Conversations about mental health are broadening the perspective of most individuals, inviting different views. The more these conversations are held, the better the chances of nurturing a mentally holistic and self-aware generation. In the same regard, go through this article as it explores the effects of emotional trauma on students.
Emotional trauma is any event or action destabilizing one’s emotional and mental well-being. Even though these situations are sometimes inevitable, they tend to leave a lasting mark and effect on the victim, depending on the severity of the condition. Below are some of the impacts of trauma and hints on how to deal with them.
1. Emotional Impacts
Regardless of the severity of the traumatic event, these are the different ways your emotional well-being is likely to be impacted:
Anxiety
Trauma can trigger heightened levels of anxiety characterized by escalated feelings of fear and helplessness. Anxiety might manifest in physical symptoms, including:
- Inability to concentrate
- Feeling light-headedness
- Shortness of breath
- Hot flashes
- Dizziness or headaches
- A racing heartbeat
Manifesting these symptoms affects your ability to sit still and concentrate on academics.
Depression
Depression results from prolonged seasons of sadness. It is also caused by the effects of undergoing a traumatic event and is characterized by the following symptoms:
- Loss of interest
- A hopeless outlook on life
- Anxiety
- Irritability
- Changes in sleep patterns
- Emotional spiralling
The severity of the depression will determine the symptoms the victim might exude. If you notice you are experiencing prolonged sadness, seek medical help.
Emotional Regulation
Trauma can result in trouble with emotional regulation. Victims might experience instances where they are overly emotional, and the inability to control their emotions might result in emotional outbursts. In intense cases, it might lead to impulsivity and withdrawal.
Withdrawal From Social Activities
Going through a traumatic event can result in the victim wallowing in their thoughts and lacking the motivation to associate with others. This often deters the victim from forming relationships and connecting with others, which could heal their souls.
Behavioral Challenges
Trauma victims are likely to exude behavioral changes like the lack of motivation to engage in constructive engagements. Some might exhibit aggression or engage in disruptive habits to cope with what they are going through.
2. Cognitive Effects
Trauma also impacts the victim’s cognitive functions in the following ways:
Inability to Focus
Trauma can interfere with the victim’s ability to focus by clouding their judgment with racing emotions. This inability to concentrate makes the victim struggle with their academics. It also impacts their ability to retain information.
Learning Disabilities
Emotional trauma is likely to translate into learning disabilities. It can also lead to the exacerbation of pre-existing learning disabilities.
Memory
Emotional trauma might also cause the victim to struggle in processing information and memory. Therefore, they will likely struggle to keep up with their schoolwork and complete assignments. In such instances, seek help from academic service providers and ask if they have the buy essay option.
Academic Performance
Emotional trauma also impacts the victim’s academics in the following ways:
Missed School
Emotional trauma triggers a lack of interest in engaging in productive activities. As a result, most victims struggle with simple tasks like getting out of bed and maintaining a routine. In such cases, the learner will likely miss classes because they lack the will and fortitude to attend.
Declining Academic Performance
Failing to show up in class can translate to poor grades. Not being emotionally emotional to attend classes can also reflect poor academic performance.
Self-Image
Emotional trauma also interferes with the victim’s psychological stability and self-perception. It does so in the following ways:
Self-Loathing
Trauma can also result in self-loathing and a negative perception of self. These feelings may translate into low self-esteem and confidence in doing the things that sparked joy in them.
Motivation
Trauma also results in a lack of motivation to engage in school activities. As a result, the learner might struggle to focus on their studies or engage in co-curricular activities.
Reduced Engagement
Trauma also contributes to disengagement from those around. As a result, the learner struggles to attend the activities that require their attention. It also manifests in the learner struggling to participate in activities during class sessions.
Physical Health
Trauma also impacts the victim’s physical health. It manifests physically through the following symptoms:
- Fatigue
- Persistent symptoms
- Trouble sleeping
- Stomach upsets
- Loss of appetite
- Dizziness
- Loss of breath
- Loss of appetite
These symptoms might affect the victim’s comfort and willingness to attend to their daily commitments. These stress-related symptoms might also deter the victim from concentrating on academics, incurring an additional cost in hiring essay writers to help with their assignments.
Long-Term Effects
Emotional trauma might result in the following long-term effects:
Educational Setback
Going through a traumatic experience can be a big blow to a learner’s academics. Sometimes it takes weeks to get back on their feet; as a result, their academics take a hit.
Some learners graduate with lower grades due to going through traumatic experiences. Some learners have to rely on essay writing service providers to perform well in class. Those that do not would probably graduate with lower grades. Such situations translate into missed opportunities.
Relationships
At times going through an emotionally traumatic experience goes beyond the victim’s academics. It affects their relationship with themselves. Sometimes, self-doubt and low self-esteem linger even when the victim is not reliving the traumatic experience.
Most victims deal with emotionally traumatic experiences by isolating themselves, affecting their interpersonal relationships. It also interferes with their ability to form relationships with other learners.
Going through an emotionally traumatic experience can be daunting and confusing. Therefore, teachers are advised to keep track of learners’ sudden changes in behavior. Schools also have professional counselors to help victims process their emotions and deal with the situation. Early intervention can help minimize these effects. Victims are encouraged to come forward and seek help since there is no shame in admitting they are not okay and seeking mental health services.
