What Does an ACEs Score Mean?

Here's what the different scores can mean:

 

0 ACEs: Low-risk. You likely had a stable, supportive environment with minimal exposure to adversity. You’re at a lower risk for chronic health issues and mental health concerns.

 

1-2 ACEs: You’ve faced some challenges, but with supportive relationships—like caring family or mentors—long-term effects may be minimal.

 

3-4 ACEs: You’re at a moderate risk for health challenges, like mental health struggles, substance use, and chronic illnesses. Having supportive relationships and ways to build resilience can make an important difference.

 

5-6 ACEs: With this score, you have a higher risk for long-term health issues like depression, anxiety, heart disease, and substance use. Early intervention and trauma-informed support can improve outcomes.

 

7-8 ACEs: This score carries a very high risk of serious mental and physical health challenges, including complex trauma, high stress-related illnesses, and potential difficulty forming secure relationships. Trauma-informed care and support are critical to your well-being.

 

9-10 ACEs: This score has a very high risk for severe lifelong impacts, including chronic disease, mental illness, substance use disorders, and difficulty with relationships and stability. However, resilience-building support, therapy, and positive interventions can improve outcomes.

What You Can Do If You Have a Lower Score

 

Practice Gratitude and Awareness

• Take a moment to appreciate the stability and support you had growing up.

• Reflect on the positive influences in your life, like loving caregivers and a safe environment.

 

Build Emotional Intelligence and Resilience

• Life can bring challenges, even with a low ACEs score. Strengthen your coping skills through mindfulness, self-reflection, and emotional regulation.

• Build strong, supportive relationships and stay connected with others.

 

Support Others Who May Have High ACEs Scores

• Remember, not everyone has had the same experiences.

• Be a compassionate listener and offer your support to those who may have faced adversity.

• Learn about trauma-informed care and ways to build resilience.

 

Advocate for Safe and Supportive Environments

• Support programs that help children and families thrive, like mental health initiatives, early childhood education, and child abuse prevention.

• Volunteer or contribute to organizations, like BraveBe, that assist children facing challenges.

 

Continue Learning About ACEs and Resilience

• Even if you have a low ACEs score, understanding how adversity impacts others can make you a stronger advocate, leader, or friend.

• Keep learning how to foster resilience in children and communities.

What You Can Do If You Have a Moderate to High Score

 

Recognize and Validate Your Experiences

• Your ACEs score doesn’t define your future—it’s just a reflection of past experiences.

• Acknowledge how childhood adversity may have impacted your mental and physical health, but remember, there's no shame or self-blame in that.

 

Seek Support and Healing

• Therapy or counseling can help you process trauma, build coping skills, and develop resilience. Look for therapists who are trauma-informed.

• Support groups (online or in person) can connect you with others who understand what you’re going through.

• Reach out to BraveBe for guidance or to find trauma-informed resources.

 

Focus on Physical and Mental Well-Being

• Mindfulness and stress management: Practices like meditation, journaling, and deep breathing can help you manage emotions.

• Healthy habits: Exercise, a balanced diet, and good sleep improve both your physical and emotional health.

• Avoid harmful coping methods: Be mindful of using substances, isolating yourself, or engaging in risky behaviors to cope with stress.

 

Build and Strengthen Support Systems

• Surround yourself with people who lift you up—friends, mentors, or community groups.

• If family relationships are unhealthy, create a "chosen family" made up of trusted friends and supporters.

 

Develop Resilience and Protective Factors

• Practice self-compassion—be gentle with yourself as you heal.

• Learn about ACEs and resilience to break cycles of adversity, both for yourself and future generations.

• Advocate for trauma-informed care in schools, workplaces, and communities.

 

Seek Concrete Support When Needed

• If you’re struggling with housing, food, healthcare, or safety, seek local support services. If you’re unsure where to turn, contact BraveBe for help.

• Call 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) if you’re facing a mental health crisis.