Last night Jane tossed and turned all night. When her alarm goes off in the morning, she doesn't feel rested at all.
<img src= "https://6ac34a00-a-62cb3a1a-s-sites.googlegroups.com/site/invisibledisabilitythegame/the-game-1/home/Screen%20Shot%202018-04-25%20at%2012.10.18%20PM.png?attachauth=ANoY7cpAbevw8yNoBbU09OSBUOtnENqblsFJCFEhaHgqSbN6OPxrpThcvYE-a77ocHWzpjiFzIStFdF3_AqiU1XP3E6uim57jEVfMr-KzKm95bujiUM3cv8ovbLQaLVH4X2yirMchQm_0yMR4_yAl4WHFPXjXPRwNlxID4x72hdWl01E21CMZAgKQ_PmHCoaYsPZnL9istttzgKp9xZwqlWgAOpylefK8IyH5qfju2JSpry4y9dP6AND9IAF5a91UNwan_Cn88JWvKac4c4vtEepm7UjS-uXyD1nPXsmIFPbigm-isNQ8rg%3D&attredirects=0">
Should Jane:
A)[[Get out of bed on time]] and get ready to go to school
(Cost = 3 Spoons)
OR
B)[[Sleep in]], causing her to have to rush to class
(Cost = 1 Spoon)
{Spoons Remaining: $score}Help Jane get through her Friday while navigating her Invisible Disability.
Each activity that Jane does will cost her "spoons." ^^3^^ Activities that requires more energy costs more spoons, while activities that are less demanding costs fewer.
Make sure to use Jane's spoons wisely! Jane works long shifts on the weekends to make money, so having a negative number of spoons will affect her tomorrow.
{Spoons Remaining: $score}
[[Start the Day!]] Jane's professor asks the class a question that Jane knows the answer to!
<img src="https://6ac34a00-a-62cb3a1a-s-sites.googlegroups.com/site/invisibledisabilitythegame/the-game-1/home/Screen%20Shot%202018-04-25%20at%2012.15.11%20PM.png?attachauth=ANoY7cq8g-Z_55TkNAHLZW7ef_n_o0n_6b-g0cl5Zljw9wUSfXYIp8d7EsllKEMAzKCIuemqClEQllJn9ZGfN_Lfs8nuS-x06EPBkxttmHXfJXB2ZgjNoQK00QDA-Xd3QEiMczgf4c94GBInrIOxIy7Yg7gZufUPYBJCQOfp4d473B6jtCTQES2FvdQyCzMnGbtcrh-lWC8Pm7uGe9N6oreQ5_zTVM7IQBwaCaXPtTQ2fhWU_MNESt0APKbkFK5jR-SLQ7uKtELxybn4DWd-sHxZH5OZSDzY_otYq1ihhNw2_kWWEA5C1J0%3D&attredirects=0">
Should Jane:
A)[[Raise her hand]] and participate in order to get the most out of lecture
(Cost = 2 spoons)
OR
B) [[Zone out]] and do her own thing (Cost = 1 spoon)
{Spoons Remaining: $score}Jane has a break from class and is hungry for lunch, but her bank account is [[dangerously low]] on funds.
<img src="https://6ac34a00-a-62cb3a1a-s-sites.googlegroups.com/site/invisibledisabilitythegame/the-game-1/home/Screen%20Shot%202018-04-25%20at%2012.22.45%20PM.png?attachauth=ANoY7cqzC3NlpEWKj4folORrU9knfmveHEvzTiVxdnDbIjqUkcwwwOn4_cPCxQVyxmePd0rm-UBrkixPX9O_jQeB12V2guvlZg8apOkc3xkErCcAj7bCOHWbA8VllWtEb9GG6kwxPcnkXqE4k-Sm0jmXn6f3789x06IGyvb4L2QfX3QZcF_zPpxoq9jRqsQfNmp7pREiVS3S3s9fhHfJgB4KSZmQ1pOiPkG-WY7dZtEeGZ6t_MwvN5B3xFJ34tXU2A9IJHCLajqeynrCCiCwOhnkfi9hU5xBvM0Idb8emx8ruYO-c1cFfZA%3D&attredirects=0">
Should Jane:
A) [[Buy a snack]] (it's better than nothing!)
