The Power of Choice
I was recently listening to Andrew Huberman interview Dr. Chris Palmer, a board -certified psychiatrist and professor at Harvard Medical School. They discussed ways to improve mitochondrial biology and metabolic health (Mitochondrial Psychology) among other things.
Much of this discussion focused on how improving both can literally reverse or outright cure many “mental illnesses”. I use quotes because I am not in alignment with the mainstream medical model of ‘diagnose and prescribe’, nor do I advocate the DSM 5 as the bible of mental health.
In this interview, Dr. Plamer addressed Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and rightfully so. Here’s what we know regarding the impact of ACEs on our Mitochondrial Psychology.
Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are traumatic or stressful events that occur during childhood, typically before the age of 18. These experiences can have a significant impact on mental health and overall well-being throughout life.
Types of ACEs
ACEs include a range of events, including:
Physical, emotional, or sexual abuse
Neglect (physical or emotional)
Witnessing violence in the home
Household substance abuse
Parental separation or divorce
Incarceration of a parent or caregiver
Death of a parent or caregiver
Impact on Mental Health
Research has shown that ACEs are strongly associated with an increased risk of mental health problems, such as:
Depression, Anxiety, Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), Substance use disorders, and Suicide.
ACEs can have a lasting impact on brain development and the body's stress response system. Chronic exposure to stress can lead to changes in the brain that make individuals more vulnerable to mental health problems. Additionally, ACEs can disrupt family relationships and social networks, which can further increase the risk of mental health issues
Dr. Palmer goes on to share data suggesting that adults who score 6 or higher live 20 years shorter than someone with a score of 5 or less. 20 years is a significant chunk of time and an impactful statistic.
My hope in sharing this information is to plant a seed or better yet, light a fire in the belly to harness a deeper sense of autonomy and sovereignty over your life and your wellbeing. Want to know how? REFUSE TO BE A STATISTIC. Fight hard for your emotional, mental and physical wellbeing. Seek out alternative solutions. Educate yourself. Make a promise to do what it takes to prioritize feeling good.
It's hard. It takes work, grit, grace, compassion, dedication, devotion, consistency, patience and perseverance. Prepare for setbacks, tears, emotional disruption and outbursts, exacerbations in your symptoms (See Blogpost on Homeopathy), exhaustion, feeling depleted, defeated and more.
Also prepare for glimmers of hope, days of feeling unstoppable, increased confidence, pride for doing the work, feeling inspired, accomplished and aligned. Days of high energy, symptoms diminishing or disappearing, improved sleep, decrease in stress, nervous system regulation and discovering more of who you are outside the diagnosis, illness and trauma. All of this requires BOLD ACTION.
I kind of cringe when I see healers, coaches, and fitness “gurus” prescribe a “one size fits all” method or ideology. We are bio-individuals with specific physiologies which means what works for some, may not work for others.
What I can share with confidence, and after 18 years of perpetual seeking and searching, is that curating the mindset “I refuse to become a statistic” is the BEST thing you can do for yourself and your loved ones because they are also impacted by your state of being and want to see you well.
I don’t know about you, but I’m going to be hiking and rock climbing into my 80’s. I say this to my kids often. It’s vital to speak this into existence and FOLLOW THROUGH. Awareness without action is useless.
As someone whose lost a sister, two nieces, a brother and mother (all young), grew up in an abusive household with an alcoholic parent, married the same type of man who attempted to gain full custody of our kids, catapulting us into a painful and stressful custody battle and almost lost her oldest daughter twice, I should be a statistic by now.
My emotional and mental health and wellbeing has suffered greatly. I have struggled with autoimmune challenges for a long time. I have had my fair share of grief, heartache and heartbreak. There was a time that I didn’t want to live. Nothing profound happened to shift my mindset. It wasn’t like a scene from a movie or book. Sorry if that’s disappointing but also, you’re welcome. The reality of “healing” isn’t always alluring or sexy. It was actually quite simple and also humbling and hard. It was the POWER OF CHOICE. The refusal to allow data, a number, determine the fate of my wellbeing. So, I fought. I fought hard.
How bad do you want it?