In my previous post, I discussed the mental health struggles that adolescents face and the need for improved support systems. In the post, I touched upon how Adverse Childhood Experiences disrupt healthy brain development. In this post, I am sharing more about ACEs and their effects on an individual. 

Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) represent a vital and developing area of study in the fields of psychology and public health. These experiences encompass a variety of traumatic events occurring prior to the age of 18 including physical, emotional, and sexual abuse, neglect, and household challenges including substance abuse, domestic violence, and mental illnesses. The prevalence of ACEs is not the same throughout all populations because some populations are more vulnerable due to the social and economic conditions in which they were raised. However, in a study conducted by the CDC, they found that â…” of participants had reported to experience at least one ACE and more than one in five reported to experience 3 or more ACEs. 

Understanding ACEs is essential for developing beneficial interventions and fostering growth and resilience in those who have faced adversity during their formative years. A study conducted by the CDC and Kaiser Permanente has highlighted the fact that facing early adversities increases the risk for negative health outcomes later in life. 

ACEs have been linked to numerous health issues—encompassing both physical and mental health. Those who have experienced ACEs are more likely to develop chronic conditions and diseases including heart and pulmonary diseases, diabetes, asthma, kidney disease, cancer, and obesity. Since those who experienced adversity in their childhood are predisposed to developing more of these conditions, this can result in both a financial burden as well as a lower quality of life. 

Moreover, ACEs have shown to have a strong positive correlation with the development of mental health disorders. These include but are not limited to, depression, anxiety, PTSD, and substance abuse. Early exposure to trauma alters the brain's development and function, leading to changes in emotional regulation and cognitive function. The increased vulnerability to mental health disorders affects them greatly later on in life, affecting their ability to form healthy relationships and cope with stress. 

Due to these challenges caused by ACEs persisting into adulthood, they can have many societal implications. For example, one can experience an economic burden caused by healthcare costs, loss of productivity, lack of health insurance, and unemployment. Living in a lower socioeconomic class can increase the likelihood of experiencing ACEs, thus an endless cycle is created where those who are facing economic burdens due to the impacts of ACEs have children who are more likely to experience ACEs as well. Addressing these consequences of ACEs is vital in order to promote the welfare of these individuals and provide them with the support they need to thrive. 

All in all, Adverse Childhood experiences (ACEs) impact every single aspect of an individual's life, impacting not just their physical health but also their mental health. Recognizing the impact and consequences of ACEs is vital for developing effective prevention and care strategies. By fostering resilience and promoting growth through support, we as a society can work to end the cycle of ACEs by mitigating the likelihood of early adversity by creating a nurturing environment for future generations. The study of ACEs is not just an exploration of individual trauma but rather a a call to action for us as a society to take proactive measures to promote positive mental health in our communities.  

Sources

cdc.gov/violenceprevention/aces/about.html (cdc.gov/violenceprevention/aces/about.html)
cdc.gov/vitalsigns/aces/pdf/vs-1105-aces-H.pdf (cdc.gov/vitalsigns/aces/pdf/vs-1105-aces-H.pdf)