How do I cope with my mental illness in college?

By asking for help. When you are entering college or university its almost like you are opening a relationship between you and the school - you're a big part of each others lives, you interact regularly, and you both have certain mutual expectations and hopes for each other - the key one with college, being that you do well and graduate - and the most essential component in achieving that is your well-being. So what's the most important process in facilitating any relationship? Communication! I have witnessed and experienced the power of asking for help in education so many times and the vast majority of teachers are more than happy to help. Start by informing them of you condition, this awareness that the teacher knows can be relieving as from that point on you know that they know why you may struggle in class/ attending class sometimes, and they'll be more understanding about it. Then if they ask (Even if they don't then tell them) what your needs are as through simple accommodation of these needs your enjoyment and ability to engage in education will go way up - and they want that! Just never be afraid to ask for help. If you think counselling would be a good option then a lot of colleges provide it - and if you later decide you don't need it then that's fine too! just don't be afraid to ask when you're considering it.

This is a very good question. Many colleges provide counselling services for students to deal with such issues. It depends on where you are and if such colleges are available around you. Before taking admission in any college, students should check this aspect too. If your college offers such services, it's great. But if it doesn't, then you need to talk it out with your teachers. Someone who understanding and listens. They might help you with it. Some things you can ask for are , asking for some student to help you with notes or other work, asking to sit on the desk near the door so you can go out if you are feeling unwell and seek help without disturbing others , asking for extra classes or for just small listening sessions to help you out. Although these are small things which could be done, some colleges might not be so well equipped and might have staff which doesn't understand mental illness. Their lack of awareness might come out aggressively and go against you. For example, I was called mad after telling my college staff I suffered from depression. In such cases it's your choice if you wish to share or not. As we don't really want to be targeted for being vulnerable. Whatever the atmosphere of your college is, it's just a time where we stay for temporary time to build our career, so better aim at that and get out of it sooner. You can also look for NGO or any friends or other options like 7 cups for dealing with college stress. I wish you luck. ☺️👍