It Takes Courage to Resume College After Mental Health Leave

Near the expected end of her graduate school experience, Amber Brown, a mental health advocate and spiritual leader, found herself in a state of crisis. Her sharp mind struggled with the schoolwork and acted in ways that others around her could not understand. Amber had an experience of psychosis.

Amber made the courageous choice to seek help for her mental health, leading to a temporary withdrawal from school. Upon her recovery, she was able to re-enter. She is not alone. Research suggests that as many as half of all college students will face a mental health challenge during their time in school (Lipson and colleagues, 2021). In young adulthood, the stereotypical 'college years' are among the most common times of onset for psychosis-related experiences.

I spoke with her to gather insights on resilience and re-entry into university after a mental health leave. Here are five things I gleaned from our conversation.

1. Finding the Beauty After Pain

While Amber's psychosis proved painful at points, she describes how it has helped her to understand others who go through extreme states. Having lived such waves herself, she can support others directly and those in her community on the intersection between psychosis and spirituality. She describes, "It has helped me to develop my empathy." This compassion has served her well as she applies what she learned in school post-graduation.

2. The Centricity of Loyalty to the Self

When I asked Amber what she would tell other students preparing to re-enter college after a mental health break, she breathed, "I would say to not give up on themselves." After a mental health crisis, there can be a sense of deflation as someone's original plans for work, school, and relationships are challenged. Still, these alterations do not have to turn into dead ends, yet adjustments might be necessary. While Amber initially described pessimistic views from professionals on her prospects, Amber engaged wholeheartedly in working through her difficulties so that she could progress. In the past, individuals who faced significant mental health challenges were routinely encouraged to decrease their expectations. Today, we know this does not always have to be the case.

3. It's Okay to Slow Down

Amber describes difficulty initially in allowing herself to slow down or drop to part-time. Reflecting, she expresses, "It's okay to take it slower, trauma is real." Mental health conditions can be traumatic. Often, returning to school can mean starting with a part-time schedule or even with a single class before launching into a full course load.

4. Include Your Support System

Amber acknowledges that looping in her family was integral to her reclamation after psychosis. She recognizes that not everyone has family members they feel safe to trust. Yet, reaching out to supportive people, like friends, a particular professor, or the school's accessibility office, can be central in setting oneself up for success when returning to college.

5. Make a Plan

Amber shares the importance of having a plan in advance for potential mental health crises. It's sort of like knowing where the fire exit is. We hope not to need to use it, but having a solid crisis plan of signs of trouble, who to involve in support, and steps to take if a crisis were to occur could make a stark difference if one does fall into crisis again.

Closing

Returning to university after an intense event such as a mental health experience takes true courage. Yet, many do return and even grow from their experiences. Amber shows us what is possible.