LOVE & RELATIONSHIPS

By Dr. Jeanne O'Kon

PART 2

In a previous edition of Tallahassee Woman, we introduced the topic of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs).

Childhood trauma has often been measured by the original ACEs scale, a ten-item questionnaire categorizing childhood experiences into three primary groups: abuse, neglect, and household challenges. As the research on ACEs has progressed, more than 25 scales have been developed to assess the effects of trauma.

Research shows that the younger a child is when exposed to trauma, the greater the likelihood that toxic stress will affect the child’s brain development. The cumulative effect of family dysfunction and abuse has a significant impact on a child’s long-term physical and mental health. Unfortunately, adverse experiences are very common in American society. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that over half of American children are exposed to crime, violence, and abuse every year.

It is important to expand our knowledge about toxic stress and to acknowledge the additional events affecting children and teens today. The National Child Traumatic Stress Network reports that it has become increasingly common for trauma to result from bullying, gun violence, accidents, natural disasters, refugee and war experiences, life-threatening illnesses, sex trafficking, and military family stressors (deployment, parental loss, or injury). Given the recent realities of the COVID-19 pandemic, children and adults alike experienced isolation, reduced socialization, illness, and loss of family and friends.

Repeated exposure to traumatic events results in internalization of the stress, as described in the best-selling book called The Body Keeps the Score by Dr. Bessel van der Kolk. He explains that the body can’t forget what happened, even though the mind attempts to suppress these events. He emphasizes that the brain-body connection is real, and the overactivity of brain structures as children can keep us trapped in a prolonged state of emotional reactivity throughout the lifespan.

The Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University reports that trauma overloads a child’s developing system. The long-term result can be changes in hormone levels, the immune system, neurological impairment, and epigenetics (gene modification). In adults, there is a greater likelihood of mental illness, obesity, diabetes, viral infections, asthma, heart disease, and cancer. In addition, those exposed to toxic stress show a higher incidence of smoking, binge drinking, IV drug use, and sexual promiscuity (defined as over 50 partners) with higher rates of STDs, and early death.

As a society, we need to develop a greater sensitivity and the ability to recognize a child or adult who may be a victim of trauma. Simple human connections--basic kindness, attentiveness, and positive relationships--can aid in the recovery of those affected by toxic stress. A useful model is called SETUP: first, showing Support and Empathy, and emphasizing Truth. Then, express Understanding and Perseverance, letting victims know that things can and do change over time. When children and adults feel safe and cared for and have adequate support systems, they can tap into their strengths and develop the resilience needed to overcome the challenges of their lives.