiety and I'm performing like 3 times, and one of the songs I have an 18 bar solo. And this year I don't have to turn my meds to the chaperones, but with my GAD, I'm worried someone will use it and sneak some. But the thing is one of the chaperones knows because I am very comfortable with them and they know I get panic attacks and that I have XYZ and that I take medication for it. But I need to tell the principal just because she specifically asked for it.

Social anxiety disorder, GAD, OCD, and panic attacks

Lexapro, 10 mg

[notz]

I would think stating you sometimes have panic attacks would be enough information to comply with the request. Going into any detail about anything else just might be tmi in my opinion. Although if you have to fill out a form I would take it home and do it with your mom for her guidance.

How very exciting you are going to Europe!!!!!!

[notz]

I would think stating you sometimes have panic attacks would be enough information to comply with the request. Going into any detail about anything else just might be tmi in my opinion. Although if you have to fill out a form I would take it home and do it with your mom for her guidance.

How very exciting you are going to Europe!!!!!!

[Nike007]

Originally Posted by notz

I would think stating you sometimes have panic attacks would be enough information to comply with the request. Going into any detail about anything else just might be tmi in my opinion. Although if you have to fill out a form I would take it home and do it with your mom for her guidance.

How very exciting you are going to Europe!!!!!!

Maybe I just need to say I have panic attacks... I'll only say anything else if she asks then. And I don't need to fill any forms anyways.

Social anxiety disorder, GAD, OCD, and panic attacks

Lexapro, 10 mg

[notz]

Sounds good!