Many people come to therapy saying something like, “My childhood wasn’t that bad,” or “Other people had it worse, why am I struggling now?” Downplaying early experiences is incredibly common, especially when stress or conflict were frequent growing up. However, one of the most important discoveries in mental health research is that early adversity influences not just emotional well-being, but physical health as well. These early experiences are known as Adverse Childhood Experiences, or ACEs.

If you’ve ever been told you might have a personality disorder (or wondered if a family member, partner, or friend might) you probably know how heavy that can feel. For many people, those words carry shame, fear, or confusion — as if something deep inside is “wrong” or unchangeable. This is certainly the lens taken by most media; how often are we shown villains with borderline or paranoid personality disorders? But the truth is, our understanding of personality has come a long way.

When we talk about trauma (both in and out of mental health settings), we often focus on what is lost or diminished — our sense of safety, confidence, and control. This is understandable because trauma often shakes the very foundation of who we are. However, over time and with support, another outcome is possible. Alongside the suffering, growth can occur.