Suffering in Silence: Unprocessed Trauma in College Students and a Lifeline Solution

For tens of thousands of college students, their first time away from a childhood home is a period where past traumas have room to resurface and wreak havoc on their path to success. According to recent research , PTSD diagnoses among college students doubled from 2017-2022 and are continuing to rise alongside other stress-related conditions. Pair this data with the fact that most students drop out of college due to overwhelming mental and emotional stress , and we can surmise that campuses across the nation are experiencing a crisis-level student support need.

“Trauma is personal. It does not disappear if it is not validated. When it is ignored or invalidated the silent screams continue internally heard only by the one held captive. When someone enters the pain and hears the screams healing can begin.” - Danielle Bernock

Unprocessed trauma can severely affect a student's academic performance, mental health, and overall well-being for years to come if it’s never addressed. Students entering college with a history of traumatic experiences can display a number of symptoms like social isolation, excessive anger, hyper-perfectionism, or a myriad of others that would make this article a full day's read. Research indicates that trauma affects brain function, making it difficult for students to concentrate, retain information, and engage in the classroom. This often results in poor academic performance and can further exacerbate feelings of inadequacy and stress. These unresolved issues directly correlate to anxiety, depression, and other mental health problems, which are major contributors to the rising dropout rates.

I know what you’re thinking… that’s what campus counseling services are for. And you’re correct! But this issue is much more complex. More institutions are acting on the need for a holistic approach to student wellness now than ever before. While therapy is irreplaceable, trauma impacts various aspects of a person's life, including physical health, emotional stability, and social relationships. A holistic approach to trauma care is essential because it addresses the interconnected nature of these factors.

Trauma-Informed Care is a Necessity, Not a Luxury

Folks in higher ed are already aware that coaching on college campuses has proven effective in helping students continue their education while acquiring essential life skills. But, many have not considered that coaching can incorporate trauma-informed holistic approaches (mostly because it hasn’t existed until now). At EmpowerED, we’re addressing the root causes of stress and emotional challenges, offering a comprehensive solution that can create significant, positive impacts on student well-being and success. Our trauma-informed coaching not only supports academic achievement but also fosters resilience, self-care, and a campus-wide culture of wellness.

Here’s How EmpowerED Implements Trauma-Informed Care:

1. Holistic Wellness Approach: Our holistic care model includes mental, physical, social, and spiritual wellness. Trauma-informed coaching techniques make our sessions a safe complement or segue to your telehealth and counseling services.

2. Community-Building Programming: Healing is a team sport. That’s why we design programming and implement it to engage students, faculty, and staff in collective wellness goals, encouraging collaboration, support, and accountability.

3. Trauma-Informed Wellness Modalities: Incorporating tools like somatic experiencing, breath work, and mindfulness, we help students implement wellness strategies that align with their goals.

As a recent New York Times article underscores, the rising prevalence of trauma-based stress among college students is a call to action for higher education institutions. EmpowerED is leading the charge by partnering with colleges and universities to fill the gaps in traditional student support services for lifelong benefits.

For more information on how EmpowerED can support your institution and its students, visit our website .