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NOTE: Remember that with eating
disorders or any other resident concern,
you need to communicate with your supervisor
about the situation. YOu are not a trained
counselor, and it is not good for you
or for your resident to try and handle
this alone. Read "Your
Job Is To Care"
Q.
Eating disorders plague a huge number
of college students, mainly women.(but
remember, it can affect men) How
can an RA be of assistance to someone
with an eating disorder, especially
since many these victims are not aware
or deny they have a disorder.
See bottom of page for
resource links
A.
I think that the big thing that an RA
would have a problem with here is in
not being afraid to confront the situation.
It's a hard topic to deal with, and
it can be kind of intimidating, but
sometimes the most important step is
the first one. Simply expressing your
concerns and being there for help, along
with providing some resources is a great
way to start. Of course, if you know
something is going on, and aren't wholly
comfortable helping the person just
yet, contacting the university counseling
center is always a good option.
Amber B. - Colorado
State University
A.
Educate. Educate. Educate.
Michael W. - Concordia College
A.
I think the role of the RA in that situation
is to show his/her concerns to that
resident. Express your feelings about
their well-being, tell them where they
can get help, and once THEY decide to
get the help, be a member of their support
team.
Jennifer A. - Southern Methodist University
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