The Deepest Well: Healing the Long-Term Effects of Childhood Trauma and Adversity

I learned so much from this book, and have some great ideas for things we can begin to implement in our school district to help students succeed.

Read this book with coworkers and we all loved it

This is an excellent, informative read which can enhance your perception of the world; the impact of stress can’t really be overstated, but this book breaks down Why and How that is,, and what we can do about it. Dr. Burke Harris’ experience as a pediatrician shows when she breaks complex biological processes down into simple imagery down so laypeople can understand; her voice is engaging without ever being condescendingMy favorite read of 2020; if you’re looking to understand the effects of stress or demystify the causes of sudden illness, this book can help. It helped me to understand the roots of illness in my family, for which there had been no clear explanation. Buy the dang book.

What a great story that was incredibly written about a topic that impacts us all. If someone wants to make an impact on the world the next thing they should do is read this book and then tell anther person to read it as well. It is baffling that the media the government the medical industry and school systems haven’t implemented the concepts in this book yet. What that tells me is there are a lot of people in all those areas of life who struggle from toxic stress and that only increases the importance of more people reading this book so ACE screenings become standard protocol. If the drug companies can get doctors to screen for depression we should make them screen for toxic stress too because that is likely at the heart of the depression. While this might seem like a heavy topic and maybe you might be thinking, “I know I should read it, but not today, it’s a little heavy” stop and start reading it right now because Dr. Nadine Burke Harris does an incredible job of telling stories that are riveting and funny…omg her sense of humor is hysterical. I laughed outloud as much as I teared up.Anyway, I guess my point is this is the one time you should just not think too much about it and do it if you have come this far and read this much of my review. Besides I never do these reviews so that has to say something about the importance of this book and if not just for you think of all the people that you could impact by reading this book? You’ll understand what I mean once you do and I hope you do.

WONDERFUL CONDITION, ARRIVED ON TIME. EXACTLY AS DESCRIBED.

This book is an eye opener and a call to action. With a majority of all Americans having experienced at least one major childhood adverse event or trauma, these findings apply to everybody, and I mean everybody, rich and poor, black white and brown, educated and uneducated, urban and rural.

I read this book in one day. It was that compelling. It’s written in a conversational tone, which makes it feel more like a novel than a non-fiction book. She deftly weaves her experience as a medical professional together with the stories of her patients as she tells the story of how she connected the dots between childhood trauma and their long-term effects on the body. One of the best things to come from reading the book is that I feel relief knowing that some of my health and emotional issues could be rooted in my experiences and isn’t just all in my head. As Dr. Burke Harris says, it’s shocking that testing for ACEs isn’t common practice throughout medicine. It just makes so much sense that exposure to pain and traumatic events in your childhood could affect you at a cellular level. I eagerly look forward to the learning that will come from more decades of research on this topic. It’s easily one of the most important developments in modern medicine.

I am an adult survivor of horrific childhood trauma beginning at age three. I cannot emphasize enough how much different and better my life would have been if this movement of Dr. Harris’s had been in place in the 60’s & 70’s. After two successful careers, I had to retire at 46 from the debilitating stress that was killing me physically. At 54, I was diagnosed with Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder as a result of my trauma. My ACES score was 10. It took three years for me to find help. I cannot help but cry for my two sons, especially my oldest, because my trauma and its effects traumatized both of them. My tears are also for my husband, as it did the same to him. I had no idea. Now, we are raising our disabled grandson and I am trying like hell to not pass down my trauma to him. I sincerely hope Dr. Burke’s legacy will become reality world wide. The USA is so behind as a nation in this severe ongoing epidemic. I see children everyday that have been or are being traumatized with no help from anyone or anything. It breaks my heart immensely. Stop the stigma! Just as I did not ask for my trauma, these children did not either. Wake up America! We are failing our children and their futures, which are our nation’s future. Educate, educate, and get involved! Don’t let our children be one of the Forgotten Ones that I was.

This book is ground-breaking, scientific, medically thought provoking, practical, and prescriptive. It is must read in an age of increasing toxic stress.

Such a good book!! I’ve been doing a lot of reading on trauma and this is a must read. Dr. Burke Harris has been such a driving force behind trauma intervention and this book is so well written and easy to read. I read the whole thing in a matter of a few days and would love a follow up book!!

This is one of the most significant books of my career. As a dad – foster/adopt/bio – and as an educator with 29 years of experience, I cannot emphasize enough the importance of this book. Hearing it read by the author was a bonus. I first borrowed it from the library, then decided I needed my own copy. A must read/listen for anyone who interacts with kids with ACEs. The author makes challenging content very accessible to those of us who don’t have medical expertise.