(Cost = 2 Spoons)
OR
B)Ask to [[borrow money]] from a friend (Cost = 3 Spoons)
{Spoons Remaining: $score}(set: $score to $score -3)
Because she borrowed money from a friend, Jane isn't hungry anymore and is in a much better mood, but she feels like a bad friend by asking for money, and she's embarrassed by the sad state of her bank account.
{Spoons Remaining: $score}
(if: $score is 0)[[[Continue ->Negative Spoons]]]
(if: $score < 0)[[[Continue ->Negative Spoons]]]
(if: $score > 0)[[[Continue the Day ->Continue the Day]]](set: $score to $score -2)
Buying a snack is definitely easier on Jane's anxiety. Now she doesn't feel like she owes her friend and she's not embarrassed for being low on money. But after eating a small bag of potato chips, Jane is still hungry. This compounded with the lack of sleep makes it extremely hard for her to focus.
{Spoons Remaining: $score}
(if: $score is 0)[[[Continue ->Negative Spoons]]]
(if: $score < 0)[[[Continue ->Negative Spoons]]]
(if: $score > 0)[[[Continue the Day ->Continue the Day]]]Class is over for the day. When she gets home, Jane needs to work on her final English project that is due next week.
<img src="https://6ac34a00-a-62cb3a1a-s-sites.googlegroups.com/site/invisibledisabilitythegame/the-game-1/home/Screen%20Shot%202018-04-25%20at%2012.25.24%20PM.png?attachauth=ANoY7cpRQu0tJkKuUNBnAmeIMFgpWqHSHN4JwL6wda3x4pt_uCGJtKmUGP1Kta4ZZp7pBKE81V3MJ8-KTx4WSY03_JY6obF0X9qArhikRgtjmbWMm6idLRl9OyUHiv8C1fMg1muhm3OGKtW51eTwmh4a365WUApqntdMG8tkqQpZfDx_9r0qEsVPmGS0SHmNOZeIMbvpYj3AY9jy2VP5FbjThJ_kSvGUPOKc8BazTuZGYDw-zTV5t6p67-_dGvr6pxsH-kCBOEn4ERj10lmH5adiHaTEJjzIXlxDEdXPDloXxnEOZsFCkiY%3D&attredirects=0">
Should Jane:
A) [[Work hard]] on her final project for a couple hours
(Cost = 3 Spoons)
OR
B) [[Take a Nap]] (Cost = 1 Spoon)
{Spoons Remaining: $score}(set: $score to $score -1)
By taking a nap Jane gave herself a little more energy but her anxiety level didn't go down because of how close her project deadline is and how little is done.
{Spoons Remaining: $score}
(if: $score is 0)[[[Continue ->Negative Spoons]]]
(if: $score < 0)[[[Continue ->Negative Spoons]]]
(if: $score > 0)[[[Continue ->Go Meet with the English Professor]]]Jane is worried about the progress (or lack thereof) she is making on her English project, so she heads back to campus to her professor's office hours to ask for an extension.
<img src="https://6ac34a00-a-62cb3a1a-s-sites.googlegroups.com/site/invisibledisabilitythegame/the-game-1/home/Screen%20Shot%202018-04-25%20at%2012.28.27%20PM.png?attachauth=ANoY7cr5uk3YdaunaXX9EnBD4rRBPrK2_w0TWk7LnZ0qCGy1j6pbDLJLLsz05w267avyQTdv5uNtdJP_qitywK3qaeribhfDTeA8SuCeuIDIssDqKrR2ZAo1DCHmHzKEtj1aKJnuN3X-VBV6_5nkvLgucBnnbpJCVfjwzcsGrJPLh_dF8PlXdJ-P-nEABgXkx3SOzdcAhkIDAdl-CCiPuMf7rsKh7VoKi7r2rtNzPd9q4bITC5v66SoEHyw_JZSNDwBXiiF-1goYoEy7Kpe4x23OaVDQvbkghfgA-Ae9k41b7FucQJJaNlI%3D&attredirects=0">
Should Jane:
A) [[Try to explain]] the situation by presenting the facts using a reasonable tone, and risk the professor misunderstanding the magnitude of the issue and saying no to the extension
(Cost = 3 Spoons)
OR
B)[[Start crying]] in front of the professor because of the problems her invisible disability have caused
(Cost = 3 spoons)
{Spoons Remaining: $score}
(set: $score to $score -3)
Jane worked for an hour and a half but didn't get much done. She feels anxious about the deadline but at least she tried.
