Written by Aaron Fung
This past spring, I was diagnosed with ADHD, which was something I initially had trouble processing and accepting. I always thought that an important mark of ADHD is being visibly hyper. In reality, ADHD encompasses a diverse range of symptoms, and the symptoms I exhibit are more resemblant of an inattentive type than hyperactive. Nonetheless, this diagnosis clarified why I have always found school (e.g. keeping up with deadlines, overworking) to be incredibly difficult. As a student with a disability, there are several things I wish I did sooner, which would have made my undergraduate journey a lot smoother.
Tip #1: Accommodations
The biggest thing I wish I did sooner is seeking academic accommodations! Too many times did I find myself staring at the same essay criteria for three weeks not having written a single word, or realizing I have been daydreaming for the past two hours of my lecture. The SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (CAL) provides a wide variety of disability-related accommodations and support for students with disabilities at SFU. In my personal experience, the staff has always been so wonderful and supportive; CAL has helped tremendously with class accommodations that meet my needs (e.g. occasional extensions/absences, increased exam time), special enrolment arrangements, liaising with professors, and providing sufficient technology for schooling. I strongly recommend CAL to any SFU student with a disability.
Tip #2: Not Suffering in Silence
I used to be doubtful regarding whether talking to others about your problems is even helpful because most of my problems concern mental health and anxiety — ones that can not instantaneously be solved. In actuality, we are all human and all this pent up steam from our worries and problems must eventually externalize somewhere. Perhaps it inevitably leads to a breakdown or a really good cry, or maybe it leads to pure anger while working out. In one way or another, I have learned that while reaching out and venting to friends or family may not necessarily solve your problems per se, it does a great amount in helping release pent up emotions. As I have opened up more to friends or even acquaintances, I have been surprised as to how many people are so open-minded and sympathetic, oftentimes having been through similar experiences as well.
Tip #3: Taking Breaks
It is crucial to value and prioritize your breaks just as much as you value time spent working. This can look like booking a day or two off just to have fun or chill. Taking days off or implementing regular breaks throughout your studying helps shift your mind elsewhere so that when you do return to working, you can come back stronger.
Tip #4: Unmasking
For those who are unfamiliar with the term, masking is used to describe an (oftentimes neurodivergent) individual concealing their natural personality, in turn acting in a “socially acceptable” way as a means to conform and appear “normal” in social environments. This is oftentimes a defensive response to social pressure or past trauma. It can look like reducing the intensity of your true emotions or making a great deal of effort to sit still and not fidget with things around you. While masking can occasionally be beneficial, such as in professional work environments, it inevitably becomes exhausting to continually put forth an inauthentic version of yourself in every social situation. As I have slowly taken steps to unlearn people pleasing and masking this past year (something I have done my whole life), it has not only been incredibly liberating to be able to act authentically around others, but also helpful as it has allowed my loved ones to better understand my condition and support me in times of need.