Why do adverse childhood experiences affect our health so deeply?

Research shows that when children grow up in environments full of stress, such as abuse, neglect, or ongoing family problems, the effects can last throughout their entire lives. People who experience four or more of these Adverse Childhood Experiences, or ACEs, are much more likely to develop serious health problems later on. These include chronic illnesses like diabetes, heart disease, and cancer, as well as mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress. The impact of these experiences often begins in childhood and continues to build over time.

When a child lives in a constant state of fear or stress, their body remains in a state of high alert. This survival mode is helpful in dangerous situations, but if it becomes the norm, it starts to interfere with healthy development. The brain regions that support memory, emotional regulation, and decision-making may not fully develop. Hormones like cortisol, which respond to stress, may stay elevated and disrupt sleep and daily energy levels. The immune system can also become dysregulated, making it harder for the body to stay healthy and respond to infections or inflammation.

Scientists have also found that childhood stress can affect the way genes function. While the DNA itself does not change, stress can influence which genes are active and which are not. This process is called epigenetics. For example, babies born to mothers who experienced high levels of stress during pregnancy can show stronger stress reactions from birth. In adults who experienced abuse during childhood, researchers have observed changes in the expression of hundreds of genes involved in stress and health. These patterns can remain for years and may even be passed down to future generations.

Despite all of this, the impact of ACEs is not irreversible. Many people who went through adversity in childhood are able to heal and build meaningful, healthy lives. What makes a big difference is the presence of resilience. This can come from having supportive people around you, feeling safe, learning ways to manage stress, and having access to environments that offer care and stability. Activities like mindfulness, regular physical movement, creative expression, and connection with others help the body and brain recover.

Understanding how adversity shapes the body and mind can be the first step toward healing. For those who have lived through ACEs, this knowledge is not about blame, it is about making sense of your own story and finding ways to care for yourself moving forward. Recovery is not always fast or easy, but it is possible, and it becomes more powerful when done within communities that are safe, compassionate, and inclusive.