PTSD 101: Here’s What Schools Should Know

Unfortunately, college campuses have become places where some students don't feel safe anymore. The number of traumatic experiences among college students has led to the development of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which makes it hard for them to handle their academic life.

What is PTSD?

PTSD is a mental health condition that can occur after a student goes through a lot of stress from a disturbing or traumatic event. These events could be childhood trauma, school bullying, a major car accident, etc. Sometimes, a student can also develop PTSD after the sudden or violent death of a family member or close friend - this may lead to survivor guilt (feeling guilty for surviving when others didn't).

Other traumas that can lead to PTSD are:

• violent assaults

• arrests, overdoses, and evictions

• physical, emotional, or sexual abuse

• acts of violence, such as school or neighborhood shootings

• serious physical injuries or life-threatening medical illnesses

• witnessing another person go through these kinds of traumatic events

Let's look at some statistics to understand why students develop this trauma.

Here are a few facts:

• 1 out of every five women (20%) will experience sexual assault while in college, compared to only 4% of men

• The most recent national data shows 5,623 college students died in a vehicle accident, while another 567,000 showed injuries

• 23% of TGQN (transgender, genderqueer, nonconforming) college students have been sexually assaulted

• 65% of college students said school shootings make them concerned about campus safety

When a student goes through a traumatic event and develops PTSD, it places them in a stage of intense anxiety and stress that can be extremely overwhelming. Their brain becomes consumed by dangerous thoughts, making ordinary academic tasks tricky. Even weeks after the traumatic event, the brain and body can remain alert - the student's nervous system is sensitive and reactive, leading to a higher ongoing sense of threat.

PTSD Symptoms: College Students

Having PTSD as a college student can cause severe problems.

While some students may show classic symptoms of PTSD, such as flashbacks and nightmares, others may show more subtle symptoms, like avoidance behaviors or changes in mood. It may also be challenging for them to be around other students and attend larger classes, take exams in a crowded room, be enrolled full-time, or experience the external stimuli of a college campus.

Students may develop unhealthy beliefs about themselves or the world as they try to process the trauma they have been through. These beliefs, such as "the world isn't safe" or "I deserved this," can negatively impact their behavior. This causes them to feel disconnected from others, even when surrounded by classmates, teachers, and staff.

PTSD symptoms in college students can vary from person to person, but some common symptoms include:

• Irritable, anxious, or angry

• disconnected or depressed

• poor academic focus

• Miss deadlines and skip classes

• self-destructive or risk-taking behavior

• extreme shyness and difficulty engaging with others

• trouble managing strong emotions (anger, crying, etc)

• Avoid people, places, or situations that might remind them of the traumatic event

According to the American Psychiatric Association (APA), trauma can affect students with PTSD both mentally and physically. Besides the psychological impact, they may experience physical symptoms like headaches, digestive issues, fatigue, and sleep problems. These symptoms can severely affect their academic performance and well-being.

However, not every student who has been through a traumatic experience will develop PTSD - most won't. Research shows that around two-thirds of college students have been exposed to a traumatic event, and only 10 percent develop post-traumatic symptoms. Some may show signs right after the trauma, while others may experience them weeks, months, or years later.

How To Spread Awareness During National Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Month

1. Recognize the prevalence: PTSD is real in college students, and around 10% meet the criteria for developing post-traumatic stress disorder - with sexual assault being one of the most prevalent causes. Institutions must have the knowledge and awareness needed to recognize the symptoms of PTSD and identify its presence in students. Informing teachers, staff, and counselors about mental health conditions like PTSD is crucial for taking a step toward helping and supporting students.

1. Understand the impact: As we mentioned earlier, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) negatively impacts around 8% of college students' academic performance and well-being. Students with this condition may experience difficulties concentrating, memory problems, and emotional distress. Schools need to understand and support the daily challenges these students face. There are many ways to do so - for example, as a teacher, offering alternative learning methods can help students with PTSD who struggle to focus effectively in class.

1. Connect them to resources: 75% of students know their mental health issues, and 32% don't feel comfortable seeking assistance - yikes! Educational institutions play a significant role in providing resources and support for students with mental health conditions. A practical solution is implementing mental health platforms like TadHealth. Our platform allows students to access self-help materials easily, connect with licensed professionals, and even contact life-saving support during unexpected times of crisis.

With TadHealth, educators, staff, and counselors can prioritize students' mental health and create an environment where students who feel uncomfortable asking for help are motivated to approach support confidently. If you are an institution, you can request a demo and see how we can effectively improve your students' mental health together. Let's join in spreading PTSD awareness and ensuring that students who silently struggle with mental health receive the help they deserve.

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By Denia Villegas