BRAVE hosted a viewing of "Resilience" at the high school on Saturday night, Nov. 17. They also showed the film at the Cabin Cafe in a private screening on Nov. 13.
Wrangell organization BRAVE held a film screening of "Resilience" at the high school last Saturday night.
"Resilience" is a sequel to "Paper Tigers," another documentary shown by BRAVE on the subject of ACEs.
"Resilience" takes a look at the science behind ACEs, explaining what they are and how they can affect people. Adverse Childhood Experiences, as explained in the film, are surprisingly, and sadly, common. Coming from an abusive household, or being bullied in school, or living in a dangerous part of town, can have a large impact on the still-developing mind of a child. ACEs can have long term impacts on people beyond simply mental health. The more ACEs a child undergoes, the film explained, the more likely they are to face health problems such as heart disease, for example, or to pick up a smoking habit. ACEs can, and often do, lower the life expectancy of people, according to the film.
However, "Resilience" did provide some good news. With further study, it has been revealed that there is a lot that people in the community
can do to help their young people. If a child has a healthy relationship with even one caring, responsible adult, the effects of ACEs are severely
mitigated. Having a strong support group, being physically active and healthy, and focusing on mental health with therapy and meditation can all help lower the risks attached to Adverse Childhood Experiences.
"It's not a label, it's just a story about our life and what happened along the way," said BRAVE member Kay Larson. "Even later in life we can experience extreme toxic stress, but the stuff that hits kids when they're little, and can't articulate it, is more difficult."
After the film, a discussion was held by those in attendance on things people could do in Wrangell to help the community avoid ACEs, and how to support those who have undergone them.
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