{Spoons Remaining: $score}
(if: $score is 0)[[[Continue ->Negative Spoons]]]
(if: $score < 0)[[[Continue ->Negative Spoons]]]
(if: $score > 0)[[[Continue ->Go Meet with the English Professor]]](set: $score to $score -3)
Jane is embarrassed and feels like she guilted the professor into saying yes to the extension. She gets an extra 3 days for the assignment, but feels bad about how she got them.
{Spoons Remaining: $score}
(if: $score is 0)[[[Continue ->Negative Spoons]]]
(if: $score < 0)[[[Continue ->Negative Spoons]]]
(if: $score > 0)[[[Leave Campus ->Leave Campus]]](set: $score to $score -3)
Jane is relieved to have told her professor the truth about how she is struggling. Her professor says he understands how hard college can be and gives her an extra day to finish the assignment.
Jane isn't sure her professor really understood what she was saying about her Invisible Disability, and one extra day for the assignment doesn't feel like enough, but she doesn't want to push her luck.
{Spoons Remaining: $score}
(if: $score is 0)[[[Continue ->Negative Spoons]]]
(if: $score < 0)[[[Continue ->Negative Spoons]]]
(if: $score > 0)[[[Leave Campus ->Leave Campus]]]Jane leaves campus and heads to an appointment with her [[psychiatrist.]] The [[$20 copay]] makes her cringe but if the appointment goes well it will be worth it.
{Spoons Remaining: $score}
[[Continue to the Appointment]]
As soon as Jane gets home, her friends message her and invite her to go out to dinner with them to celebrate it being the end of the week! They are planning to go to Jane's favorite restaurant in town.
<img src="https://6ac34a00-a-62cb3a1a-s-sites.googlegroups.com/site/invisibledisabilitythegame/the-game-1/home/Screen%20Shot%202018-04-25%20at%2012.37.30%20PM.png?attachauth=ANoY7cpwEL7SEsPTRQZD-L66rHUFqhHhX0uAAl81h1V4DjbPHCw0bsdnBbowK71L-pdhLy9SxDRsrOMpLh1qVYNLdAWJ6REVbLj59Q9p1oquaFJV-eOHCqnJV6IW8gWVpRtxYeUAODaLvjwa4WnFGJLz1yr0qqP1gMxKIyXIVpY5agNPy8ZJdOQBEXSrjTV-mFzie_TYb0v055ybruWfWkIyQMbw7JdoC7cftYjDf1TwGUz-jjxgdfVNZaq1YY-swHhDuUDuUZ_CcytT7CJtVXA5tQTQIQnR388w0ZczpXfuLA4wpruthLQ%3D&attredirects=0">
Should Jane:
A) [[Attend the party!]] (Cost = 2 Spoons)
OR
B) [[Stay home]]. It's been a long day (Cost = 1 Spoon)
{Spoons Remaining: $score}<span style="font-size: 110%">Thanks for Playing!</span>
<span style="font-size: 90%">For more information about Income and Mental Health, please view the following sources.
Resources:
^^1^^"How do you define invisible disability?" | invisible disability definition. (n.d.). Retrieved March 24, 2018, from https://invisibledisabilities.org/what-is-an-invisible-disability/\
^^2^^ Nami, Y., Nami, M. S., & Eishani, K. A. (2014). The Students’ Mental Health Status. Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences, 114, 840-844. Retrieved April 24, 2018, from https://www.nami.org/About-NAMI/Publications-Reports/Survey-Reports/College-Students-Speak_A-Survey-Report-on-Mental-H.pdf.
