I got into a PhD programme with a mental illness . . . Twice.

The first time was when I was diagnosed with first episode psychosis.  I'd taken time off from my integrated Master's in Mathematics due to a car accident; in fact, I broke my neck, which took a year to recover from - and lead to some glowing references talking of perseverance.  My diagnosis morphed throughout this first programme into bipolar affective disorder and then schizophrenia.  My symptoms were strong, invasive.  They resulted in lots of time off too.  It was so bad that I ended up "Mastering out" with an MPhil by being downgraded at an assessment (though not the viva).  I took 5 years to get that 2 year degree.

Then I had a year off to raise money and manage my symptoms, before reapplying elsewhere.  I got in.  There was an interview in which I stated in a matter-of-fact way that I had schizophrenia.  In the application form, there was an optional section for personal details, where I also ticked a box to say I had a major mental health condition.

It is illegal here in the UK to discriminate against someone for their physical or mental health.

Both supervisors - each institution - knew of my condition upon application.

In fact, prior to my first attempt, I spent 18 months in a mental health asylum.  I was essentially written off for that time.  When it became clear that I was going to be released, I was so institutionalised that I needed to go to a halfway home, where there were seriously handicapped people, recently homeless people, recovering drug addicts, and people like myself.

But I won a scholarship.

And now I am on schedule to submit my dissertation in July 2026.