Ways to protect yourself
When you are talking to someone in distress
- Listening is usually more helpful than offering advice.
- Avoid ultimatums…they’ll back you and your friend into a corner that is difficult to get out of.
- Get additional help. It’s always OK to contact another RA or someone from SART, UHS, UCC, or Security.
- Don’t disqualify yourself, even if you are male, because you have not dealt with this type of situation before.
- You are a caring person who is there to listen and offer support…without taking over the problem.
- Don’t make excuses for someone’s behavior.
- Say things that will bring order to the situation and that will serve as a reality check.
- Safety and health issues are always your first concern.
- Take care of your own needs by setting limits for how much time and energy you can give a situation and then stick to them.
