Adverse Childhood Experiences

What are Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)?

ACEs are potentially traumatic events that occur in childhood. Some examples are:

• Suffered abuse, neglect, and/or abandonment by your parent 

• Experienced parental separation/divorce

• Experienced a primary attachment figure’s chronic illness and/or death

• Grew up in a household with a caregiver who was dealing with mental health problems, abusing substances, being incarcerated, attempted or died by suicide

• Witnessed or experienced violence in the home or community

• Faced discrimination due to your ability, color, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, or other areas of diverse identities 

• Lived with instability, e.g., unstable housing, frequent school changes, not having enough food, multiple foster care placements, fled Country of origin...

How Does the Impact of ACEs Look Like in Adults?

ACEs can have a lasting impact on the development of the parts of the brain that regulate emotions, stress sensitivity, and the immune system. ACEs can also negatively impact one's capacities for attention, learning, and forming stable relationships. Furthermore, childhood trauma increases the risk for a range of chronic illnesses later in life. The impact of ACES on individuals varies depending on multiple factors, and they may look like some of the following:

ADULTS

• Feeling sad, hopeless, irritable, agitated, restless, or angry 

• Having trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or getting up to start your day

• Having relationship problems with people who matter the most to you

• Feeling overwhelmed and finding it difficult to control your worries

• Having difficulty concentrating and making decisions 

• Feeling guilty, ashamed, or worthless 

• Fatigue, low energy, or getting tired easily 

• Experiencing chronic aches and pains with no known medical cause

• Avoiding social activities or having difficulty connecting with others

• Not interested or motivated to do anything, even things that once brought you joy and pleasure

• Experiencing caregiver strain, resentment, or anger in caring for an aging parent

WORKING PROFESSIONALS

• Think you might have ADHD, because you are restless, unable to concentrate on tasks, irritable, and impulsive. Yet, you don't meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD.

• Procrastinating with or being overwhelmed by tasks

• Working long hours due to your perfectionistic tendency 

• Experiencing performance anxiety and ruminate after work about work

• Despite achievements, still feel self conscious and lack confidence

PARENTS

• Experiencing anxiety, depression, obsessive compulsive symptoms, substance use, or other mental health issues during pregnancy and/or the postpartum period

• Finding yourself frequently irritable or angry with your child(ren) but hesitate talking about it or seeking help

• Struggling with transitions, such as separation and divorce

• Having relationship difficulties with your adult child(ren)