Starting post-secondary school with a complex health condition: 5 tips for students, plus 5 ways institutions can help
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Loading... - Agyei Gyan
- 31 Aug 2022
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The transition to university or college is an exciting time for many young adults, but it can also be demanding and stressful. Young adults living with complex health conditions may face unique challenges with this transition.
As health care providers with experience in chronic disease management, we explain what underlies some of these challenges and provide strategies to manage them.
Understanding the challenge
Many young adults transition to post-secondary at or around the same time they are transitioning from pediatric to adult health care. This transition itself can be difficult as adult care is often less centralized, involves different health care providers and expects a higher level of independence.
Yet, at the same time, young adults are only beginning to refine their self-government, autonomy and life skills, such as decision-making, goal-setting and crisis management.
General recommendations for people with chronic conditions include having self-management strategies like stable routines, a strong social support network and an established circle of care. However, many aspects of the post-secondary experience are not conducive to these healthy behaviours.
Starting university or college may involve moving cities or provinces away from family, friends and other social supports. Inconsistent class schedules and evening events may make routines like consistent sleeping and healthy eating challenging.
Classes are often longer and require sustained attention, which may be especially difficult for those with fatigue or difficulties concentrating. Evaluation and grading systems based on a few high-stakes exams or papers may be challenging for those with fluctuating abilities. Read More...
