How Preventing Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) Can Improve Teen Mental Health
Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are traumatic events that occur during childhood, such as experiencing or witnessing violence, abuse, neglect, or household dysfunction like parental separation, substance abuse, or mental illness.
These experiences, if left unaddressed, can have long-lasting effects on a person’s physical and mental health. According to a recent report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), preventing ACEs can significantly reduce the risk of serious issues later in life, such as teen suicide attempts, prescription pain medication misuse, and mental health challenges.
The CDC report highlights the importance of understanding and addressing ACEs as a public health priority. The findings show that preventing ACEs can lead to healthier, happier futures for children and adolescents. But what exactly are ACEs, and how do they impact mental and physical health?
What Are Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)?
ACEs refer to a range of stressful or traumatic experiences that occur during childhood (up to age 17). These include physical, emotional, or sexual abuse; emotional or physical neglect; and household dysfunction, such as domestic violence, mental illness in the household, parental substance abuse, parental incarceration, or separation/divorce. These early-life traumas can disrupt a child’s sense of safety, stability, and bonding with caregivers, which are critical for healthy development.
The CDC report emphasizes that ACEs are widespread, with nearly two-thirds of adults in the U.S. reporting that they’ve experienced at least one ACE. Unfortunately, many people experience multiple ACEs, which increases the risk of negative outcomes later in life.
The Long-Term Effects of ACEs
Children who experience ACEs are more likely to suffer from mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). They are also more likely to engage in risky behaviors, including substance misuse, and are at a higher risk of attempting suicide. According to the CDC, ACEs are linked to some of the leading causes of death in adulthood, including heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and even cancer.
One of the most alarming findings from the CDC’s report is the strong correlation between ACEs and teen suicide attempts. The data shows that young people who experience ACEs are significantly more likely to attempt suicide, misuse prescription pain medications, and suffer from major depressive episodes.
How Preventing ACEs Can Make a Difference
The good news is that ACEs are not destiny. Many of the negative outcomes associated with ACEs can be prevented with early intervention and support. The CDC report highlights how preventing ACEs could lead to:
- 35% fewer teen suicide attempts
- 33% less prescription pain medication misuse
- 26% reduction in major depressive episodes
Preventing ACEs involves creating safe, stable, and nurturing environments for children. This can happen in various ways, from schools and healthcare providers offering mental health services to community programs that strengthen family relationships and promote positive parenting practices. Supportive interventions like counseling, peer support groups, and early childhood education can reduce the impact of ACEs and promote resilience in children who have experienced trauma.
By investing in prevention efforts, society can reduce the burden of future healthcare needs and the associated costs. The CDC emphasizes that preventing ACEs is a matter of improving individual well-being and a public health strategy with significant economic benefits.
What Can Be Done?
Several steps can be taken to prevent ACEs and support children who have experienced them. Schools can implement social-emotional learning programs that teach kids how to manage emotions and build healthy relationships. Healthcare providers can screen for ACEs during routine check-ups and refer families to appropriate mental health resources. Communities can create supportive networks to help families under stress by offering resources like parenting classes, support groups, and access to affordable childcare.
Preventing ACEs is essential for promoting mental health and well-being in teenagers. The CDC report makes it clear that early intervention and supportive environments can reduce the risk of suicide, prescription drug misuse, and depression in young people. Addressing ACEs can create a healthier, more resilient future for our children and our communities.
To learn more about the CDC’s findings and their recommendations for preventing ACEs, you can read the full report here.
To learn more about ACEs, or if you’d like to find out your own ACEs score, check out this handout here.