Trauma in Schools

Trauma is an emotional reaction to a horrible event such as an accident, violence, loss of relatives, or natural disaster. Immediately after the event, shock, and disaffirmation are typical. Longer-term reactions include unexpected emotions, flashbacks, strained relationships, and even physical symptoms like headaches or nausea. (American Psychological Association, 2013). It can be a difficult, troubling, or upsetting experience that we have had or seen happen to someone else. Sometimes we can be reminded about traumatic experiences when we do not expect them - these are called triggering experiences. These kinds of moments can be overwhelming, but we can empower ourselves to move through these triggers with control and skill. Conflict and trauma are a part of life, and they can be connected. When we understand conflict, we understand that sometimes conflict comes out of difficult, traumatic, or painful experiences of unmet needs (Whitaker Peace & Development Initiative, 2021).

Teachers are urged to train their students to able them to be familiar with below two objectives:

A. Understanding and becoming aware of traumatic experiences

B. knowing how to navigate the emotions and physical responses they might have.