Hillbilly Elegy

Children with multiple ACEs are
more likely to struggle with anxiety and
depression, to suffer from heart disease
and obesity, and to contract certain types
of cancers. They’re also more likely to
underperform in school and suffer from
relationship instability as adults. Even
excessive shouting can damage a kid’s
sense of security and contribute to
mental health and behavioral issues
down the road.
Harvard pediatricians have studied
the effect that childhood trauma has on
the mind. In addition to later negative
health consequences, the doctors found
that constant stress can actually change
the chemistry of a child’s brain. Stress,