Stress responses, particularly those related to Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), can significantly impact brain development, potentially leading to long-term cognitive, emotional, and physical health issues.
Positive stress
Positive stress is a normal part of healthy growth and happens when there are short bursts of increased heart rate and hormone levels. For example, starting with a new caregiver or getting a vaccination can cause this kind of stress. It’s a natural and important part of development.
- Example: Starting at a new school and meeting new classmates. Taking a test or participating in a school play.
Toxic Stress
Toxic stress happens when a child faces intense, repeated, or long-lasting difficult experiences, like abuse, exposure to violence, or having a caregiver with substance abuse or mental health issues, without enough adult support. This ongoing stress can harm brain development, affect other organs, and raise the risk of stress-related illnesses and learning difficulties later in life.
However the disruption of neural pathways formed in childhood can affect brain development and cause suffering even in adulthood if these harmful patterns are not changed.
For example, toxic stress from adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) can cause the brain to develop in a constant state of alertness, altering normal gene expression. ACEs can leave such neural pathways in the brain that, when repeatedly activated, cause problems. It is like a well-trodden path in the grass—the more it is used, the deeper it becomes. Gradually, through training, new pathways can be created, and over time, a person will start to prefer the new, frequently used path, which will gradually become stronger, while the old path will become overgrown through disuse.
- Example: Enduring ongoing physical or emotional abuse without adequate adult support. Living in a home where there is chronic exposure to domestic violence or substance abuse.
Minority stress
Minority stress is a specific type of stress experienced by individuals from minority groups, such as ethnic minorities, LGBTQ+ individuals, and other marginalized communities. This stress arises from discrimination, stigmatization, and social exclusion that these groups often face. In connection with Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), minority stress can significantly exacerbate the overall impact of toxic stress. Individuals from minority groups who have experienced ACEs may be at higher risk for long-term negative consequences for both mental and physical health. This stress can contribute to lasting changes in the brain and increase susceptibility to anxiety disorders, depression, and other health issues.
Tolerable Stress
Tolerable stress occurs when a child faces more serious and longer-lasting challenges, like the loss of a loved one, a natural disaster, or a scary injury. If these experiences are temporary and the child has supportive adults, the brain and body can recover from what could otherwise be harmful effects.
Example: Experiencing the death of a family member. Going through a natural disaster, like a flood or hurricane, with support from caregivers.