How to manage students suffering from PTSD?
My campus receives several Reserve/National Guard members coming back from combat situations. At times, they can be aggressive and militant to their fellow classmates and instructor(s). What are some techniques to handle these VERY SENSITIVE situations?
Hi KEN,
Even as military folks they still must be respectful to others. Let the same rules apply to all.
Patricia Scales
I have allot of combat veterans in my classes also. I will not treat them any different than any other student. I kill them with kindness and respect and that is a two way street. If they cant handle them selves in a professional way then I will try and talk with them one on one. If that doesn't work then they can talk with a education manager so he can make the call if they should be in class or not.
Hi Jimmy,
I too have experience this type of student. The same rules apply to them, and they are treated no different. If you had to have a conversation and things did not improve, then yest take the student to higher authority.
Patricia Scales
We also have a lot of Veterans in our program. In stressful situations, I have found that staying calm can help to keep them calm. Also, removing the student from a situation before it escalates. It is easy to turn a blind eye to their behavior in class because instructors don't want to be in an awkward situation. Unfortunately it is our job to lead the class and do what is best for all students.
Hi Nancy,
I try not to turn a blind eye to students behavior. I like correcting my students privately, professionally, and politely. Students need constructive feedback.
Patricia Scales
I try to treat all students equally. I do not understand PTSD personally, as my deployment in '07-'08 was not very 'stressful'. The rocket attacks were not very frequent, and the Afghans were typically very bad shots. I also believe that if I've managed to survive all of my bad decisions up to this point I have little to fear from a poorly coordinated and executed attack using 60 year old Russian mortars or rockets.
I do understand that PTSD is real, and that it's not a new phenomenon. If a student is becoming agitated I will attempt to 'ground' them with quiet reminders of where they are and what their current environment is. If they are not responsive I may suggest that they go outside for a brief smoke or a walk. I may make the same suggestion for someone who does not suffer from PTSD but is just generally 'stressing out'. I have heard of one 'therapy' for PTSD which involved making (tying/weaving) the parachute cord bracelets and keychains that were so popular a year or two ago. It helps a person focus on the here and now (grounding) and not a recurring, stressful situation.
Sometimes it's helpful to simply (temporarily) remove yourself from a stressful situation and then come back to it a little later.
Hi Colin,
We sure do have to deal with all students the same. PTSD or not, agitated students need to be dealt with.
Patricia Scales
