The “Normal” Amount of Pain is Not Less Pain, It’s No Pain
Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) awareness campaign advocates discuss the goals and possibilities of living with and beyond ACEs and toxic stress
By Dr. John R. Blosnich, Associate Professor of Social Work at the University of Southern California, and subject matter expert for the Live Beyond Campaign.
As a subject matter expert for the state’s Live Beyond Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) awareness campaign, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Juniper Brown to record this week’s My Therapist is Out podcast. Juniper is an LGBTQ activist and youth advisor to the campaign providing lived experience on the daily challenges of living beyond or healing from ACEs.
Importance of Freedom from Pain
Early in the conversation Juniper very eloquently pointed out that the end goal of recovery and resilience-building is not solely better pain management, it is freedom from pain. As a public health researcher, I see ample evidence every day that our public health systems are continuing to grapple with how to achieve that goal.
California's Live Beyond Campaign
As systems across the United States and here in California try to address shortages of mental health providers and how to reduce other barriers to mental health care, California is investing in educational campaigns that educate people about tools that are available to everyone. The newly launched Live Beyond campaign that we discussed on the podcast is one of those investments. Spearheaded by the Office of the California Surgeon General, the campaign is informed by youth, parents, caregivers, and experts across the state and is focused not only on building awareness of what ACEs and toxic stress are but also ensuring all Californians are aware of the tools and resources at their fingertips today.
Impact of ACEs and Toxic Stress
The effects of ACEs and toxic stress can impact our relationships and mental and physical health well into adulthood. We know that managing the pain that can come from ACEs and toxic stress may require help from a mental health professional, but it can also be significantly helped by activities that may seem simple – things like exercising, talking to a friend, or getting enough sleep. And those are all interventions that don’t require an appointment, health insurance coverage, or transportation. When it comes to moving towards a society healing from pain, our conversations should include how individual mental health is both personal and connected to and supported by community mental health.
Community Support in Healing
During the podcast, Juniper shared that just two years ago they were scared to leave the house or interact in the community. For them, healing began with a “tough” therapist who pushed them to try going to one event where they found like-minded people who were willing to listen to what they had to say. That small moment of community started a change for Juniper that led to them flying alone for the first time to Los Angeles to be interviewed on a podcast.
Accessible Resources for All
I find that story so inspiring and I hope when people listen to the podcast they will too. Juniper is a testament to that fact that connection, and just one person willing to listen can change everything. ACEs are not destiny, and there are resources available to everyone. We all have the power to take small steps today to make a big impact on our future.
Learn more about Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), toxic stress, and how to heal from their impacts at livebeyondCA.org.
If you are ready to address your adverse childhood experiences in therapy reach out! We are here to help you process all the emotions, experiences and complexities that come with the long lasting effects of ACEs.