^^3^^Miserandino, C. (2013, April 26). The Spoon Theory written by Christine Miserandino. Retrieved March 24, 2018, from https://butyoudontlooksick.com/articles/written-by-christine/the-spoon-theory/
^^4^^Spoon Theory. (2018, April 23). Retrieved April 23, 2018, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spoon_theory
^^5^^Kuhl, E. A. (n.d.). Quantifying the Cost of Depression. Retrieved April 24, 2018, from http://www.workplacementalhealth.org/Mental-Health-Topics/Depression/Quantifying-the-Cost-of-Depression
^^6^^ Pietrangelo, A. (2015, January 28). Depression: Facts, Statistics & You. Retrieved April 24, 2018, from https://www.healthline.com/health/depression/facts-statistics-infographic
^^7^^ Dewey, C. (2018, April 03). The hidden crisis on college campuses: Many students don't have enough to eat. Retrieved April 24, 2018, from https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/wonk/wp/2018/04/03/the-hidden-crisis-on-college-campuses-36-percent-of-students-dont-have-enough-to-eat/?noredirect=on&utm_term=.bf94b0e05c25
^^8^^ Keybridge Research LLC. (2009, November 12). Unnecessary & Redundant Health Care Costs for College & University Students:. Retrieved April 24, 2018, from http://keybridgedc.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/Keybridge-Big-Health-Bills-on-Campus-May-2010.pdf
^^9^^ White, M. C. (2015, July 08). Most College Kids Are Totally Stressed About Money | Money. Retrieved April 24, 2018, from http://time.com/money/3949184/college-students-worry-finances-debt/
^^10^^ GSS General Social Survey | NORC. (n.d.). Retrieved April 24, 2018, from http://gss.norc.org/
^^11^^ Diament, Michelle. “More Than Two-Fifths Of Homeless Have Disabilities.” Disability Scoop, 20 July 2009, www.disabilityscoop.com/2009/07/16/homeless-report/4153/.
^^12^^“Improving College and Career Readiness for Students with Disabilities.” COLLEGE & CAREER READINESS & SUCCESS Center, American Institutes for Research, ccrscenter.org/sites/default/files/Improving College and Career Readiness for Students with Disabilities.pdf.
For more information about the Spoon Theory, watch [["Spoon Theory: An Introduction." ->Link]]
Created by:
Kristin Bulzomi (Concepts & Research)
Jessica Mannard (Writing and Edtting & Programming Support)
Ellie Maurer (Graphics & Research)
Ryan Regynski (Programming) </span>
[[Start Over ->Invisible Disability: The Game]](set: $score to $score -2)
Jane expresses her concerns and feel listened to! The doctor updates her prescription and tells her to pick it up on the way home. She feels like the copay was worth the $20, but knows she will also have to pay for the medication.
{Spoons Remaining: $score}
(if: $score is 0)[[[Continue ->Negative Spoons]]]
(if: $score < 0)[[[Continue ->Negative Spoons]]]
(if: $score > 0)[[[Pick up Perscription ->Pick up Perscription]]](set: $score to $score -2)
Jane panicked when her Doctor asked how she had been feeling. She's so used to lying to people about how she feels that she spit out her automatic response of "Oh I'm feeling ok, I think I'm just tired." She redeems herself a little bit when she explains (honestly) how she hasn't been sleeping well, but doesn't feel like she voices all her concerns.
Even though avoiding talking about the problem was easier in the moment, Jane leaves the appointment feeling disappointed and angry with herself. On top of that she feels like the $20 copay was a waste.
{Spoons Remaining: $score}
(if: $score is 0)[[[Continue ->Negative Spoons]]]
(if: $score < 0)[[[Continue ->Negative Spoons]]]
(if: $score > 0)[[[Go Home ->Go Home]]]You are playing as Jane, a 21 year old female college student. Coming from a low-income family, Jane was proud when she received a full ride academic scholarship to attend Washington State University.
