What are Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)?

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​Some twenty years ago, American doctors started some research into how difficulties when growing up would affect long term outcomes. The results were profound. The ACEs study's results show that maltreatment and household dysfunction in childhood contribute to health problems decades later. These include chronic diseases—such as heart disease, cancer, stroke, and diabetes—that are the most common causes of death and disability. It also shows a major impact on risk taking behaviours and other social issues.

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What are considered ACEs?

So what things are considered to be ACEs? Well, there are many things that fit but some include any form of abuse whether sexual, physical, emotional or neglect. Living in a home where there is frequent violence, experiencing bullying or prejudice, living with an adult who has a drug/alcohol problem or a mental health issue, having to have extensive adult responsibilities or having had a parent/carer pass away or having been taken into care. ​

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What can we do?

 If our childhood issues are unresolved and causing us great deals of stress, then it's important to seek support from professionals, so don't be afraid to talk to someone responsible and trusted. However, there is so much we can do to help ourselves too! The brain is amazing, so is able to repair many issues over time. Exercise, yoga and meditation are known to have great healing effects and help us to create new pathways in our brain that help us think and learn better, as well as helping calm our brain's fear centre while reducing the amount of stress hormones in our bodies.

Developing and maintaining positive relationships with trusted and responsible individuals and building a support network of family, friends, as well as teachers, youth workers etc., also helps. Being human means, despite being uncomfortable at times, we do need other people to help and support us. 
Making sure we do things that help us feel like we've achieved, enjoying hobbies and interests, spending time in nature and learning techniques to express our emotions all help to calm the overactive fear and emotional receptors in our brain. It may seem strange, but the brain is so amazing that these little things, done frequently, do make a huge difference!

Why not contact us and have a chat?

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