Support Systems

Page 6

A tightrope walker is performing his act high above a circus floor for thousands of people to see. He has had much practice under the big top but his foot slips and he falls.

There are two possible outcomes in this situation:

​Outcome number 1 is infinitely better than outcome number 2, however this analogy metaphorically parallels common Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs). ​

Let’s break it down:

​Now, recall the stress reaction that you discussed previously. Imagine yourself as the tightrope walker. ​

• Would you rather have outcome number 1 or outcome number 2?​ 

Your reaction to stress and ability to overcome it depends on what happens after you fall. Stress is manageable and healthy if you have a support system (safety net) to help with the fall. For some people this is as simple as having a friend to talk to. For others it is access to healthcare. Still others need an outlet such as exercise or a hobby. ​ 

Without the safety net of a supportive family, peer group, community or similar, manageable stress becomes unbearable and when it happens repeatedly and intensely it becomes toxic stress. ​​ 

Course Navigation Menu

1. Course Agenda
2. Stress Mountain
3. Kinds of Stress
4. Effects of Stress
5. Comparing Stress (1/7)
6. Support Systems
7. Tightrope Walker (2/7)
8. The Brain
9. Brain Architecture
10. ACEs in Early Childhood

11. Blueprint for Brain Dev.
12. Nature vs Nurture ACEs (3/7)
13. Brain Growth and ACEs
14. Myelination
15. Brain Development (4/7)
16. Behavior and Brain 
17. Social and Emotional ACEs
18. Cognitive Function
19 ACEs and Development (5/7)
20. Where do we go from here?

21. Supportive Communities
22. Goals for Community Support
23. Supportive People
24. Supportive Families
25. Community Resources​ (6/7)
26. Building Resiliency
27. Trauma Informed Practice
28. Moving Forward
29. Quiz (7/7)
30. Evaluation Form​
Parking Lot