BRIX to healing & empowerment
Stress affects heart, mind & Body
In situations where continuous stressful and traumatic experiences impinge on the stability of parent-child and community networks, one can sustain, not only emotional and psychological distress but, also imbalances to physiological wellbeing. As youth, especially, experience prolonged stress and the endocrine system sustain elevated stress hormone levels, as a natural coping response, this dysregulation of the stress control system causes strain over time. This hormone hyperactivity can increase the likelihood of chronic health problems that follow into adulthood; such as high blood pressure, heart disease & obesity.
Who is affected?
A surveillance study of over 200,000 Americans, 61.5% reported having experienced at least one Adverse Childhood Experience in their lives. About 25% of those individuals, reported having experienced three or more Adverse Childhood Experiences, where child sexual abuse, household substance abuse, and household mental illness were the most commonly noted adverse experiences.
The likelihood of exposure to these traumatic childhood experiences varies, dependent upon factors such as gender, race, level of education and income. For example, Women and young adults, especially those with less than high school education level, income below $15,000/year and multi-racial ethnic background report greater frequency of Adverse Childhood Experiences in the United States. When lacking the social support to overcome and persevere through challenges of inequity, disadvantage and life adversity, youth present increased likelihood of engaging risky behaviors. This pattern further compromises physiological and mental health, life potential achievement as well as undermines sustained community development and cohesion.
*Merrick M, Ports K, Guinn A. Prevalence of adverse childhood experiences from the 2011-2014 behavioral risk factor surveillance system in 23 states. JAMA Pediatr 2018. 172: 1038 – 1044.
Support Solutions
By enhancing locally centralized support systems between youth and their parents, their teachers, mental health providers and other trusted community members, together we can build upon a collaborative infrastructure which shares in awareness and compassion to those affected by stress and/or trauma. In physically safe and judgement free play spaces, which BRIX helps to cultivate, we aim to empower youth and extended communities to learn, heal and grow to realize their greatest potential.