A student shows increased alertness, difficulty concentrating, and exhaustion after a car accident. What support does the student need most?

The student is exhibiting symptoms that suggest they are experiencing trauma-related stress following the car accident. Increased alertness and difficulty concentrating can be signs of hyperarousal, which is common in post-traumatic stress situations. Coping techniques tailored to address traumatic stress can empower the student to manage their emotional and psychological responses to the accident. These techniques may include mindfulness practices, breathing exercises, and grounding strategies, all designed to help the student process their feelings and regain a sense of control.

In this context, while ongoing interventions or intensive therapy might also be beneficial, the immediate need is for strategies that the student can apply regularly to cope with the stressors they are facing. Providing regular opportunities to take breaks can be helpful as well, but the primary focus is equipping the student with specific coping mechanisms that can assist them in navigating their feelings and thoughts related to the trauma. Therefore, offering coping techniques directly addresses the symptoms and helps facilitate healing in the aftermath of such an incident.