Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

What it is:
PTSD is a mental health condition that develops after someone experiences or witnesses a traumatic event. Students may relive the trauma through flashbacks, nightmares, or intrusive thoughts, which can severely affect focus and emotional regulation in the classroom.

What to look out for:
Students may appear withdrawn, easily startled, or hypervigilant. They might avoid certain subjects, situations, or discussions that trigger memories of the trauma. Emotional outbursts, irritability, or difficulty concentrating are common.

Real-life example:
During a group activity discussing natural disasters, a student becomes anxious, visibly tense, and asks to leave the classroom. Even though they understand the lesson, thoughts about past experiences interfere with their ability to participate.

How it affects learning:
PTSD can disrupt attention, memory, and classroom engagement. Students may struggle with participation, homework completion, or standardized testing. Emotional triggers can lead to absences or withdrawal from social interactions, further impacting academic progress.

Best learning strategies:

• Provide a predictable and safe classroom environment.

• Allow flexible participation or alternative assignments.

• Encourage the use of coping strategies such as mindfulness or grounding techniques.

• Offer access to school counselors or trauma-informed therapists.

• Avoid forcing participation in triggering discussions or activities.