The Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) Study | Nice People Ep 1| #aces #adversechildhoodexperiences

In this episode of Nice People, we talk about the groundbreaking Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) Study and explore how childhood trauma and adversity leads to chronic disease, high risk behaviors, and even early death. We also explore how we can combat ACEs and toxic stress with Positive Childhood Experiences.

[forrestgreen]

I've read and watched a lot about ACEs over the last several years, and this is without a doubt the best and most thorough explanation I've seen. The information at the end, about counteracting ACEs was especially important. It gives a clear path forward for how communities can improve people's lives and reduce crime and substance use. Thank you for making a high quality video about such an important subject.

[bobbywaalkes]

As someone with the high ACE score this was very helpful, inciteful and well presented. Thank you!

[johannagrace]

Fantastic summary Heather! I have a high ACE score, my husband also. Our son’s score is a bit lower, but has had a lot of protective factors in his life (a Mum and later a Dad who genuinely cared about him and protected him, fun and creative experiences, the freedom to be himself, knowledge that our stuff is not his fault etc).

When my son was born, I was a young single mum with a (mis)diagnosed mental health condition. The quality of my life and my son’s life would have improved immensely with the help and support that you mentioned in your video. Nonetheless, my (now adult) son is managing his life, his trauma and his healing VERY well.

I believe that it is essential to validate the fact of your child’s trauma in order for them to heal and to prevent them from projecting their pain on their children. Had my family given me this ONE gift, instead of scapegoating me, I believe I could have avoided the suicidality, physical health issues and social problems (eg homelessness) that have plagued me throughout my life and my son would be carrying a much lighter burden.

Nonetheless I feel blessed to have the opportunity to address my trauma in my 40’s and to talk openly with my kind and compassionate son about moving forward together in healing and in life.

[Soundartery]

I had no idea any of this existed, which goes to prove your point, that it's not taught or talked about. However being that I have spent my adult life realizing that all of my character flaws started with a childhood trauma and doing the work of trying to heal from it I totally relate and agree with everything you talked about. Thanks so much for your presentation. I wish you the best!

[gorak]

Thank you so much for making these videos. I have recently started figuring out why I am the way I am and am starting to change some things. I’m 42 now, and my family doesn’t have the best life expectancy, but I’m hoping to get a few good years in and stop passing on the negative things I learned from my upbringing. Dr. Gabor Mate wrote a really good book called Scattered Minds that I listened to on Audible. He talks about how upbringing causes ADD and ways to start getting better. It was narrated very well too.

[ClairesMyth]

Love your approach and videos! Hope to see more! Thank you ⚘️

[lurenacornella]

Your program is so well done.
I've been through so much of what your talking about.
Thankyou. SIGNED FIGHT OR FLIGHT.

[deniseparon]

I scored high and am still living through the effects at 85.

[karenmatuska]

I did a masters thesis in 2002 based on this (I was in sociology in those days). I doubt my thesis is still on the shelf and likely was never read. Now, a different profession later, I screen all my clients for ACEs. It's not a perfect tool for mental health screenings but it is a great help in knowing what to look for during treatment.