Students with chronic health conditions may often feel isolated with their experience, which can lead to stress and lower moods. Creating a community that understands the unique challenges of students with chronic health conditions can be helpful in many ways beyond addressing feelings of loneliness. It can cultivate positive feelings and provide a space to learn and help each other. It can especially be helpful for any incoming student to meet older students who have figured out how to navigate post secondary (Victoria University, 2018).
To create community, it is also important for a physical space to be available. Students often feel the desire for community but do not have a place to gather outside of their classrooms or their homes. These “third spaces” are important in providing an opportunity to connect. For students with chronic health conditions, these spaces can be modified to be more accessible. For example, having spaces that are centralized and accommodated to those who may be sensitive to harsh light, loud sounds, or fragrances. For some students, having opportunities to connect virtually can be beneficial if they are not able to be on campus in person.
Students with chronic health conditions can also reflect on who is in their social support system and reflect on who they can turn to during flare ups or generally challenging periods. Support network mapping is an exercise that can help students identify who they can reach out to during different periods of their campus life and what those social connections serve. If you would like to try creating your current social support network map, this tool by Columbia University can guide you through the process of identifying specific people in your life.
Students can also create a list of what they consider to be their community of support, which can include places in the neighborhood, people at school or work, social communities and clubs, and online communities (Kids Help Phone, 2023).
Campus Spotlight:
University of Waterloo Chronic Disease Club
A club that creates community, raises awareness, and connects students with chronic health conditions with each other and their campus’ accessibility services.
Queen’s University Chron’s and Colitis
A club that fundraises and spreads awareness about irritable bowel disease (IBD), led by students with lived experience.
