Student with Mental Illness

percussiondad
Fri, 07 Sep 2012 22:08:11 +0000

I think your D did exactly the right thing by talking to the RA and this boy is lucky to have friends like this. My concern is that he overheard the whole conversation, either they were talking very loudly or the RA did not close the door. I just asked my D (she is an RA) what she would do and she said they do have procedure to follow but when someone talks to her about something this personal or sensitive she closes the door for everyone’s privacy and confidentiality.

You said that “She and her friends met with the RA this afternoon because they are very concerned about the possibility that he may be suicidal or homicidal.”. That is very serious (I am not saying wrong) fear they may have for this boy. With him having overheard everything I would be concerned that this could be the catalyst for him. I pray that I am just over reacting but if you are afraid someone may do harm to themselves or others the last thing you want is for them to hear is you telling someone. They needed to tell someone (good for them, they are excellent friends) but I am still stumped by how he overheard it. To me right now that would be my biggest concern and I have no doubt that if the RA is worth his position he will be dealing with it immediately but sometimes things move too slowly with no evidence and when emotional distress is involved and I pray this does not put him over the top.
Good Luck to your D her friends and especially to this young man.