Toxic Stress: ACEs Getting Under Our Skin / Alex Kelly’s story

Toxic Stress: ACEs Getting Under Our Skin / Alex Kelly’s story

Ever wondered how the stress of a chaotic childhood can linger into adulthood? In this episode of 'The Bear Comes Home From The Bar', host Terrance Fleming sits down with social worker Alex Kelly to unpack the heavy baggage of toxic stress and Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs). These aren’t just buzzwords; they represent real, long-lasting impacts on our health and well-being.

Alex opens up about her own turbulent upbringing with an alcohol-addicted parent, revealing how these early experiences left her grappling with disassociation and toxic relationships. But it's not all doom and gloom. Alex also shares how she found her way to healing through a structured recovery program and the power of community support. This episode is a must-listen for anyone who’s felt the ripple effects of a troubled childhood and is searching for ways to reclaim their life.

As Terrance poignantly puts it, 'Shame grows in darkness and we have to be brave and courageous and pull back the tarp on our shame and shine light on it'. Tune in for a conversation that’s as enlightening as it is heartfelt.