Chapter 1 What's The Deepest Well
"The Deepest Well: Healing the Long-Term Effects of Childhood Adversity" is a book by Dr. Nadine Burke Harris, published in 2018. In this work, Dr. Burke Harris, a pediatrician and advocate for children's health, explores the impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) on long-term health.
She discusses how experiences like abuse, neglect, and household dysfunction can lead to chronic stress, which affects brain development and can result in serious physical and mental health issues later in life. The book combines personal stories, scientific research, and practical strategies for improving resilience and healing.
Dr. Burke Harris also emphasizes the importance of recognizing these ACEs in medical practice and implementing trauma-informed care, advocating for a holistic approach to health that considers the interplay between childhood experiences and health outcomes. The book aims to raise awareness about the significance of early adversity and promote strategies for prevention and healing.
Chapter 2 The Background of The Deepest Well
"The Deepest Well: Healing the Long-Term Effects of Childhood Adversity," written by Dr. Nadine Burke Harris, was published in 2018. The book addresses the significant impact of childhood adversity, particularly through the lens of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), and explores how these experiences can affect long-term health and well-being.
Social Context and Background Information
1. Awareness of Childhood Trauma: The late 20th and early 21st centuries have seen a growing recognition of the impact of childhood trauma on lifelong health. Increased awareness around issues of mental health, trauma-informed care, and public health has elevated discussions about how early adverse experiences can influence physical and emotional health.
2. ACEs Study: The book is grounded in the findings of the ACEs study, a landmark research initiative conducted in the late 1990s that quantified the relationship between childhood trauma and later health outcomes. Dr. Burke Harris draws on this research to illustrate the biological and psychological effects of trauma, emphasizing the urgent need to address childhood adversity in clinical practice and public health policy.
3. Founder of The Center for Youth Wellness: Dr. Burke Harris founded The Center for Youth Wellness in San Francisco, which provides comprehensive, integrated care for children affected by trauma. Her work in this center highlights her commitment to addressing the needs of vulnerable populations and advocating for systemic changes in health care and education.
4. Holistic Health Perspective: Burke Harris advocates for a holistic view of health that connects emotional, psychological, and physical well-being. She aims to inform parents, educators, health care providers, and policymakers about the importance of understanding the effects of adversity and the potential for healing.
5. Cultural Sensitivity: The book addresses the intersections of race, poverty, and childhood adversity, emphasizing that marginalized communities often face higher levels of childhood trauma due to systemic inequalities. This perspective encourages a deeper understanding of how social determinants of health affect children and their families.
Author’s Intentions
Dr. Nadine Burke Harris wrote "The Deepest Well" with several key intentions:
1. Educate and Raise Awareness: One of her primary goals is to educate the public about the concept of ACEs and their long-term effects. She aims to demystify the science behind how trauma impacts health and to make this information accessible to a wider audience.
2. Promote Healing and Resilience: The book emphasizes the potential for healing and resilience. Dr. Burke Harris shares practical strategies for individuals and co
Published on 1 year ago