Childhood Trauma and Employee Mental Health

When children have positive experiences it contributes to good mental wellbeing in adulthood. But when children experience trauma, it can lead to lifelong challenges including substance abuse, anxiety disorders, depression, and other debilitating mental health conditions. 

The Returns On Wellbeing Institute Podcast interviewed Diana Bishop, a Senior Learning Consultant and Certified Health and Wellness Coach for Kaiser Permanente, San Diego, about Adverse Childhood Experiences (or ACEs) defined as stressful events that occur in childhood that can have lasting effects through adulthood. 

In this interview, Diana explains how ACEs contribute to workplace absenteeism, healthcare costs, and mental illness, and provides an overview of ACEs to help employers understand: 

• The role of childhood experiences in shaping human health
• An overview of ACEs and their relation to mental health
• How do ACEs affect adults in their everyday functioning
• Findings from the CDC-Kaiser Permanente ACE Study

She shows how employers must help employees address untreated childhood trauma that can lead to mental health issues, chronic illnesses, and poor work performance. She also advises how to reduce stigma about ACEs, and incorporate ACE Scores as part of workplace mental health initiatives and helping employees get the help they need.