8 types of shock bring posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in students. Trauma is a mental health condition. Students get PTSD by experiencing overwhelming stress of various types.
- Violent assaults
- Physical, mental, sexual abuse
- Natural disasters
- Car accidents
- Shootings and neighborhood violence
- Drug usage and overdoses
- Witnesss to tragety
- Serious injuries
Students who experience some type of shock or have PTSD become anxious, irritable, and even angry. They may appear to daydream and lack interest in a lesson or an assignment. Many times, students lose focus on the classroom activity. Loud or unexpected noises startle them. Students may also not wish to take part in events or activities. Young children do not understand that what they experience has to do with their mood or reactions.
How to Handle the Shock
Parents and teachers alone can not solve the situation of PTSD. Additional help is necessary. They need to refer to a qualified therapist. Teachers must accommodate lessons to guide the learning. Parents and teachers must listen, support, encourage, and give understanding to students. They must provide the extra help with assignments in school. Finally, do not overload the students with work. Keep it simple. It takes time.
Often, survivors feel guilt. It occurs as students believe they have done something wrong with surviving. Some survivor guild is natural, it can lead to other problems.
Shooting in schools can be difficult to cope with for several reasons. First, they are unpredictable and uncontrollable. As it is uncontrollable, it brings on anxiety and fear. Next, a shooting shows a threat to one’s life. This makes students believe bad things can happen to them. It also exposed students to death or injury of others. This brings up the emotions of horror that intensify the traumatic event. Gun violence leaves a lasting memory.
Educators must continue with mental and emotional health issues after the violence is over. Active shooter drills can heighten stress in students after they have experienced a violent situation. There are many symptoms of prolong stress in students and teachers.
Shootings and other unexpected violent acts cause PTSD and stress. Students become powerless as these events happen. There is not a one-size-fits-all for helping students and teachers deal with the stress of a violent act. Use the many resources available.
