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'People judge so quickly' - Uni student faces 'insensitivity' over course fees refund after mental health relapse

December 6, 2017

Christine Heyns wanted to pull out of her course but it didn't turn out the way she envisaged.

A university student in Auckland who was initially refused a refund on her course fee after a relapse of her mental health condition says her experience shows how people judge too quickly without knowing the facts about mental illness.

Christine Heyns, a student at Massey University in Auckland, was diagnosed with bordeline personality disorder in 2013.

Aiming to become a psychologist, Ms Heyns completed 19 out of 24 papers until her relapse earlier this year where she became suicidal and started self-harming again. 

"And that's when I decided I just can't. The thought of having to sit down and concentrate on something that I'm paying for and that I need to do well in, it's just not worth it when you're not in the right state," she said. 

She applied for either a refund or to re-sit one of the papers, with a letter from her GP, and also said if the university needed more evidence, to get back to her. 

The university declined her application with a letter that stated: "The fee appeal process exists for students who have experienced unforeseen critical personal circumstances that make it impossible for a student to continue with her or his studies. You have known your circumstances since 2013 but chose to continue with your studies."

Ms Heyns phoned the person who sent her the response, and says they were just as insensitive on the phone.

"People assume and judge so quickly without really knowing the facts about mental illness," she said.

Late yesterday afternoon, after Seven Sharp contacted them, there was a change of heart from the university.

They have now decided to refund Ms Heyns and said they unreservedly apologise.

Ms Heyns agreed the university needs to be tough when it comes to refunds, but she said there's a huge gap in people's understanding of what mental illness really is. 

"You don't feel like you can really do anything, let alone get out of bed in the morning."

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