[puzzclar]

So, this is the second time that I have been discriminated against and was wondering if there was anyone else out there that I could talk to that has had the same thing happen. I had to leave school because of people thinking that I was a Liabiltiy. and of course it was when I asked for help, and they didn't listen to me at all, didn't know who I was or what I would or wouldn't do. So anyone else out there that I can talk to about this??

[Fresia]

In college, I was put on probation when my grades fell (D's & F's) due to a severe bipolar episode, very maniac then a major depressive episode and back and forth; could not get it controlled. The probation was difficult, stressful, and was not an easy time as I imagine it is not for you either right now.

I know when I have had school issues b/c of my mental illness, I've talked to a school counselor, a therapist, and/or pdoc, who has advocated helping me or written the school on my behalf. It can be especially helpful so the school is aware of what is going on and if there are any accommodations to be made or other help needed. Was it the school counselor or a teacher you had asked for help and they ignored you? I am so sorry to hear that they did not help and hope it will not happen in the future. I try to have a support network in place, counselor or T and in my case, a pdoc before I returned to school this time. To talk to someone who can help me learn how to head things off either before they happened or while they were happening.

Are you seeing a T or pdoc now by chance? I don't know if you have access to a T or a counselor, but they can be a big help and would highly recommend one if not seeing one. Hang in there in the meantime.

[puzzclar]

I am trying to get in to a T and then a pdoc, it will take a couple of times to get into but it's possible. When I asked for help i asked from the councling center, and I don't know who spook up, but for me it wasn't worth fighting the people who had just wanted me out because they didn't know me. I really hate this, but that's beside the point, and well i hate that people don't understand who I am, it's just hard, Sorry I had to get that out, it's been getting to me all day.

[NuckingFutz]

In this link is the info on The Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA). Not sure where you are and didn't see a location in your profile, but I wanted to let you know that if you live in the US, you have some options. Just click on the click and see if your civil liberties have been violated. If so, this link should help you get in touch with a lawyer that can help you.

From an emotional standpoint, I went through this with my employer, Spherion years ago. They neglected to teach the people in charge that doing things that your school are doing are unconstitutional.

Don't give up and don't think this is your fault, it's not. It's just that the school you go to is illegally discriminating against your. Once the head HR person found out what was going on, I got a new review that was glowing (so I wouldn't sue them).

Let me know if this helps you...sending you safe hugs.

http://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/index.html

[Perna]

The school has too many students to go into much detail with any individual and no money to do so; if you are not doing well at school, especially college, for whatever reason, they want to give you time off so you can get back to concentrating on your schooling and not distract other students; they're only there to provide education, not help with personal problems; that's their primary job.

http://www.nytimes.com/2006/12/08/health/08Kids.html

[puzzclar]

that's the thing, my grades were fine, I was doing fine, I just asked for help, and that was it, there was no mercy. I'm not looking into sueing the university, but I may just write them a note to let them know what it has done to me, and reports of others that have sued their school.

[Metrointhewoods]

When my ex-wife and I were in college, we both struggled with mental illness. I wasn't quite ready to come to terms with what I had yet; she was being treated poorly.

My ex wife lied to the pdoc so much and so often, I think it led to a misdiagnosis. By the time I met her, we both knew how to manipulate the system quite well. She ultimately got booted out of school and a suicide attempt (7 days in the hospital).

Once she got kicked out, the dean(s) were pissed off. They had been lied to by someone who was EXTREMELY manipulative, or at least that's what they saw. The suicide attempt, subesequent commitment, and new pdoc helped a lot.

I, on the other hand, was in a much better position once I was diagnosed. I was in grad school, am a Katrina survivor, and have a chronic physical condition. Once I was diagnosed, I told the program director (and EVERY professor I had). It came to a point where they knew and were able to say when it was time for some 'time off.'

Here's some advice for you: First and Foremost: DO NOT LIE! Don't lie to the therapist, don't lie to the pdoc, don't lie to the dean, don't lie to the profs, and Most Importantly DON'T LIE TO YOURSELF!!!!!!!!

Second, do not use your diagnosis as a 'crutch' or as an 'excuse.' Know that your diagnosis is an explanation! This isn't like being a Jehovah's Witness or a Mormon...don't advertise it, don't go door-to-door, don't tell Everyone you meet. It's okay to talk and tell the people who need to know, but leave it at that.

Try to do things the right way! This means seeing your therapist and pdoc. Document your medication problems and your feelings. Remember that you might, depending on your diagnosis and condition, find yourself needing disability assistance.

Know that you're in a tight spot right now. It sounds like you've lost the trust of the people you need the most to graduate; you've burned some bridges down to the piers. If you've got less than 60 credits at this school and/or your GPA is less than or close to a 2.0, you might be better off declaring academic bankruptcy and seeking out another school.

Something I've learned over the years....the word discrimination is widely overused. The obligation towards you and your diagnosis is reasonable accommodation. Depending on your diagnosis, they may not have to even do that. If you're majoring (or trying to major in) a license-requiring field such as architecture, engineering, social work, nursing, or even education, you really should call your state's licensure office to find out if you can receive a license in that field with your diagnosis. If your diagnosis is along the lines of or inolves psychosis, don't expect the state to license you. Know that your professors are, by definition, considered experts in their field. In my years in both college and grad school, I have NEVER met a professor who did not see himself or herself as an expert and feel the need to protect his or her profession. No professor (or state licensure board) will knowingly allow someone diagnosed with a mind-altering mental illness construct a bridge, design a building, or teach children.

While there's so much more I could tell you, I'm going to leave you with this: know, respect, cherish, and honor good will. Know that, when you use terms like discrimination, right or wrong, you erode good will. No arbitrator, ombudsman, or judge can compel someone to show you the good will that makes these things work.

Like it or not, people have to want to help you. You also need to know what 'help' is. If you're an accounting major, passing you after you failed math is not going to help; letting you into medical school after you failed biology isn't going to help you. If your grades DO NOT meet Satisfactory Academic Progress, letting you continue on in your present state is not helping anyone, especially you. Take a semester (or two) off, get some help, and try it again.

[puzzclar]

Thanks so much for that, It's exactly what I need. I don't know if I need a liscence to do ASL interpreting or if i need one for Pscyhology but given my back groud I don't think it will be a problem.

But I am going on, moving on to a new educational resource, I hope in the next two weeks to hear back from them to see if I can go to school there in January but, At this time I'm not sure if I'm ready or not, but I just have to be ready. If not I don't know what I'm going to do.

But it is a comfort to know that it has happened to other people. I just have to remember that I have to just try again.