How to Set Your Child with Trauma Up for College Success
Even with guidance and help in healing, the effects of trauma and childhood adversity can have lifelong consequences. This is because the simple act of being exposed to an adverse childhood event (ACE) can increase a person’s risk for physical and mental health problems as well as poor educational outcomes, so the effects of trauma can linger into college years and beyond.
The question then becomes, “how can I set my child up for success?”
The Problem at Hand
To know the answer to this question, we first need to consider what issues your child with trauma may face while at college. According to one study, students who have experienced a high level of adversity in childhood may feel they have lower levels of social support (e.g. someone to confide in, ask for advice, or go to for emotional support.) There is also a substantial body of research that shows exposure to ACEs can lead to lifelong consequences, both physical and mental.
When a person lacks these supportive relationships, they are then at an increased risk for experiencing depression and anxiety, especially if the student is going to college in another town or state and is further away from their family and usual support network.
Why This Matters
We know that it’s imperative to address mental health issues more than ever as mental health issues have risen significantly and more awareness is brought to these disorders. But it’s also important to remember that depression and anxiety contribute to poor academic performance, which can further increase stress, anxiety, and depression. It’s a cycle that can make a student feel hopeless, and can lead to an increased risk of dropping out of college.
What Can I Do to Help My Child Succeed in College?
There are several things you can do to help set your child with trauma up for success in college.
- Communication: It is important to keep lines of communication open. Sit down and talk with your child about what they may experience while away at college. Talk about the anxieties or triggers they may face, but also remind them that it is normal to feel overwhelmed when dealing with such big changes and new experiences. Don’t forget to also create a safe space for them to express their own concerns without judgment and to validate those feelings.
- Strengthen Their Support Network: Work to strengthen and reinforce their current support network. Remind them that when times get tough or when they need advice, you are only a phone call away. Also help them find ways to develop and grow a local support network. For example, help them find the contact info or location of the on-campus counseling center, or find an off-campus counselor that specializes in trauma and set them up as a patient before they head off to college. Also encourage them to build relationships with trusted faculty members who can help them when needed.
- Coping Mechanisms: Help them identify triggers plus learn and develop healthy techniques for teens or adults to self-regulate and cope. This not only will help your child calm down during situations that make them anxious, but can help them to focus more easily on learning the material in front of them. These practices or strategies can include techniques such as mindfulness, deep breathing, journaling, and even physical exercise.
- Visit Campus: Take a visit to the campus with them beforehand so they can familiarize themselves with campus before college starts. This can help to reduce anxiety. During this visit, you may want to meet with college administrators about any accommodations your child will need and set those up in advance.
Key Takeaways
Remember, each child with trauma is different. What you do to help support and prepare your child for college should be tailored to their needs. Above all, always encourage and support your child, offer patience and understanding, and focus and reinforce your relationship with your child. It is important to know they can always count on you no matter their stage of life, or how far away they may be!
