Adverse childhood experiences (ACE)
trouble in school
difficulty showing affection
difficulty showing affection
difficulty showing affection
difficulty showing affection
difficulty showing affection
changes in mood
difficulty showing affection
fear of other people
fear of other people
fear of other people
fear of other people
1 in 6 women and 1 in 9 men report being sexually abused as children, and those are just the ones who found the strength and courage to speak up!
insomnia/nightmares
fear of other people
insomnia/nightmares
Only a fraction of those who have endured childhood trauma ever receive support from a health professional... most carry the weight of their pain alone!
bedwetting
fear of other people
insomnia/nightmares
The consequences of child maltreatment don’t end, they echo across a lifetime. Untreated abuse in early years can lead to anxiety, depression, illness, and suicide!
Increased Risk of Suicide
As of the most recent data from the World Health Organization (WHO):
- Over 700,000 people die by suicide each year globally.
- This means one person dies by suicide approximately every 40 seconds.
- Suicide is the third leading cause of death among 15–29-year-olds worldwide!
People who experience childhood trauma (including abuse, neglect, loss, or exposure to violence) are significantly more likely to experience:
- Suicidal thoughts (ideation)
- Suicide attempts
- Death by suicide
Childhood trauma can lead to:
- Depression and anxiety disorders
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Substance abuse
- Low self-esteem and hopelessness
Chronic stress and trauma during early development can disrupt:
- Brain development (especially in areas responsible for emotion regulation)
- Stress hormone regulation (like cortisol)
- Decision-making and impulse control
Increased Suicide Risk
- Victims of bullying are 2 to 9 times more likely to consider or attempt suicide compared to those who are not bullied.
- Bullying can lead to hopelessness, isolation, low self-esteem, anxiety, and depression, all of which are closely linked to suicidal behavior.
Types of bullying that elevate suicide risk
- Physical bullying (hitting, pushing)
- Verbal bullying (name-calling, threats)
- Social/relational bullying (spreading rumors, exclusion)
- Cyberbullying (harassment via phone or internet, especially damaging because it's persistent and often anonymous)
