Concerned about a situation in cousin's chapter.

[Adopt-a-Lab-GA]

Goodness, it sounds like this new member needs the help of a mental health professional asap. As a private mental health practitioner, I am not telling you how to handle this specific situation...it would be unethical for me to do so, not having seen this person myself. However, here are some suggestions for situations like this.

Encourage his big brother or someone close to him to have a one on one talk with him and encourage him to seek counseling. Most universities now have very competent counselors on staff at their college/univ health centers.

If their is no counselor or psychologist at the university/college mental health center, then have him utilize the mental health services that are provided by his health insurance. Most college students are on their parents' insurance. If that is the case for him, there should be a #1-800 type number on the back of his insurance card for mental health/substance abuse. He can call that number and get a referral for someone to see in his area.

Re: him being potentially dangerous and the personality disorder issue, no, it is highly unlikely that he would be dangerous to others. He clearly has a pattern of taking his feelings out on himself, not others. That past behavior is the best predictor of future behavior. So, if anything, he would be at risk for increased self harm, NOT harm to others.

In addition, while tendencies toward self harm can sometimes be part of a larger personality disorder spectrum, that is not always the case. For example, many people with anxiety, esp in the college age group, will lack the coping skills to deal with general anxiety and will use self harm as a temporary way to cope. As unhealthy as it is, often a combo of cognitive behavioral therapy for the anxiety, a good support system and decreased alcohol intake may completely alleviate his tendencies toward self harm.

It's best for the chapter to approach situations like this with a nonjudgemental and caring attitude. That will be more healthy for them and will also help the new member to see that he will not be chastized in any way for getting some help.