Jane is also struggling with an invisible [[disability]]. An invisible disability is a physical, mental, or neurological condition that limits an individual's movements, senses or activities that is undetectable to an onlooker.^^1^^
[[Continue]] <span style="font-size: 120%">Invisible Disability: The Game</span>
<img src="https://6ac34a00-a-62cb3a1a-s-sites.googlegroups.com/site/invisibledisabilitythegame/the-game-1/home/Screen%20Shot%202018-04-25%20at%2012.25.24%20PM.png?attachauth=ANoY7cqZZcjqUEKudf90xuCO_f2ehpEWAI21Hf4y_07mmokNihEwlc-2QT4htAPKIzud1Wz_gSXu9cJepnLijPR_Uw3sPm1M98IofFmcRxA1XTS8k9iRev2uQyRNx4GfOyW5yogpW5yHuBtCPH-wZ02Nmb0rFT5QARHYhG0Ee3-8hRnovgIFtWqjoXuXu4j-SMjLDzpkQu_j_fh9N0yPWdFtDO3IZRLzUREcODUmBDqh_C3JGZ9tL_AT6x82L9O4-h5k4pCk4HsUB8QkB43HrPvo3LcvfFZxS7M2FUO5jq8nG4luzpMZW0o%3D&attredirects=0">
[[Start Game]]
(set: $score to (random:10,20))(set: $score to $score -3)
By getting up on when her alarm went off, Jane had more time to get ready and feels more prepared for class, but getting out of bed was hard, and she's still tired.
{Spoons Remaining: $score}
(if: $score is 0)[[[Continue ->Negative Spoons]]]
(if: $score < 0)[[[Continue ->Negative Spoons]]]
(if: $score > 0)[[[Go to Class ->Go to Class]]](set: $score to $score -1)
Jane got more sleep and now she finds it easier to focus on class! However, Jane felt so rushed to get to campus that she forgot to brush her teeth!
{Spoons Remaining: $score}
(if: $score is 0)[[[Continue ->Negative Spoons]]]
(if: $score < 0)[[[Continue ->Negative Spoons]]]
(if: $score > 0)[[[Go to Class ->Go to Class]]](set: $score to $score -2)
Jane raised her hand and her professor called on her! She felt confident with her answer but having the whole class looking at her made Jane feel self-conscious and anxious, causing her to stumble over her words.
Jane feels embarrassed but is still kind of proud of herself for participating.
{Spoons Remaining: $score}
(if: $score is 0)[[[Continue ->Negative Spoons]]]
(if: $score < 0)[[[Continue ->Negative Spoons]]]
(if: $score > 0)[[[Time for Lunch!->Time for Lunch!]]](set: $score to $score -1)
Zoning out is the easy and comfortable choice but missing information from class will cause more stress when it's exam time!
Jane is worried that a bad grade will cause her to [[lose her scholarship]]. And she can't afford to pay tuition without it! She tells herself she will pay attention in class from now on.
{Spoons Remaining: $score}
(if: $score is 0)[[[Continue ->Negative Spoons]]]
(if: $score < 0)[[[Continue ->Negative Spoons]]]
(if: $score > 0)[[[Time for Lunch!->Time for Lunch!]]]6% of university students report having gone a whole day without eating in the past month
36% of university students struggle to pay for housing and utilities. 9% of university students have slept in shelters or in places not intended as housing, or did not know from one day to the next where they would sleep.^^7^^
[[Go Back ->Time for Lunch!]]
Jane waited in the waiting room for what felt like an hour (but was probably 10 minutes). The whole time she worried about what she was going to say and if her psychiatrist would understand. Finally, her name is called and she sits down in her Doctor's office.
