Should I inform my RA to what is going on with me?

-Shae-Lynn* · 06-09-2010, 11:59 PM

I moved into my residence at university today. It's been kind of over whelming so I am currently hiding out in my room, but whatever.

Anyways, my question is, do you think I should tell my residence advisor (RA) what has been going on with me? I don't mean my whole history by any means, more like "Just a quick heads up, I have some mental health stuff going on and thought you may want to know about it".

I'm a summer camp councillor and when parents don't declare mental health stuff and we have to find out the hard way, it's a real bother. I'm scared that it be too attention seeking-y.

I have generalized anxiety disorder, Dysthymia, BPD and chronic headaches. They said I may have mild bi-polar but didn't want to diagnose that. I've been hospitalized twice, the last one being in July, and know that my coping skills may go down the drain again. I'm very cyclical and while my ups are good, the downs have been getting progressively worse. I'm on medicine that is helping, but when I crash, it's pretty hard.

Did you guys tell your RA what was going on for you? Or should I just keep it quiet and hope for the best? My RA is probably third or fourth year, so she is pretty close to my age.

Thanks :)

Pomegranate · 07-09-2010, 12:05 AM

To be honest I would only tell them if you think they are likely to have to be involved with you because of the mental health issues. If you think you and your current team can deal with things without involving anyone else then I would do so. If they are likely to have to intervene to help though then yes, tell them....if not then don't. My 'RA' equivalent never knew the extent of my mental health issues despite repeated MH related admissions to hospital. It is up to you. I think if possible, and not detrimental to you then keep them out of it. They are fellow students after all.

mathnerd324 · 07-09-2010, 12:20 AM

I found it more useful to talk to the mental health services on campus. They will be better prepared to help you than your RA.

trekkinthrulife · 07-09-2010, 01:09 AM

I havent told my current or past RAs about my issues. Its none of their business. Heck my roommate doesnt know.

-Shae-Lynn* · 07-09-2010, 01:21 AM

Okay, I think I'll keep it to myself.
I'm going to be starting personal councilling pretty soon and I have a disability councillor here and so it's not like it's a total secret. I'm not planing on getting sick again anyways, so hopefully all goes well on that front. I don't think I would go to her in an emergency anyways, I'm way to shy about that type of stuff.
Thanks for your opinions!!

redhead22 · 09-09-2010, 03:52 AM

I went away to school and my RA didn't do anything for me. I never told them anything about what I was going through but even with the issues about suite mates and stuff they didn't really do much. So yea I would definitely just see someone there on campus. That would be your best bet and its good that you have someone in disability services you can go and talk to too. Good luck with everything.

littlemermaid · 17-09-2010, 03:52 AM

I wouldnt say anything. from my experience getting the school involved is a bad idea. People overreact when they hear about mental health problems because its a liability for them and all that stuff. i had the quad directore show up at my dorm because of something id said, my school just wastn do understanding, but by all means get all the right support, you will figure out which people you can trust and confide in and which you should keep it more down low. I had my people on campus that I knew I could go to. you will too