Looking at our students in a new way

 Last year as we returned from break I took time to reflect on the idea that not all students experience a positive and relaxing break. Not adults do either. This year I have a similar idea for us to ponder but it extends to how our students are in relation to not only break but the pandemic. 

When we think about our students we are often asked to consider Trauma Informed approaches. This can be a challenge when you are attempting to mange a full class. Some days it seems all you can do is hope that the majority of your class is present and ready to learn. Taking time to consider each students background and home life can become overwhelming and an emotional undertaking not everyone is ready to experience. 

Over break I started reading a book, for pleasure, and in it the main character is dealing with PTSD. This prompted me to begin reflecting on my past jobs and the clients I worked with, in particular those with PTSD.

PTSD: Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

Years ago, while working in Flint, I worked with many families, one being a mother and her four sons. This mother experienced extreme domestic violence that took years to escape. The violence while directed at her physically, left it's emotional scars on her sons. What was told to me by mom and boys was heart breaking. These experiences left the family in fear and in hiding. These experiences also left all four boys with a diagnosis of PTSD.

As I remember back to working with this family and the things they lived through, I began to consider our students. 

I also began to do research on PTSD and children. Unfortunately no formal studies exist but some statistics do and symptoms or signs of PTSD to watch for in children.

Studies show that 15-43% of Girls and 14-43% of Boys will experience some kind of trauma during childhood. Think back to when we have talked about ACEs. If you don't remember or are unfamiliar check on the link to my blog on  ACEs and Mindfulness .

Thankfully the numbers get smaller as we look at those who have experienced trauma and are diagnosed with PTSD.

3-15% of Girls

1-6% of Boys

While considering these numbers take a moment to remember that these only reflect those who are able to seek treatment. PTSD left undiagnosed means children not counted in these numbers.

Research reminds us that numbers increase based on type of population (poorer areas statistically have higher rates of violence and other factors associated with childhood PTSD), access to mental health treatment, and the willingness to seek it. For children they do not have a choice if their parents seek treatment for them. And if a parent does not give a full and accurate history PTSD can go misdiagnosed. 

The CDC states that PTSD in students also looks like ADHD. The student presents as unfocused, fidgety, easily distracted and irritable. 

As we think about our students take time to consider that on the list of common traumas associated with PTSD in children look a lot like our pandemic life.

Since March 2020 our students MAY HAVE experienced:

-Abrupted school closure

-Isolation

-Limited/No Food

-Limited/No Internet 

-Limited/No School

-Too much screen time (blue light and depression...read up!)

-Depression

-Anxiety

-Exposure to too much media... daily death numbers

-Covid : Themselves, family, someone they know

-Family violence 

-Holidays looking different, No Holidays at all

-No sports to play

-No places to visit

-Limited activities

-Limited to no transportation

There are no statistics or studies now. We are the living study that will be looked at years from now. Our students, this school year, and those to follow; will be studied and evaluated.

How do we help?

Those who seek treatment for PTSD engage in what is called CBT; Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Simple definition: Recognizing triggers to negative behaviors, thoughts, feelings, and actions. Evaluate responses. Replacing the negative responses with new positive and healthy choices. 

Does any of this sounds familiar?

It is very similar to Mindfulness!

Mindfulness asks us to sit with a feeling and thought. To witness. To feel it and experience it. Understand it. Let go of it if it is negative and build on it if it is positive. 

Including a mindfulness practice does not have to be challenging or take all day. It can be a 5-10 minutes start to your day.

Below is a video of a middle school teacher talking about Conscious Discipline. Again something that shares a lot of similarities to Mindfulness. I really like the way this teacher starts his school day and what he says about how it helps him. 

Conscious Discipline  

Please take some time to use this to put a new focus on 2021 and your students.

Happy New Year!