Understanding how ACE contributes to mental and physical health issues, including depression, anxiety, and self-harm.
Impact of ACE on Mental Health and School Behavior:
Depression and anxiety: Children exposed to ACE may have low motivation, trouble concentrating, and often withdraw into themselves. They may appear detached or unusually passive in school activities and may also display perfectionistic tendencies, masking their inner struggles.
Self-harm: Self-harming behavior can be a sign of deep internal distress. Teachers might notice frequent absences, sudden changes in behavior, or efforts to hide physical injuries. Additionally, self-harm may be shared on social media. It can become a repetitive, addictive behavior that provides temporary relief.
Behavioral and emotional issues: Trauma can trigger challenging or problematic behaviors such as aggression, impulsivity, or frequent conflicts with peers and teachers. The child may struggle to respect authority or follow rules, which is often a defensive reaction to internal stress.
Impact of ACE on physical health and school behavior:
Chronic fatigue or illness: Children with ACE are more likely to suffer from frequent illnesses, headaches, or stomach issues, which can lead to frequent absences or poor physical condition.
Low energy and concentration: Chronic stress affects memory and concentration, leading to learning difficulties. A child may struggle to complete tasks or lose focus quickly.
Coping with stress: Due to ACE, children may have difficulty managing everyday school stress. Instead of learning new coping strategies, they may react with anger outbursts or completely withdraw, negatively affecting their performance in the classroom.
In the long term, ACEs can impact adulthood by causing difficulties in managing stress, maintaining relationships, and handling everyday challenges, leading to the development of chronic mental health issues. Chronic stress caused by trauma can result in serious health problems such as heart disease, diabetes, and weakened immune function. It can cause inflammation, increase the risk of chronic illnesses, and shorten life expectancy.