Studying with Social Anxiety Disorder
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• 14 Jan 2024, 16:32Studying with Social Anxiety Disorder
Hello.
My name is David, I am a 50 year old guy with a quite unique set of problems, with an interest to studying within the OU.
Up until around 10 years ago I was a staff trainer for a large installations firm, travelling all around the UK working with groups from three of four people, up to a large room full and on one occasion from a theatre stage.
Fast forward and after a very tough time and a complete mental breakdown, I now find myself a virtual self imposed prisoner, leaving the house maybe once a month, taking medication daily, and speaking to only a handful of family members. Even typing an email or message can be challenging on a bad day....
I have been suffering for years, my condition takes a lot from me, but what I have in abundance now is time. My thought is to use the time to study a subject/subjects that have interested me, the open university would seem to be an ideal place for this, but I am worried how much interaction would be needed to complete a course. My hope is that during my studies I would in time be able to interact with tutors and students, when and if I were able.
Does anyone have a similar experience or advice that may be helpful?
Would the OU suit my current condition?
Thanks in advance for anyone that takes the time to reply - I will do my best to reply to any questions that may arise.
Kindest Regards,
David.
Hi David,
Many thanks for getting in touch and sharing that information, it is very helpful. Our undergraduate modules are taught by supported distance learning, which means that students usually study on a part-time basis, entirely from home. You will be sent written module material that is either sent to your home together with other learning materials such as books. All our modules require you to have regular access to a computer and are taught completely online.
You will complete work within your own time and your tutor will set you work to complete through the weeks of your study. You will have a week by week study planner which you will have to adhere to on the lead up to your assignment dates.
Your tutorials will be all online and you can book on to them at a time that
best suits your circumstances. Some tutorials are uploaded so you can refer
back to them at later times. Please be aware some tutorials are not recorded
and if you cannot attend, you must let your tutor know so they can provide you
an alternative. You will also be assigned a tutor who will assist you
academically, as well as a Student Support team who can support you on a range
on issues including (but not limited to): disability support, financial support
and study skills support.
You can find more information about how OU study works here: http://www.open.ac.uk/courses/what-study-like
The link below has information on the additional support available for students and guidance on how to get this support:
https://help.open.ac.uk/browse/disability/what-disability-support-is-available
The next starting date for most qualifications will be in October (with a small number in April). Registration for courses starting in October will open in late March and close on the 5th September. From late March you can register online (https://msds.open.ac.uk/signon) or by giving us a call on 0300 303 5303 (Monday to Friday: 08:00 – 17:30). The website will update towards the end of March once registration has opened. We offer a range of courses, I have attached a link to these below:
https://www.open.ac.uk/courses/atoz
I hope this can help for now, do let us know if you have any questions, all the best!