<img src="https://6ac34a00-a-62cb3a1a-s-sites.googlegroups.com/site/invisibledisabilitythegame/the-game-1/home/Screen%20Shot%202018-04-25%20at%2012.32.44%20PM.png?attachauth=ANoY7cri3UZaCbtvXAPtX8ugb0VPUi_w7mVgaMFxsOvXYv_2VHWTsNe_8IO7g-ro5DdJ1DZo1ZDTmBjVWPmlvCcHu19XiCLUkKLZM_yVL04SNzCv7UJiAkIzs6IVjc6BDTsVzkN7zKb1obJFEW8MB0Zqtl2dFnHMILuZMvrZfkoZIGSFwZ2bzHneHwd-Xb5MfyvA2_MVqokR12ABfMVUGJTUvdQYKqdPPLM1ukK0ca0BNN1L97qMyRUONCyo_zlGwoHTOSNmqDSHyLxzvok5yfpTjbZsacv_Vv1nH3539HsJnlyt18vSf9E%3D&attredirects=0">
Should Jane:
A)[[Be honest]] about how she is feeling and risk being misunderstood (Cost = 3 spoons)
OR
B) [[Downplay how bad she's been feeling]] (Cost = 2 spoons)
{Spoons Remaining: $score}(set: $score to $score -1)
The medication costs Jane $23. She has to count out all the change in her car's cup holder to pay the pharmacist, but is hopeful she will start to feel better soon.
Worrying about paying for the medication she needed cost Jane an additional spoon, but she is glad she opened up to her Doctor!
{Spoons Remaining: $score}
(if: $score is 0)[[[Continue ->Negative Spoons]]]
(if: $score < 0)[[[Continue ->Negative Spoons]]]
(if: $score > 0)[[[Go Home ->Go Home]]](set: $score to $score -2)
Jane chooses to go, but since she's [[struggling financially]] she only orders a Diet Coke. Her friends are worried about her so they buy Jane her favorite dish! At first, she worries about what her friends are thinking about her, but after a while Jane starts to enjoy the time with her friends. She's glad she attended the party.
{Spoons Remaining: $score}
(if: $score is 0)[[[Continue ->Negative Spoons]]]
(if: $score < 0)[[[Continue ->Negative Spoons]]]
(if: $score > 0)[[[Continue the Evening ->Continue the Evening]]](set: $score to $score -1)
Jane chooses to stay home. She has Top Ramen for dinner. She saved money and she always feels more comfortable eating at home, but she's disappointed to have missed the chance to hang out with friends.
{Spoons Remaining: $score}
(if: $score is 0)[[[Continue ->Negative Spoons]]]
(if: $score < 0)[[[Continue ->Negative Spoons]]]
(if: $score > 0)[[[Continue the Evening ->Continue the Evening]]]Jane finally gets home after her long day and changes into her favorite PJs. She knows that she should do some homework, but she's tired and could use the extra sleep.
<img src="https://6ac34a00-a-62cb3a1a-s-sites.googlegroups.com/site/invisibledisabilitythegame/the-game-1/home/Screen%20Shot%202018-04-25%20at%2012.39.16%20PM.png?attachauth=ANoY7cpu8b04y_-DyT-BTU-LzS08bZjDzJOJcV5uXnVBMx6SGVl7k1YlSX2alaoLO9KO15KQHMVTW_5EYVQeWc5snAL45Cw4UZ1FtWgxXIlsAKZL72Fvl_9MjeG5t6e36V3OnE5j58O-MTR9a7uZAT_TLDDgbpQZIxooyxLZVfUVsO7k29laSbqgk7BvAKS9sDf4Jyq_8RJmkuaDmGdpymsfkwBfh4SV_4NW4ouIcVW5QlHE42CXPEXegmSJS5Hyg6hH_oVigMBRilQOgzc94Asj-vCnYL0pYgsLlz9bnFKBhXmlIatePPI%3D&attredirects=0">
Should Jane:
A) [[Push herself]] to get some homework done (Cost = 2 spoons)
OR
B) [[Go to bed early]] (Cost = 1 spoon)
{Spoons Remaining: $score}(set: $score to $score -2)
Jane studies hard for a while and feels accomplished but is glad to head to bed.
After getting in bed, she snuggles up and tries not to let her mind run wild before falling asleep.
