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ACE Experiences & Anxiety

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Anxiety & Panic Disorders
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Posted 11/12/2018 1:58 PM (GMT 0)
After facilitating a community anxiety support group for 12 years I saw patterns in 99% of all our members. One major one now confirmed by many research projects if the effect of ACE (adverse childhood experiences) on the development of anxiety and over 30 other health compromises.

These experiences caused by early childhood ( before the age of 18) stress ( which can be typical dysfunctional family structures or too much being required of a child at certain stages) permanently changes the brain and central nervous system.

We must learn how these changes make us unique and how to care for a hyper reactive CNS. We also must learn and understand that having an ACE childhood caused chances in the way we think, cope and see the world that are the root cause of anxiety
Posted 11/12/2018 6:10 PM (GMT 0)
J.,

This does not surprise me in the least. I have always believed that anxiety is (almost always) a combination of 'nature and nurture.' (brain chemistry along with past experiences)

Thanks for the information...this just reinforces the need for seeking therapy and working to get to the root of one's challenges through the use of many tools (therapy, self help, meds, ect...)

It's my hope that we all continue to seek the answers and managemen we need to feel our best. smile

S.C.
Posted 11/12/2018 7:26 PM (GMT 0)
Hi

I definitely had an ACE childhood and have talked in depth with my therapist about this issue.

Hibee
Posted 11/13/2018 4:26 PM (GMT 0)
Good morning!

Excellent point. That's a hot topic in addiction research now. They've found that childhood stress (like maternal separation) in laboratory animals correlates with a greater propensity to self-administer alcohol, opioids, and other drugs of abuse. It also changes the expression patterns of neurotransmitters and genes across the brain and can have a generational effects.

Living systems are incredibly delicate and complex. Let's all be kind to ourselves and each other.
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