# data[].attributes.body
Another term that you may hear a clinician use when referring to difficult or scary experiences is Adverse Childhood Experiences or ACEs. The ACE study is an ongoing research study that explores the relationship between childhood trauma experience and long-term medical health and social consequences. Results show that approximately 65% of children experience at least 1 adverse event during their childhood and that nearly 40% of children experience at least 2 or more ACEs. This study further has repeatedly found that the greater number of ACEs a child has been exposed to, the greater he/she is at risk for developing physical and mental health problems throughout their lifespan (e.g. heart and lung disease, alcoholism, risk for intimate partner violence, drug use, poor academic or work performance, depression, suicide) ACEs include many traumatic experiences, but are broader in nature. The original ACEs study included the following 10 adverse childhood experiences:

1.    Physical abuse

2.    Sexual abuse

3.    Emotional abuse

4.    Physical neglect

5.    Emotional neglect

6.    Mother treated violently

7.    Household substance abuse

8.    Household mental illness

9.    Parental separation or divorce

10.  Incarcerated household member

Since the original study, the list has expanded to include additional types of adverse experiences.

For more information about ACEs, please visit acestudy.org.

# data[].attributes.body
It is important to understand that we will work with people from a diverse environment with unique histories and experience.  We must be able to interact, communicate, build relationships and work effectively with people with diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds.   We must acknowledge and accept the differences in appearance, behavior, beliefs and culture norms as we will encounter diverse clients from a wide range of backgrounds.  We must be willing to listen and ask questions in an attempt to understand the client’s story.  We must be self-aware and aware of our own biases and be mindful that self-awareness is an ongoing process.  When we have a greater understanding of other cultures we will be more impactful in our service and support to the clients we serve.  To be culturally competent, you should always practice active listening, empathy and engagement.

# data[].attributes.body
The ACA Code of Ethics helps me make the right decisions according to the profession.  It provides a sense of protection while working with diverse clients and populations.  It supports student development and ensures that they are treated with dignity and respect as unique individuals.  It is a compliance manual to protect myself and the client.
It provides a sense of protections while working with diverse clients and populations.  It’s my guide to ensure compliance.  It prevents me from any legal issues.  It is a compliance manual to protect myself and the client.  It supports student development and it ensures that they are treated with dignity and respect as unique individuals.

# data[].attributes.body
A crisis is any event or period that will lead, or may lead, to an unstable and dangerous situation affecting an individual, group, or all of society. Crises are negative changes in the human or environmental affairs, especially when they occur abruptly, with little or no warning.

The Psychological First Aid training was impactful and it equipped me with the skills necessary to respond in the aftermath of a disaster.  I am confident in my ability to respond appropriately to a crisis situation.

The ABC model of crisis intervention is used to treat crisis situations, change behaviors and reduce suicidal ideation.  The goal is to challenge negative beliefs and reshape them in a more positive way.  I am more cognizant of how my thoughts and feelings affect my behavior.  I use the ABC model in my daily life by challenging my own irrational thoughts about situations and turn them into a positive emotion.

# data[].attributes.body
My take away from this unit was the impact of childhood trauma and the effect in a child’s life.  More than two thirds of children reported at least 1 traumatic event by age 16.  Some traumatic events include psychological, physical or sexual abuse, witnessing or experiencing domestic violence, sudden or violent loss of a loved one, neglect and many others.  Children can and do recover from traumatic events.  A critical part of the child’s recover is having a support system and access to treatment.  The effect of trauma is different for everyone.  Early intervention can minimize the effect the trauma will have on the rest of the child’s life and can prevent emotional or developmental issues.

I thoroughly enjoyed watching the documentaries and discussing the documentaries that others watched.  The various perspectives and insight definitely broadened my perspective on the complexities of trauma.  It’s important to recognize the signs and symptoms of trauma as it can have a lasting affect in a person’s life.  “Signs of traumatic stress in middle and high school children include feeling depressed or alone, developing eating disorders or self-harming behaviors, abusing alcohol or drugs and becoming involved in risky sexual behavior” (samhsa.gov)

# data[].attributes.body
Candice McQueen, M.A. Ed
M.A. in Mental Health and Wellness Counseling

Personal Goal – Complete Master’s degree within next two years so that I can broaden my perspective and improve my counseling skills.

Professional Goal – Be able to communicate with influence and impact so that I can inspire and motivate others to be the best version of themselves.

I would like to have a solid foundation and understanding on trauma, mental health concerns and its effects on youth since this is the population that I work with.   I would like to be able to accurately identify the various types of mental health concerns and understand the impact of trauma as it relates to the student so that I may properly assess them and assist them in getting the services and help they may need.

This course helped me develop personally and professionally and will be beneficial in my day to day life as well as my current role of being a middle school counselor, working with families.  I have learned a lot about myself and I’ve been able to identify and confront some of my childhood trauma that was still affecting me.

# data[].attributes.body
The biggest take away from this unit was the statistics surrounding mental health.  Mental health can affect all areas of a person life.  It can affect their relationships with family and friends and their school or work performance.  50 percent of chronic mental illness start before 14 years of age, 1 in 5 adults live with a mental illness.  Being aware of this information will help me become more effective in raising awareness in hopes of reducing the stigma associated with mental health.  It has raised my awareness for the needed resources and services needed to combat the increase in mental illness.  Prior to reading the material and doing research in this area, I realized how uninformed I was on the topic.  I was also able to self-reflect and identify areas in which I need to develop.

Parents, teachers and others in the helping profession must work together to create the best learning environment for the child.  Teachers spend a lot of time with the children and they may notice warning signs that the parents may not have noticed.  It is important that when we notice something, we should say something and perhaps prevent a lifetime of suffering.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Skip to main content

We can all help prevent suicide. The 988 Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals in the United States.

988

¡Los servicios de texto y chat de 988 Lifeline ya están disponibles en español!
Haga clic aquí para obtener información sobre cómo acceder a todos los servicios en español.

Conocer más

Stock photo by iStock.

The 988 Lifeline is a national network of local crisis centers that provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week in the United States. We're committed to improving crisis services and advancing suicide prevention by empowering individuals, advancing professional best practices, and building awareness.

About The Lifeline

Anyone could be struggling with suicide. Find more specific resources below.

I'm Struggling With Individuals with Neurodivergence

We understand that every struggle is different. Experience the stories of people like you, and how they overcame crisis to find hope and recovery.
read stories of hope & recovery

First, you'll hear an automated message featuring additional options while your call is routed to your local 988 Lifeline network crisis center.

We'll play you a little music while we connect you to a skilled, trained crisis worker.

A trained crisis worker at your local center will answer the phone.

This person will listen to you, understand how your problem is affecting you, provide support, and get you the help you need.

988 Lifeline Center calls are free and confidential, and we're available 24/7.

Show What Happens When You Call The Lifeline

Everyone Plays A Role In Suicide Prevention

Get in touch

Call the Lifeline

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Skip to main content We can all help prevent suicide. The 988 Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals in the United States. 988 ¡Los servicios de texto y chat de 988 Lifeline ya están disponibles en español!

# data[].attributes.body
When your child experiences traumatic stress, he or she may act in an uncharacteristic or not typical way for him or her. These reactions may continue for days, weeks, or months after the traumatic experience. They also could emerge weeks or months after the event took place. Remember these are normal reactions to your child having survived an overwhelming life experience.

The signs and symptoms of traumatic stress look different in each child and at different ages.

The diagram is to help family members understand traumatic stress symptoms by age.

The Diagram was recreated from the Understanding Trauma webpage within NCTSN’s Resources for Parents and Caregivers website.