UNBELIEVABLY IMPORTANT BOOK TO READ if you’re in education (or just a human being in this crazy world).I’d heard of the ACEs (Adverse Childhood Experiences) test or scores but OMG I just had no idea that the premise is that ACEs can cause toxic stress and impact our biology–our neurological system, immune system, hormonal system, cardiovascular system, even how our body reads our DNA– in ways that we are not fully in control of especially without a network of support. This in turn can impact life choices that we make as children, adolescents, adults and our ability to function in society.Dr. Nadine Burke Harris, currently the first surgeon general of CA and the author, is brilliant in how she has organized this book. There are lots of stories to draw us in and make us want to read more, but she also explains the scientific research and the science in a reader-friendly way. The driving narrative is the growth in her own understanding of this issue and her pursuit of bringing this information to the world.Dr. Harris makes the argument that ACEs is not about a certain group of people – poor, people of color, etc. It’s a global issue, an issue that is pervasive in all communities. Even as I was sharing what I was learning with friends, I was shocked when two of them paused and said, “That’s me. I probably have a high ACEs score.” SHOCKED.BUT we CAN help. I was worried that Dr. Harris’s “prescription” would be out of bounds for me. I mean I’m not able to set up a clinic with the type of care the Center for Youth Wellness, but I finished the book feeling like I could contribute to the welfare of people in my community who struggle because of toxic stress.This is a book that’s transformed my world and will influence my work with educators and children in the schools.

The Deepest Well explains ACES, adverse childhood experiences, that so deeply affect a child’s ability to become a physically, mentally, and emotionally healthy adult. Author Nadine Burke Harris provides evaluation, understanding and tools, based in science, that can enhance healing oneself, our children, and our world. The long-term consequences of a disadvantaged childhood filled with toxic stress cannot be underestimated; the prevalence of childhood trauma, especially with all the horrific school massacres, will leave indelible marks on even healthy children. This book lets us know that healing is possible no matter how deeply scarred one might be.

If you had a childhood you would call even challenging or sad sometimes, get this book. This was bought for someone whose parents dealt with addiction, hoarding, and codependency. It’s especially good for explaining that all adverse experiences have an affect on a person that deserve validation and why. Knowing that is a major step to healing.

I came across Dr. Nadine Burke Harris on a TED TALK. I was instantly drawn in. After watching her brilliant presentation I wanted to learn more about child-hood adversity. Of course I purchased her book. The first chapter will have you drawn in. It’s a book you want to keep reading. It was hard to put it down! This book will give you more insight on how trauma in early childhood can affect one through-out a lifetime. How is can affect our biology and physiology. From our nervous system to hormonal system. However, once we get to the root of adversity, the book illustrates how one can go about healing physically, emotionally and mentally.Keep doing what you do Dr. Harris! You are a true inspiration! You are a light in this world!

WONDERFUL CONDITION, ARRIVED ON TIME. EXACTLY AS DESCRIBED.

Lots of the topics in this book are things that I think we all know deep down, but there’s so much more to it and Nadine does a beautiful job showcasing her opinion of what the medical system needs through numerous very well thought out personal examples.

Yes, if integrated healthcare isn’t fairly and strategically run, it won’t live up to its potential, but Dr. Nadine Burke Harris provides evidence as to the amazing potential it has. This book is solid, scientific, and personal evidence of why integrated care should be considered the way of the future. When you have experienced childhood adversity, one type of siloed treatment is often never enough. And why is that? It is because, as Dr. Burke Harris explains, the trauma we experience in childhood can permanently affect us mind, body, and spirit. Adverse childhood experiences can negatively alter the way our bodies, our very organs, respond across a lifetime if left unchecked and untreated. It took me twenty years to understand why talk therapy alone never worked for me and never got to the core of my anxiety. I kept saying, “Haven’t I handled this yet? What’s wrong with me?” But Dr. Nadine Harris opened my eyes, made it all click, and has forever changed my life for the better. The value in integrated care to treat childhood trauma, at any age but especially if started as early as possible, is immense. For the pragmatic among us, especially those concerned with the future of national healthcare, in the long run integrated care can and should save time and money. But what really stands out is the efficacy. It’s simply unparalleled. You may need touch ups in integrated treatments, as you would probably need maintenance with any treatment throughout your life, but this healing can work. Buy this book for anyone who struggles in the deepest well. Buy this for anyone who wants to feel better.

