—What are ACEs? The Basics.

Trauma during childhood can stem from multiple areas and perpetrators. Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) aid in understanding where trauma comes from. ACEs are events taking place between ages 0 and 17 that have potential to cause trauma. Depending on social circumstance, race, ethnicity, and sex, a person may be at higher risk of exposure to events of this nature. Below we will explore these events and the impact they may have. 

Violence 

Too many children are exposed to violence before their brains can understand the concept. This includes domestic violence, community violence, and even violence seen on television or video games. Violence can be physical, emotional, or sexual. This violence is often perpetrated by individuals close to the child. Parents, siblings, and bullies within the community are often involved. Being exposed to events such as these can damage the sense of safety and self-esteem of the individual. The individual may also feel shame, distress, or confusion.  

Abuse 

Abuse can encompass acts of violence. When violence is directed towards the individual and when children are repeatedly exposed to violence by their caregivers, that is abuse. Abuse can also include neglect which umbrellas many areas such as medical care, emotional regulation, hygiene, and finances. Neglect in these areas can create intense deficits and distress in adulthood. 

Abandonment/Sudden Separation 

Parental abandonment and sudden separation from a loved one such as in death or divorce can have a profound impact on children’s mental and physical wellbeing and development. Children exposed to separation may develop long term trauma, depression, or anxiety. It creates confusion, fear, and distrust. It’s important to address the impacts of separation early on to prevent long term effects. This trauma can extend to children who were adopted, even when they were adopted as infants. 

Exposure to suicide or attempt 

 Children exposed to the suicide of a family member or friend will be left with complex questions and emotions. They often feel abandoned and become overwhelmed by the sense of confusion, anger and sadness. Anger can turn to blame as the child begins to think they weren’t lovable or that they could have prevented it.  

Impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences 

ACEs can affect health, well-being, and life advancement well into adulthood. The aftermath of trauma can hinder opportunities in job potential and education. Increased potential for injury, STI’s and teen pregnancy coming from high risk behavior is another commonality. The most shocking consequence is the direct impact on physical health. Individuals exposed to these traumatic experiences are at increased risk of developing things like autoimmune disease and cancer.  

Chronic exposure to physical and psychological trauma can cause even more trouble. Environmental and social settings, such as living in communities with violence or living in poverty, can cause toxic stress. Toxic stress from ACEs can cause negative changes in the stress-response systems, brain development and immune systems. These challenges lead to further stress in learning and attention. 

Forming healthy relationships after toxic stress is difficult. As is keeping a job, managing finances and caring for oneself. These effects lead to a generational cycle. When the adult does not seek help, they pass this dysfunction to their own children. Trauma through generations can alter genetics leading to predisposition of things like heart disease, cancer and stroke. 

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Final Thoughts 

This can all sound scary, but there is hope in knowledge. Research shows we can potentially lower the incidence in some leading causes of death by decreasing the instance of ACEs. Healing is the way forward, mentally and physically. There is help available. If you relate to the information you’ve read and want to learn more check THIS out. If you’re struggling with mental health or substance, use issues, reach out to SAMHSA here! Be good to yourself today. <3