Approaching advisor about chronic mood disorder?

[Sarochan]

Just wondering about people's experience with similar situations.

I have been dealing with depression since my mid teens, and while it's generally well-controlled with medication I still sometimes have very severe episodes. This does not seem to be a thing which is ever going to go away, and it really seems like something my advisor should be aware of, but I have no idea how to bring it up. (Worried about reaction, looking like I'm just trying to get sympathy/leniency/special treatment, doing it in a bad way, awkwardness, etc.)

Anyone have any input, or had a similar experience?

[Dedi]

I have schizoaffective disorder, but I am fairly high-functioning right now. I told my advisor about it after I worked for him last summer, so I proved myself as capable as anyone else without a disorder. Obviously I wasn't going to be able to hide regular appointments during my time in graduate school.

My advice to you is to focus on what you are capable of and not your disabilities. In other words, emphasize that it is generally well-controlled with medication and that you are in treatment/recovering. That was the important part for my advisor.

[Marst]

I have a chronic pain issue that is often managed alright, but at times I cannot even read or write let alone think or conduct research. Therefore, I am also contemplating telling my advisor. I will probably wait until I officially enroll in the PhD (still in masters atm), but I might have to start experimenting with meds again soon, which means that I might get worse for a while.

 

Are you registered with the disability services? I haven't had the guts yet to go that way, but they should be able to advise your on this matter.

[Sarochan]

I have a chronic pain issue that is often managed alright, but at times I cannot even read or write let alone think or conduct research. Therefore, I am also contemplating telling my advisor. I will probably wait until I officially enroll in the PhD (still in masters atm), but I might have to start experimenting with meds again soon, which means that I might get worse for a while.

 

Are you registered with the disability services? I haven't had the guts yet to go that way, but they should be able to advise your on this matter.

 

Yeah, I'll probably wait until I've settled in more and gotten more comfortable with my adviser (apparently it's spelled that way?? I've been spelling it wrong for years) before I do anything or make any decisions one way or another.

 

I didn't even think of looking into disability services, but that's a good idea! Thank you.

 

I hope things go well for you, especially if you have to start changing meds around.

[Marst]

Thanks! Good luck to you too. Hope things work out. Keep us updated.

[RunnerGrad]

I have a chronic pain issue that is often managed alright, but at times I cannot even read or write let alone think or conduct research. Therefore, I am also contemplating telling my advisor. I will probably wait until I officially enroll in the PhD (still in masters atm), but I might have to start experimenting with meds again soon, which means that I might get worse for a while.

 

Are you registered with the disability services? I haven't had the guts yet to go that way, but they should be able to advise your on this matter.

 

Register with disability services / accessibility services!  They will be able to provide you with whatever help and supports that you need.  They will also be able to advocate for you if you run into problems with your advisor or other professors.  Or if you need any accommodations, they will be able to either provide them to you, or connect you with those who can provide them.

[TMP]

I agree- register with the disability services and try your best to settle in with your adviser quickly.  You'll also want to let the current DGS (Director of Grad Studies) know as s/he will often play the mediator between you and adviser as needed (and offer perspective).

 

I also agree to be positive about your abilities-- including how you manage your depression.

 

I've found my adviser very supportive and accommodating because she sees the potential and wants to help me achieve it-- as long as I'm committed to working with professionals who can help me manage my own depression/anxiety.

[Sarochan]

Thbanks for the advice and insight, TMP and Dedi. I think that you're both definitely right about the positivity. And luckily, with the health insurance I'll be getting, I will actually be able to see a professional if I need to! I'm definitely committed to doing what it takes to manage this, so hopefully I can convey that to her without seeming like I just want special treatment.

Good luck and best wishes to all future and current students who have to deal with some sort of chronic illness or disorder.

[_kita]

As others have said, register with disability services. When you address it with your advisor let them know you do not expect it to affect your work at all, and are fully capable of the job at hand, but you just want them to be kept informed. Luckily, campus also have counseling centers now too, which can also help out. 

 

I was once pointed out that most people in graduate schools have anxiety problems. They harness some of the symptoms, such as the edginess and worrying about deadlines, to push them further. It's just not talked about, since it's the results that matter.