This book blew my mind. As a parent and foster parent, I learned just how impactful ACEs could be and the beginnings of how to address them. To get the full story on solutions, you need to read The Connected Child (TBRI) and watch the TBRI videos; consider that Part 2. Bruce Perry books would be Part 3, especially if you’re an adult with ACES. Still, The Deepest Well was a pleasure to read and totally paradigm-shifting, and started me down the path of finding more concrete solutions.

What a phenomenal story!I was enthralled by every page, from her early vision for a medical clinic in one of San Francisco’s poorest neighborhoods, to the discovery that behind many ailments lay the same biological root cause, our bodies’ normal reaction to the stresses of Adverse Childhood Experiences, to the stories with strategies to buffer the difficulties of life for your child (or your inner child!), to her call for universal screening — a fantastic book, by someone doing amazing, world-changing work. Brilliant and compassionate, scientific yet approachable, deeply personal and still profoundly universal.Main take-aways:* Your entire genetic code has some flexibility built in, and will be expressed differently based on your environment.* Adverse Childhood Experiences are nearly universal, across incomes and groups.* Having a large number of ACEs correlates with huge health impacts: twice as likely to develop heart disease and cancer, 3.5 times as likely to develop COPD, twice the odds of hospitalization for an autoimmune disease (such as arthritis, lupus, diabetes, celiac), and a greater risk of asthma, allergies, migraines, fibromyalgia, reflux, bronchitis, ulcers, “and the list goes on.” (p. 73,181)* Neuroplasticity means epigenetics are treatable, and the stress response can often be brought back under control through therapy, meditation, and exercise.* Universal screening would help many people understand their bodies and break the generational cycle by becoming effective buffer/advocates for their children.

Dr. Burke Harris has written a book that has the potential to shift our thinking about what we believe needs to be done to address a wide range of bad health outcomes. A book sure to attract widespread attention — and it should. She lays out the history and implications of our deepening understanding of the impact of toxic stress, which may be as important a breakthrough as germ theory was over 100 years ago.The weaving together of Dr. Burke Harris’s story of her life and career — unfolding in parallel with her understanding of toxic stress — makes this an incredibly compelling read.

Studies show that 67-83% of us (This includes every human being on earth, too, since the studies have been replicated worldwide with the same results.) have at least one toxic stress issue (Adverse Childhood Experience or ACE) in our lives and from 12-17% of us have 4 or more of the possible 10 stressors currently defined. For example, if we have 4 of these experiences we are 10 times more likely to attempt suicide. With 6 or more, we are nearly 24 times more likely to attempt suicide! It is so accurate that it is considered “doseable” which is explained in the book. Auto-immune diseases, addictions, risky lifestyle behaviors, asthma, cardiovascular diseases, fibromyalgia, learning difficulties (ADHD is often mistakenly treated when it is actually issues caused by ACEs.), commitment issues, and many more health and social issues are rooted in these ACEs.The score we have is recorded in our nervous system and DNA which affects every aspect of our body’s functions. Together, these factors will decide our health, job success, marriage and parenting success and even our longevity because of the power they have over the systems of our body. As the author points out, though, there are simple, non-medical methods of counteracting much of their effects through mindfulness, relationships, sleep, exercise, stress buffering caregivers and so on. Simple lifestyle changes can make a big difference in our entire lives if we will follow the advice given in this book. The author doesn’t waste time discussing or blaming our parents for the way they have damaged us since that isn’t the point. She does show how the effects of ACEs are multi-generational, though, and then gives hope by showing how they can be overcome and stopped through conscious effort on our part.Dr. Harris has impeccable credentials for writing this book and does so with the same expertise she demonstrates in her TEDMed talk on the same subject. This book is up-to-date since it was released in January of 2018. She uses good science and connects it with anecdotes from her pediatric medical practice in SF’s poorest neighborhood. Her writing style is engaging and informative, scientifically informational while still being understandable. If you know anyone struggling with the difficulties of life who honestly wants answers to the reasons they have health issues or make the decisions they do, recommend they read this book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N7HZ73B/ref=cm_cr_ryp_prd_ttl_sol_0

Her work is grounding breaking and backed by science. Went to her release at poetry and pose in DC. I recommend also watching her lectures and speeches on this.

Read this book with coworkers and we all loved it

I am in the social work field, and have heard so many people talk about this book so I finally purchased it. I don’t typically read a lot of non-fiction as I generally read to escape reality. This book brought reality right back so I had to take my time reading it. It is a great book that analyzes and discuses ACE scoring, where it comes from, how it affects individuals, and what can be done about it. If you’re in a helping field, its definitely a must have!

