How the Disability team helped me with my severe anxiety and Hidradenitis suppurativa

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By Salma Mohamed, Education Psychology NTU student

Navigating university life can be a daunting task for any student, but when faced with disabilities such as Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) and severe anxiety, the road can seem even more challenging. As a student from a black and ethnic community, I found the courage to share my journey, in the hopes of inspiring others who may be hesitant to seek help or utilise available support services. Let me take you through my transformative experience and the incredible support I received from the disability team at my university.

Living with severe anxiety resulting from complex childhood trauma has been a significant challenge in my journey as a student. Having never attended secondary school, I constantly felt academically behind, amplifying my anxiety and creating a substantial barrier between the student I wanted to be and my current reality. The pressure of deadlines triggered panic attacks, making it incredibly difficult for me to manage my time effectively and overcome procrastination. These manifestations of anxiety hindered my ability to learn and thrive academically, leaving me feeling overwhelmed and defeated. As if anxiety alone wasn’t enough, my battle with Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), a debilitating skin disease, further compounded my struggles. I have undergone four operations to improve the mobility of my arms and legs, but the intense medication required to alleviate the inflammation brought its own set of challenges. Dealing with daily pain and the unpredictability of flare-ups, setbacks seemed to have no end in sight. The combination of my anxiety and the impact of the first year in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic left me feeling utterly defeated and uncertain about my future as a student. I was about to drop out, but realised I have come so far in reaching this point at university I deserve to achieve my goals too. As challenging as it was, I researched online what I could do and found the student services portal.

It was during this time that I discovered the pivotal role played by the disability team, but it all started with the response Freya Griffin at the student support services.

Freya became my confidante, lending a compassionate ear to all my anxieties and worries. She helped enrol me into temporary counselling with the university, which then led me to seek permanent counselling at the Nottingham Counselling Service in 2020. I did not stop attending for three years, and I will be attending even after my studies due to the beneficial treatment I have received by the counselling service reducing my symptoms of anxiety. She encouraged me to fill out the Disabled Students’ (DSA) form with my GP, acknowledging the challenges I faced due to my anxiety and HS flaring up. This step was crucial as it led to the creation of an access statement by the disability team, providing me with a guaranteed extension for assignments. No longer did I have to feel triggered or anxious every time I had to ask for an extension; I now had a formalized support system in place.

The process may have been long at the GP, but the unwavering support from the student support services and the disability team never wavered. Their dedication and commitment provided me with the strength to persevere, even during times when I felt like giving up on the healthcare system. Once officially diagnosed, I received the access statement that marked the beginning of a new life at university. Additionally, through the DSA, I was provided with a printer, allowing me to study comfortably in my own space rather than being overwhelmed by social settings like the library. The taxi allowance offered on my low days alleviated the burden of commuting by bus, which could often exacerbate my condition. The recording devices allowed me to not miss any important information in class, if I needed to go to the bathroom to handle my inflammations or if I was experiencing a panic attack. These seemingly small accommodations made a tremendous difference in my overall well-being and academic journey.

The disability team, spearheaded by individuals like Freya Griffin, acted as a pivotal stepping stool, elevating me to the same level as my peers. Truthfully! Their belief in my abilities allowed me to focus on overcoming the obstacles preventing me from realising my full potential. It is essential to remember that disability support is not solely about one’s disabilities, but about identifying and addressing the factors that hinder a student’s ability to succeed.

Who I am today? I proudly hold a 2:1H in educational psychology, a testament to the resilience I discovered within myself by the help of the team. My academic journey led me to explore the influences and impacts surrounding a student’s resilience in my research, enabling me to shed light on the holistic approach that must be taken when supporting disadvantaged students. I had the honour of presenting my research to the university board, alongside my supportive lecturer—an achievement that would have been unimaginable without the stepping stool of support I was graciously provided. I will be collaborating with the university for future research too.

To all fellow students who may be hesitant to seek disability support, especially within marginalized communities like myself, I want to emphasize that overcoming the stigma surrounding help is crucial. It can initially seem scary due to the label associated with disability support, but if there is a stepping stool available to help you achieve your goals, why not take it? You have the power within you to overcome challenges and achieve greatness. I can honestly say it is the best thing I have ever decided to do, the evidence is in my academic progression. This has helped me feel confident in applying for a master’s in children and young people counselling, inspired by my own journey as I will be accessing the disabled support there also.

In conclusion, my journey as a disabled student taught me the importance of reaching out and seeking support. The disability team at my university, led by exceptional individuals like Freya Griffin, provided me with the necessary tools and accommodations to thrive academically and emotionally. Remember, you are not alone in your struggles, and by embracing the resources available, you too can conquer any obstacles that come your way. You got this!

For help, advice and resources whilst studying at NTU, take a look at the following for sources of support.

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