Understanding Mental Health Related Issues of Students with Disabilities

Abstract

Background: A number of social determinants and pressures, including finances, academic and social inclusion, accessibility to services, embodied belongings, maladaptive and/or harmful behaviours, chronic pain, and mental trauma, have been linked to having a disability and experiencing poorer mental health outcomes and higher instances of mental health related issues or illness (Inhorn & Wentzell, 2012:109; Aneshensel et al., 2013; Dashiff et al., 2009; Groce, 2004; McGorry et al., 2007; Mulvany, 2000; Rose, 2018; Webb et al., 2008; Zaffar, 2021; Zito et al., 2001). Research has demonstrated that providing appropriate supports and services can improve both mental health and academic outcomes for students with disabilities (SwDs) (Emerson, Honey, Madden, & Llewellyn, 2009; Stumbo, Martin, & Hedrick, 2009), but little is known about the specific mental health related issues of this population and strategies to overcome it. This research into the intersections between mental health related issues and disability gives us the opportunity to acknowledge a fundamental social problem and take steps to better the lives of all SwDs. Objective: The purpose of the study is to identify the mental health related issues of SwDs and propose possible overcoming strategies. Method: This is an exploratory study. The researcher collected data to serve the objective of the study by exploring various secondary literature including books, research papers, thesis, dissertations and periodicals from valid and reliable sources. Results: Data revealed that the SwDs, both visibly and invisibly, experience large number of mental health related issues. Data also revealed that compared to students without disabilities, students with disabilities experience more anxiety and academic-related distress, as well as higher rates of suicide ideation, suicide attempts, non-suicidal self-injury and alike problems. Conclusions: Students with disabilities experience higher levels of distress in areas that could affect their academic progress, even while SwDs show similar levels of concern in some areas as students without disabilities. Self-harming inclinations are more prevalent generally among SwDs, but more so among particular types of disabilities. Need based support service, counselling and adequate inclusive policy can help us to address the mental health related issues of SwDs.