Your Trauma

Have you ever wondered why you behave the way you do? Sometimes people look into themselves and realize certain events have modified them into who they are today. But what about the behavioral traits that don’t have an explanation? There’s a possibility your ancestors did the job for you.

Trauma is a psychological response to a distressing or disturbing event that overwhelms an individual and their ability to cope. Trauma has been categorized into many different types, and one of them is generational trauma (also known as intergenerational trauma or transgenerational trauma). Generational trauma refers to the transmission of the effects of traumatic events from one generation to another.

Generational trauma is a form of trauma that can be experienced without being involved in the traumatic event itself. It can be something that a member of a family or a community experiences and the effects are passed to the following generations. We know that trauma can manifest itself through stress, anxiety, fight or flight and other heightened alert systems in our brain and body. But when traumatic experiences are passed down from generation to generation, they affect how people think, feel and behave. War, natural disasters, genocide and slavery are examples of what forms generational trauma. Some events are traumatizing big communities so much that they’re passing on a thought that they’re not supposed to be learned or talked about. This spreads to the level of whole communities shutting down about it.

Moreover, if parents have unresolved traumas, they may develop negative coping mechanisms they pass on to their children. There are plenty of examples of this. People who grow up in homes with domestic violence and experience childhood trauma may develop a thought that it’s ok to physically discipline their children.

They may also have trouble trusting people or forming intimate relationships, showing this example to their offspring. Or if a parent who experienced trauma uses avoidance or substance abuse to cope, their child may also adopt these behaviors. These cycles of unresolved trauma can affect generations to come.

For example, one 2015 study suggests that survivors of the Ukrainian Holodomor genocide were likely to experience feelings of anxiety and fear and to adopt behaviors like hoarding food. Their children and grandchildren later adopted some of these negative coping strategies and fears.

In addition to the above contributors, generational trauma is often accompanied by other disadvantages like racism, sexism, or homophobia, compounding the negative impact. People who suffer from generational trauma often face significant barriers to success in multiple areas of life. This form of psychological trauma can lead to physical and mental health problems as well as social and emotional difficulties.

Everyone experiences trauma in a different way and it can manifest differently in individuals. The effects of trauma can be complex and sometimes difficult to understand. In different cultures and communities, trauma can be experienced in various ways, however there are some types that are more commonly recognized as having intergenerational effects. One way generational trauma also can be passed through transgenerational beliefs and values such as negative stereotypes or feelings of shame or guilt either toward themselves or other people. It can also cause difficulties in trust and contribute to trust issues and fear of abandonment. All in all, it can affect everyday life due to its strong connection with emotional capabilities. It can be expressed by psychological or emotional distress or physical symptoms as if the person themselves experienced it.

Research has shown that the effects of trauma can also be passed down through epigenetic changes, which can alter the way genes are expressed. This can result in physical symptoms such as chronic pain, autoimmune disorders, and other health problems. Recognizing and addressing generational trauma is important for healing and preventing its perpetuation. It involves understanding the historical context and acknowledging the experiences of those who were affected by trauma. Understanding a community’s or family’s history and cultural practices can help to provide context and perspective on your experiences. This can also be an opportunity to connect with family members and learn about their experiences.

It should be remembered that parents may not intentionally pass on generational trauma to their children. It’s also important to note that coping with any form of trauma can be a complex and ongoing process, and there is no one “right” way to do it. Seeking support from mental health professionals or trauma-informed counselors can be helpful.

Taika Soihtu

Sources:

Talkspace.com - What is generational trauma?

Symptoms & more

Health.com - What is generational trauma?

Insider.com - The trauma your parents experienced well before you were born could explain why you’re so anxious all the time