Abstract
Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) have been shown to be contributive factors for poor mental and physical health outcomes for adults who have experienced them. Being subjected to ACEs can alter the sympathetic nervous system response and lead to hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis (HPA axis) dysfunction. Diaphragmatic breathing (DB) is a way to counter the negative impact of ACEs on the nervous system. This was an implementation of a pilot DB exercise group along with ACEs education for participants on a Midwestern rural inpatient psychiatric unit in which a group does not currently exist dedicated to these topics. Patient surveys revealed that 90% of participant responses indicated the group improved patient satisfaction and 100% of participants reported experiencing some level of benefit from the group.