The Need

MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS

Experiencing Extreme Childhood Trauma
A Message from the Founder, Victor Terry

As a trauma survivor of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE’s), I know first hand the challenges the youth are experiencing growing up in poverty stricken areas riddled with drugs and gun violence. I was able to survive those high stress environments but not without severe PTSD, anxiety, suppressed childhood memory and academic struggles. School staff was unable to figure out why I was struggling academically. My family had no clue what to do. This cycle transpired from Elementary School through High School.

I attended Summer School several times so I could advance to the next grade. When I made it to the 11th grade, I had matured, using music plus art as coping mechanisms; I finished my Junior & Senior year with a 3.0 GPA. Over the years, the more I analyzed research and studied brain function; human behavior is when I realized the impact childhood trauma had on my life. During my research, I stumbled across ACE’s Aware website. The ACEs Aware initiative is a first-in-the nation effort to screen patients for Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) to help improve and save lives. I took the 10 questions pre-screening and my score was a 7. That score 7 out of 10 indicates that I experienced extreme childhood trauma.

Understanding the Terms

A.C.E. - Adverse Childhood Trauma

Source: Center for Disease Control (CDC)

"Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) can have a tremendous impact on future violence victimization and perpetration, and lifelong health and opportunity. CDC works to understand ACEs and prevent them."

Recognizing Trauma

SOCIAL MEDIA

Although social media can strengthen the bonds teens have with existing friends or establishing new friends, which reduces isolation and loneliness. It also increases the exposure of cyber-bullying