Dr. Burke-Harris is an excellent and knowledgeable writer. The topic is current and extremely relevant for our world and for our mental and physical health. It was easy to read, written with examples and almost like a mystery novel as she took us on her search to learn more and more. I would highly recommend every medical or integrative medicine doctor or staff member read this book. I would also highly recommend that people read this book who have autoimmune diseases, diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular disease, or many of the other ills that plague our society today. It may take you on a journey toward more healing than you thought possible.

I am an adult survivor of horrific childhood trauma beginning at age three. I cannot emphasize enough how much different and better my life would have been if this movement of Dr. Harris’s had been in place in the 60’s & 70’s. After two successful careers, I had to retire at 46 from the debilitating stress that was killing me physically. At 54, I was diagnosed with Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder as a result of my trauma. My ACES score was 10. It took three years for me to find help. I cannot help but cry for my two sons, especially my oldest, because my trauma and its effects traumatized both of them. My tears are also for my husband, as it did the same to him. I had no idea. Now, we are raising our disabled grandson and I am trying like hell to not pass down my trauma to him. I sincerely hope Dr. Burke’s legacy will become reality world wide. The USA is so behind as a nation in this severe ongoing epidemic. I see children everyday that have been or are being traumatized with no help from anyone or anything. It breaks my heart immensely. Stop the stigma! Just as I did not ask for my trauma, these children did not either. Wake up America! We are failing our children and their futures, which are our nation’s future. Educate, educate, and get involved! Don’t let our children be one of the Forgotten Ones that I was.

Great item

Used in teaching young children. Book makes you aware of healing long-term effects of childhood adversity. How adversity effects child health and learning ability as well as their adult life.

Excellent book and research on the effects of toxic stress which often starts in babyhood and into childhood. And even beyond.It was not surprising to me to learn that adverse childhood experiences affect not only mental health but physical health and such effects eventually often show up as adult diseases, such as cardiovascular illnesses and even cancer. If not stopped in its track. I am personally living proof of her research.An excellent, informative book. Long overdue in my opinion. Kudos to Dr. Harris!

This book was recommended to me as something that all teachers or aspiring teachers should read. It did not disappoint. While some of the medical and scientific detail included in the book was a little deeper than I intended to dive on the subject, the overall presentation of the data was well done. I enjoyed the book and came away feeling more compassionate and inspired to want to do my best to help young people who have suffered adversity and trauma.

I have an ACE score of 4. And while I’d never thought of the stress from my childhood made a difference in my life, I now know otherwise. My kids 1 and 3 already have ACE scores of their own, but by divorcing their father and being a buffer, I know that they will make sure they have a better chance. They will not be 34 and beginning to learn about how to live their life, they will start now! If I can recognize my triggers and my behaviors and be a buffer for them when it comes to their father, I’ll be able to help them along the way. Hearing Caroline’s story made me know I was on the right path. I’m taking responsibility for abnormal things I’ve normalized and I’m making their environment a safe and peaceful one. I’m not perfect, but I can learn. And Dr. Burke Harris has taught me much. Thank you for all you do and thank you for writing this book.

This book gives a concise explanation of childhood adversity and long term effects. Stress is harder on a child and may shorten telomeres and add to chance of cancer, autoimmune , depression and diabetes. Easy read for a science book. You learn how to undo adverse effects by her use of therapies( psychologist, social work, public meeting, school system). This is educational and historical. Most people have adverse events no matter what social class they belong to. You may recognize yourself here. Good work.

The research behind ACE screening, epigenetics, chronic stress, early childhood trauma, is bound to change they way we understand many issues that affect our kids and ourselves. This research will change the way we diagnose and treat many problems, from adhd to heart disease. Dr. Burke’s book is one that I classify as essential reading; as it has given me a whole new lense thru which to evaluate and understand how deeply affected we are by early childhood adversity.

Beautifully written and extensively researched, this is a “must-read” for anyone interested in the epidemic of obesity/illness/stress in our children and society, and particularly anyone who has suffered childhood trauma themselves. As a clinician in an impoverished part of San Francisco, Dr. Burke Harris is a first-rate observer of the problem and a perfect advocate for change! The book is engaging — a great read for those casually interested and those looking for an in-depth study.

The biggest amazing part of this book, is seeing how I lived my life with my ace score. Being in a rocky marriage, I inadvertently gave my kids ace scores. I will do everything in my power to help us all heal.Everyone should read this!!

