Sometimes things we go through growing up don’t seem like a big deal at the time… or we just get used to them.
This short questionnaire is a way to pause and take an honest look at life experiences that can shape how we feel, cope, and connect with others—both now and later on.
If you’re a teen, you can answer this for yourself.
If you’re a parent or caregiver, you can answer based on what you know about your child’s experiences.
There are no right or wrong answers.
This isn’t about labeling you or putting you in a box.
It’s about understanding something important:
What we go through early in life can impact things like stress, emotions, relationships, and even decision-making later on.
But here’s the most important part—
nothing on this test defines your future.
It simply helps us recognize where support, healing, or extra care might be helpful.
Take your time. Be honest.
This is just information—and information can lead to better support, stronger choices, and real change.
Instructions:
For each statement below, select Yes or No based on whether it happened before age 18.
Instructions:
For each statement below, select Yes or No based on whether it happened before age 18.
1. Did you often feel that no one in your home really listened to you, understood you, or made you feel important?
2. Did you feel like you didn’t have enough support, protection, or care from the adults around you?
3. Did you live with someone who struggled with alcohol or drug use?
4. Did you live with someone who was often depressed, mentally unwell, or who made you feel unsafe emotionally?
5. Did your parents or caregivers separate, divorce, or have a very unstable relationship?
6. Did you witness yelling, threats, or physical conflict between adults in your home?
7. Were you ever spoken to in a way that made you feel worthless, humiliated, or constantly criticized?
8. Were you ever physically hurt by a parent or adult in your home (for example: hit, pushed, or slapped in a way that left marks or fear)?
9. Did you experience unwanted or inappropriate sexual behavior from someone older than you?
10. Did you often feel afraid in your home environment?
Scoring :
Count the number of “Yes” answers.
Scoring :
Count the number of “Yes” answers.
First—take a breath.
Whatever number you got, this is not a label.
It’s simply a snapshot of experiences that may have shaped you.
Here’s what research has shown:
The more difficult or stressful experiences someone has growing up, the more likely they may be to struggle later with things like:
- anxiety or depression
- feeling overwhelmed or shutting down
- relationship challenges
- substance use or risky behaviors
But that’s only part of the story.
The other part is this: people heal. People grow. And support changes everything.
A higher score doesn’t mean something is “wrong” with you.
It means your nervous system and life experiences may have had to carry more than most.
And that deserves attention—not judgment.
If you’re a parent reading this:
This is not about blame. It’s about awareness and opportunity.
If you’re a teen reading this:
Nothing here means your future is set. You are still in the middle of your story.
You might consider reaching out for support if:
- you often feel overwhelmed, anxious, or numb
- you struggle to trust people or feel safe
- you’re using substances or unhealthy coping to get through
- you just feel like something is “off” and don’t know why
You are not alone in this.
And you don’t have to wait until things get worse to get support.
We’re here to help—early, honestly, and without judgment.