{Spoons Remaining: $score}
(if: $score is 0)[[[End The Day ->EndONE]]]
(if: $score < 0)[[[End The Day ->EndONE]]]
(if: $score > 0)[[[End The Day ->ENDTWO]]]
(set: $score to $score -1)
Although she knows that she should get some studying done, Jane is glad to head to bed.
After getting in bed, she snuggles up and tries not to let her mind run wild before falling asleep.
{Spoons Remaining: $score}
(if: $score is 0)[[[End The Day ->EndONE]]]
(if: $score < 0)[[[End The Day ->EndONE]]]
(if: $score > 0)[[[End The Day ->ENDTWO]]]
Congratulations! Jane made it through the day!
You used all the spoons that Jane had available, and that's okay. She will still have enough energy tomorrow for work.
[[End Game]]
Congratulations! Jane made it through the day!
You had leftover spoons, which means Jane will extra energy tomorrow for her day at work!
[[End Game]]Invisible Disabilities, by definition, cannot be seen to the eye of an onlooker, but they are very real to the person experiencing them, and they affect all types of people.
The 2016 General Social Survey results show that 10% of respondents who considered themselves to be lower or working class also reported being in poor health. Of all the respondents that reported being of poor health, 75% were lower or working class. ^^10^^ In fact, almost 50% of people who are homeless are struggling with a disability as well as low social-economic status.^^11^^
Steps should be taken to provide better support for people like Jane, especially in the university setting for example, improving the use of diagnostic assessments and data to inform instruction; and improving access to guidance, counseling and transition services.^^12^^
[[Continue ->Credits]]
Uh Oh!
Jane ran out of energy because you used all the spoons she had available! Running out of spoons means that Jane will have to go home for the day to recover. It also means she will have less spoons tomorrow. Having low energy on a day she has a long shift is risky.
As a low-income student, Jane struggles to pay day-to-day expenses in addition to her tuition and the [[costs of medical care]] for her Invisible Disability. Jane relies on every penny she makes, so missing work isn't really an option.
[[Start Over ->Invisible Disability: The Game]]"Spoon Theory: An Introduction."
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/VFY81e396ag" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen></iframe>
[[Go Back ->Credits]]64% of students who drop out of college do so because of mental health related reasons. Many of the students report having lost their financial aid and/or scholarships as a result of receiving a low GPA or changing to part-time student status due to mental health problems.^^2^^
[[Go Back ->Zone out]]"Student Health Centers typically charge a fee for routine services that is higher than the co-pays (and/or coinsurance) students would pay if student health centers billed private insurers, resulting in overcharges for routine services provided at student health centers." ^^8^^
[[Go Back ->Leave Campus]]
"70% of nearly 19,000 students surveyed said they’re stressed about their finances. Six in 10 were worried about tuition costs, and half stressed about having enough to cover day-to-day expenses." ^^9^^
[[Go Back ->Attend the party!]]
73% of college students report struggling with mental health during their post-secondary education.^^2^^
Despite how it feels, this is not a challenge that Jane is facing alone.
[[Go Back ->Start Game]]Medical treatment for Invisible Disabilities is expensive.
For example, depression (a Invisible Disability on its own, but also a common symptom or side effect of other Invisible Disabilities) costs the U.S. Economy an estimated $210.5 billion per year. Only half of this total amount is from direct medical costs, the other half being from indirect costs like absenteeism (missed days from work) and presenteeism (reduced productivity while at work).^^5^^
With approximately 16 million cases of depression in the U.S.^^6^^, this means that depression costs a person with depression over $13,000 each year. (Yes, some of this can be covered by insurance, but you have to pay for that too!)
[[Go Back ->Negative Spoons]]Only 50% of students with disabilities disclose that information to their university. This means that are not receiving support from their instructors and staff.
Here are the top reasons students choose not to disclose a disability:
1. Fear or concern for the impact disclosing would have on how students, faculty and staff perceive them
2. There is no opportunity to disclose
3. Do not know that disclosing could help secure accommodations
4. Do not trust that their medical information will remain confidential^^2^^
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