By Gulsum Boluk and Giulia Mura
Students with personality disorders do not like their fellow students to learn about their diagnosis, as they are unsure how they will react.
Many students don’t want to establish close friendships with students with personality disorders. They believe that people with a personality disorder think and behave in a specific way, which often deviates from what is considered “normal”. As a result, this can impede forming typical relationships.
Neo Lekhela, 20, student, said: “People who have personality disorder are sometimes angry, sometimes nice. So I don’t prefer to be friends with them.”
What is a personality disorder?
There are many types of personality disorders that have been recognised by psychologists. They include:
- Paranoid personality disorder
- Schizoid personality disorder
- Schizotypal personality disorder
- Antisocial personality disorder (ASPD)
- Borderline personality disorder (BPD)
Most people can get adequate treatment for their illness, which can allow them to live a normal life. Psychotherapy is generally recognised as the best type of treatment, as there is no medications for specific disorders. However, anti-depressants and other meds can help a person get their life back on track.
Having the right support is also key. “Family members can be important in an individual’s recovery and can work with the individual’s health care provider on the most effective ways to help and support,” the American Psychiatric Association says.
Help for uni students
Eleonora Saba, 28, a psychologist from Italy, said: “It is important to talk and teach about personality disorders from primary school in order to have more awareness.” The support given to a student with mental illness from the university is not enough for their socialization.
There are different types of personality disorders and each different can cause difficulties in the life of the person affected, regardless of age. It can be very difficult for a student to stay focused on their path.
Students with personal disabilities deserve adequate support and greater flexibility in the timing of deadlines and exams,” said Saba.
Instead of supporting students who need support many people are afraid of them, which can complicate their lives more.
For more information, please contact London Metropolitan Student Wellbeing counselling.studentservices@londonmet.ac.uk
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