For someone experiencing symptoms of mental illness and a substance use disorder, there can be an impact that affects the trajectory of education. Supportive interventions can help individuals explore alternate academic opportunities that can enable continuity in learning and pursuing higher education.
Having a mental health condition and a substance use disorder can affect the ability to study and learn; because both of these illnesses often manifest themselves during teenage years or early adulthood. It is not uncommon for individuals to experience disruption of their academic careers. People may first develop noticeable symptoms while in college, which requires the need to take time out to seek treatment and stability. This is where supported education comes in.
Supported education can be geared towards completing a GED, high school diploma, or college education. At WestBridge, our care managers provide supported education services, which help individuals continue their educational journey in a way that matches their unique strengths and situations. Team members assist individuals in planning their time to meet academic expectations, provide side-by-side support for completing homework, and provide assistance with transportation and other logistics. Members of the team also advocate for performance accommodations or adjustments when these needs are identified.
Recovery involves not only overcoming symptoms, but also achieving a full and satisfying life. Education can play an important role in the recovery process in that it broadens intellectual, social and emotional horizons. For many, it is also a gateway to the formation of a career and professional networks. Being able to resume one’s educational path is a way to begin to recover the life that mental illness and substance use disrupted for a time.
There is hope, as many people have found that through comprehensive treatment and support, they have the chance to achieve their educational goals with the right supports. While the onset of a mental illness can be dismaying, WestBridge helps facilitate success. Dreams, goals, hopes, and ambitions can all be achieved.
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