Adverse Childhood Experiences
Adverse Childhood Experience, ACEs, is a study conducted in 1995 by the CDC and Kaiser Permanente. The study found ACEs can have a significant impact on a person’s physical, emotional, and mental health throughout their life. ACEs are separated into three categories:
-Abuse
-Neglect
-Household Challenges
Experiencing ACEs triggers the stress response system and toxic stress can change brain development. Which can affect such things as attention, decision-making, learning, and response to stress.
The study found that experiencing ACEs, a person is more likely to develop health problems.
- Depression
- Diabetes
- Heart Disease
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Substance use disorder
It is possible to prevent the forms of ACEs. Children deserve to have a safe, stable, and nurturing environment.
The CDC’s strategy to preventing ACEs includes:
-strengthening economic supports to families
-promoting social norms that protect against violence and adversity
-ensuring a strong start in life for children
-teaching skills to parents, caregivers, children, and families
-connecting youths to caring adults and activities
-intervening to lessen both immediate and long-term harm
If you or a loved one has experienced any ACEs, then it is important to seek help. There are many forms of help that include speaking with a mental health professional, exercise, meditation, and joining a support group.
For more information and up to date facts on the study of ACEs, please visit https://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/childabuseandneglect/acestudy/index.