While it is clear that trauma and adversity are common amongst people, and that adverse childhood experiences can have long-reaching effects into adulthood, it is also important to note that one of the most promising findings of the research to date is that PREVENTION IS POSSIBLE! A recent study found that when we prevent ACE's we can prevent some of the leading causes of disease, disability, and death in the country (Merrick et al., 2019). For example, by preventing ACEs before they can begin, we could prevent nearly 44% of all cases of depression; that equates to nearly 21 million cases of depression if we were to prevent ACE's (Merrick et al., 2019).
Adults who have any number of ACE's can still overcome the adversity they experienced and can lead full, meaningful lives. A recent study found that even for those with high numbers of ACEs when they experienced positive experiences in childhood—especially positive relationships with adults—it often helped individuals overcome or manage the trauma they experienced (Bethell, Jones, Gombojav, Linkenbach, & Sege, 2019). As a caring adult, you can help develop a community that supports mental health, physical health, and overall well-being, and help others who have experienced ACEs to thrive.
What can we do?
There are a couple of simple things that adults can do to promote safe, stable, and nurturing relationships and environments for all children. Never underestimate the power of your caring relationship with children. One of the most important factors in the life of a child is having an adult who cares for them and treats them with respect—who will listen to them if they have an adverse experience to share. Volunteer, be a mentor or otherwise get involved in the life of a child as a safe adult through healthy and appropriate interactions. Model the patience, kindness, and many other qualities that we hope our children will expect from all adults in their lives, and that they will later exemplify in their own journeys to adulthood.
For additional resources on the prevention of trauma and adversity, visit: Prevent Child Abuse America: https://preventchildabuse.org/ The American Professional Society on the Abuse of Children: https://www.apsac.org/ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) (cdc.gov)