What a great story that was incredibly written about a topic that impacts us all. If someone wants to make an impact on the world the next thing they should do is read this book and then tell anther person to read it as well. It is baffling that the media the government the medical industry and school systems haven’t implemented the concepts in this book yet. What that tells me is there are a lot of people in all those areas of life who struggle from toxic stress and that only increases the importance of more people reading this book so ACE screenings become standard protocol. If the drug companies can get doctors to screen for depression we should make them screen for toxic stress too because that is likely at the heart of the depression. While this might seem like a heavy topic and maybe you might be thinking, “I know I should read it, but not today, it’s a little heavy” stop and start reading it right now because Dr. Nadine Burke Harris does an incredible job of telling stories that are riveting and funny…omg her sense of humor is hysterical. I laughed outloud as much as I teared up.Anyway, I guess my point is this is the one time you should just not think too much about it and do it if you have come this far and read this much of my review. Besides I never do these reviews so that has to say something about the importance of this book and if not just for you think of all the people that you could impact by reading this book? You’ll understand what I mean once you do and I hope you do.

I have spent most of my life wondering why I am the way I am, why I am often sick, suffer from eczema as a 42 year old, food allergies, had a TIA at 35, deal with panic and anxiety attacks that wake me in the night, why I am quick to react to hurt feelings, and through this book I understand it more. As a mother, wife, sister, public health professional, Executive Director of a non-profit who works on community food security, and a professor I see how important this work is too get it into the world. It’s time to break the cycles of ACEs and this book tells you why and how. It is easy for a lay person to read and keeps the reader engaged. I had moments of tears and moments of clarity. I plan on sharing this book with as many people as I know!

Loved it. Absolutely enjoyed reading about the research and how it was data driven. Interesting to learn how to tie in the neurobiology in to the stressor and I definitely will work the 6 interventions into my therapeutic practice.

This book blew my mind. As a parent and foster parent, I learned just how impactful ACEs could be and the beginnings of how to address them. To get the full story on solutions, you need to read The Connected Child (TBRI) and watch the TBRI videos; consider that Part 2. Bruce Perry books would be Part 3, especially if you’re an adult with ACES. Still, The Deepest Well was a pleasure to read and totally paradigm-shifting, and started me down the path of finding more concrete solutions.

Excellent theoretical book about the scientific and medical effects of trauma. Written in a narrative style with many personal anecdotes from the author. Not for trauma survivors who are looking for a workbook style to help then reflect and write about traumatic events.

An excellent book that encourages current best practices. The author does an excellent job of combining a compelling human storyline with current research and the on-going work to help all human beings manage their health by knowing how trauma may have impacted their physical, mental and emotional well-being. I ordered this book for several professional counselors as well as friends and family because it helps start an internal and personal dialogue for self examination as well as has the potential to remove some perceived stigma to seeking out professional support.

A must read not only for medical and mental health professionals, but for everyone. ACEs affect about 70% of the population at all income levels, although the poorer folks do have fewer resources to cope with the effects. There are ways to counter the effects, and they are covered better in the book than I can cover here.

This is one of those rare books I could read in one sitting.Even though the subject matter is sad at times, Dr. Harris’s research is compelling. I’m a Licensed Professional Counselor, author, and teacher. I wrote about the ACEs study in my first book (Renewed).Currently I’m in the process of finalizing a book about post-traumatic growth. I spent five years researching and writing about a fascinating phenomenon; one that most people don’t know about: That is that some people are resilient to trauma and can even thrive after adversity. Trauma can be the springboard that catapults people into higher and better ways of functioning than before. In spite of the pain and suffering, the trauma actually ends up giving some people an advantage in life.Two questions that drove my research were:ž 1. Why did some survivors report positive changes when others did not?2. žCan people be helped to find positive changes?What I discovered blew my mind. There are many practical things people can do to heal and grow after trauma affects their lives.You can imagine how interested I was about reading Dr. Harris’s research from a physician’s standpoint. At times I had to jump up from the chair where I was sitting, and post on Instagram or Goodreads, because I want everyone to know about this book. I will certainly be telling all my friends in my circle of influence.I made a financial donation to the Center for Youth Wellness and hope to support them in other ways. I would like to get this book in the hands of influential people within our governing systems, all the way up to our president. I’m not sure how I could make the that happen, but I will pray, and do my part!Thank you Dr. Harris and staff at the CYW for your dedication and commitment to hurting people.P.S. I’m a caucasian, woman living in an upper middle class neighborhood, highly educated, surrounded by all the comforts you could imagine, yet my ACE score is 6 or 7.

Very happy with this purchase. The condition was described very well.