Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)
Stressful childhood events that can cause lifelong problems.
Your life matters
Previous ACEs can impact everyday life in some big ways. If you feel you may have experienced adverse childhood events, your feelings are valid and you deserve support.
What are adverse childhood experiences?
ACE's are specific childhood events that are known to be traumatic. Examples of ACEs include:
Abuse
Physical, emotional, or sexual abuse negatively impacts children, and the damage can continue well into adulthood.
Neglect
Physical or emotional neglect is different than abuse but can be just as damaging. Children need physical and emotional support in order to develop into healthy adults.
Household dysfunction
Parental substance use, parental mental illness, parental incarceration, witnessing domestic abuse, and parental separation or divorce are all ACEs that are forms of household dysfunction.
And more
Racism, community violence, living in foster care, and bullying are being added as "expanded ACEs". There are likely more to come as well as we learn more about childhood trauma.
Help is available
ACEs can cause lifelong problems if they are not addressed. It is important to see a professional in order to begin treatments to ensure your past does not dictate your future.
How do adverse childhood experiences impact us later in life?
ACEs are associated with a variety of problems later on in life like:
Problems of the body.
A large body of evidence has shown that the more ACEs someone had growing up, the more likely they will be to develop physical conditions like heart disease, cancer, and strokes as an adult. If you feel you are at risk, it is important to take action now to reduce your risk of potentially life ending physical illnesses.
Problems of the mind.
ACEs are shown to be associated with almost every type of mental health condition from anxiety to PTSD, to depression and more. It is important to seek help as early as possible to reduce the impact these mental health conditions have on life.
Difficulty with others.
Experiencing adverse childhood events can delay crucial social growth during childhood which can make it difficult to form meaningful relationships as an adult.
Something to take the edge off.
Many with ACEs turn to substances, alcohol, gambling, smoking, and other vices in an effort to numb the pain left from a troubled childhood. It does not have to be you, if you are struggling, help is available. See the resources section below for information on getting help.
Falling behind.
A child's brain does not develop appropriately when it is in survival mode. For kids with ACEs, being stuck in survival mode all the time can lead to developmental delays which can continue into adulthood.
What should I do if I had adverse childhood experiences?
The damage from ACEs can run deep, but steps can be taken to help improve ACE symptoms like:
Staying active
If there ever was a "wonder drug", activity/exercise would be it. Almost every aspect of life is shown to improve with regular activity and exercise. Click for strategies anyone can use to become more active with small manageable steps.
Giving our body what it needs
What we put into our bodies also affects our minds. Getting the right nutrients and supporting our "brain-gut connection" can be for everyone. Click to learn more about how to make small changes that add up.
Strong sleep habits
Sleep impacts mental health and mental health impacts sleep. There are subtle changes that can be made to our nightly routines that encourage more restful sleep.
Understanding emotions
Sometimes it is important to give yourself a break. Understanding where emotions are coming from can help you identify areas to improve, as well as let you go easier on yourself for things that may not be in your control.
Healthy hobbies
Hobbies can help us become better at handling the challenges of life. Hobbies are often overlooked as a mental health tool. They help us unwind, meet like-minded people, and can improve mood.
Are there treatments to help someone who had ACEs?
ACE exposures and their effects are still being studied. There are medication and non medication treatments for conditions that often go along with ACEs like PTSD, anxiety, and depression.
Medication
It is important to become established with a psychiatric professional in order to receive the right medication treatment for you (if needed).
Non-Medication
It is also important to consult with a mental health professional about non-medication treatments. Some may still require referral or a prescription. Examples of non-medication treatments include:
- Therapy
- Vitamin modification
- Sunlight/Red light
- Lifestyle changes
- Therapeutic groups
Which treatment is best?
It is important to find a mental health specialist that blends best practices and your personal preferences, to help create a treatment plan that works best for you.