Adverse childhood experiences and suicide risk

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are harmful, stressful or traumatic events that occur in childhood. Adverse childhood experiences can include things such as:

  • Physical, sexual or verbal abuse
  • Physical or emotional neglect
  • Stress or conflict caused by experiencing the separation or divorce of parental figures
  • A family member with mental illness
  • A family member addicted to drugs or alcohol
  • A family member who is in prison
  • Witnessing violence in the home or community

These experiences can undermine a child’s sense of safety, stability and bonding and have long-lasting effects on physical and mental health.

Not everyone that experiences trauma in childhood will experience suicidal thoughts but research suggests children who experience physical, sexual, and emotional abuse or neglect are at least two to three times more likely to attempt suicide in later life (The University of Manchester, 2019)

Here are some of the ways adverse childhood experiences can contribute to suicide risk…

Mental health vulnerabilities - childhood experiences such as exposure to physical, sexual, and emotional abuse, or living in homes with violence, mental illnesses, or substance misuse can contribute to trauma and chronic stress. Trauma and chronic stress can increase vulnerability to psychiatric disorders.

Adverse childhood experiences can make us more vulnerable to developing mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), all of which are risk factors for suicide.

1 in 3 diagnosed mental health conditions in adulthood directly relate to adverse childhood experiences.

Difficulty forming healthy connections - trauma in childhood can affect how we develop socially and can make it more difficult for us to form healthy connections with others.

Isolation and lack of support can worsen feelings of hopelessness and increase suicide risk.

Increased risk of engaging in harmful behaviours - research shows that adverse childhood experiences are strongly linked to an increased risk of harmful behaviours in adolescence and adulthood.

The risks arise because adverse childhood experiences can disrupt healthy brain development, emotional regulation, and coping mechanisms.

Health and social outcomes - Research shows that adverse childhood experiences can be associated with a range of poorer health and social outcomes in adulthood.

Risks increase with the more adverse childhood experiences someone has gone through.

If you're worried about someone try to approach them with understanding, patience and empathy. 

  • Listen without judgement
  • Respect boundaries
  • Learn more about adverse childhood experiences
  • Encourage them to access support
  • Share resilience building activities
  • Encourage self-care
  • Encourage them to seek trauma informed care
  • Be part of creating supportive environments

Addressing ACEs through early intervention and support services can help mitigate long-term impact on mental health and reduce suicide risk.

Find out about some of the services and resources that can help in our support directory.