ACEs Are Wild
What does the acronym A.C.E. stand for?
Adverse Childhood Experiences
What is the difference between co-dependency and dependency?
Dependency is relying on another person. Codependency is when both partners rely on each other mentally, emotionally, physically, and/or spiritually.
What is the difference between PTSD and C-PTSD?
PTSD generally develops after a single, traumatic event— a car accident or house fire.
C-PTSD can develop after exposure to long-term trauma — childhood abuse, war, frequent community violence, long-term domestic violence, etc.
When and how did Waltz begin?
Waltz was created by peasants in Germany in the 1500s. It used to be considered repulsive, provocative, and scandalous. It eventually evolved into a refined art loved by royals.
What are attachment styles?
These are the bonds we created with adults as children, that carry into our adulthood.
What are some examples of adverse childhood experiences?
Abuse, neglect, and household dysfunction are general examples.
What types of relationships can be considered co-dependent?
This can typically be seen when there is a caregiver (spouse, partner, parent) to someone struggling (substance use, mental health, physical health, etc.). There can be many different dynamics— parent-child, student-teacher, employee-boss, spouse-spouse, etc.
What are some symptoms of C-PTSD?
-anxiety, depression, intrusive thoughts
-heightened emotional responses (impulsivity, aggressiveness)
- persistent difficulties to maintain relationships
- negative sense of self/identity, fear, shame, guilt
-nightmares, body aches, headaches, fogginess
What diseases can dance help prevent?
According to the National Library of Medicine, physical exercise like dance can help prevent stroke, diabetic problems, high blood pressure, and certain cancers.
Name the 4 most common attachment styles.
What percentage of the population has an ACE score of 4 or higher?
According to the CDC, 1 out of 6 people (17.3%) have an ACE score of 4 or higher.
When was co-dependency first discovered in the mental health realm?
According to the Mental Health of America, co-dependency was brought light approximately 10 years ago.
What areas of the brain are affected by C-PTSD?
Amygdala- processes our fear responses and emotions
Hippocampus- largely responsible for learning and memory
Prefrontal Cortex- executive functions, such as planning, decision-making, personality expression and controlling social behavior.
How does dance help our mental health?
According to a publication by Harvard Medical School, music, itself, stimulates the brain's reward system. While dancing stimulates sensory and motor circuits.
Which attachment style is most associated with trauma?
Disorganized. This style tends to push people away when they get too close. This style can make relationships unpredictable or intense.
What health risks are associated with having a high ACE score?
Brain development, immune system, and stress response systems are at risk. Having a high ACE score means prolonged exposure to stress— toxic stress. This can affect our decision-making, ability to learn, attention spans, memories, as well as predispose us for risk of diabetes, heart disease, cancer, and suicidality.
What are some characteristics of co-dependency?
Characteristics: fear of abandonment or being alone, doing more than your share, lack of trust in self/others, a compelling need to control, chronic anger, problems with boundaries, a tendency to "love" people they feel can be rescued, a sense of guilt when asserting themselves, etc.
How is C-PTSD similar to borderline personality disorder?
BPD: fear of abandonment, chronic suicidality, and difficulty within the realms of emotion regulation, interpersonal relationships, unstable sense of self, and impulsivity
C-PTSD: affective dysregulation, negative self-concept, and interpersonal relationship difficulties
*Trauma is a not always a factor in patients with BPD
What do dance and drugs/alcohol have in common?
Both stimulates our dopamine receptors.
How are insecure attachments formed as a child?
If you experienced confusing, frightening, or inconsistent emotional communication during infancy or childhood, as well as if your and if a caregiver was unable to consistently comfort you or respond to your needs.
What are some protective factors we should have to help combat a high ACE score?
Protective factors: personal attributes, physical health, social support, life-circumstances, problem-solving and conflict resolution skills, adaptability, positive attitudes, eliminating limiting beliefs, and opportunities to develop skills.
What are some ways to combat co-dependency?
- understanding which behaviors are maladaptive
- work towards re-discovering yourself as an individual, not as a partner/parent/boss, etc.
- find a supportive social network
- learn a new skill, set a new goal
What percentage of the population have C-PTSD?
According to the World Health Organization, approximately 3.9% of the world can struggle with PTSD at any time in their life. C-PTSD isn't officially recognized by the DSM-5; therefore, the percentage isn't documented as thoroughly as it should be.
Trauma is stored in the nonverbal parts of our brain, as well as in our body. When we move our bodies, we are releasing those emotions in a positive way.
How can we work to form more secure attachments?
Talk therapy, improving nonverbal communication, work on being fully present, routinely manage stress, improve knowledge about own emotions.