Causes Of Generational Trauma And The Signs Of It
Trauma is a topic getting an increasing amount of attention. Considering that at least 70 percent of people on the planet will have traumatic experiences, it is long overdue that this issue is addressed. However, there is far more than one type of trauma. For example, have you ever heard of generational trauma? Yes, trauma can be passed down through families and its impact is very damaging.
The effect of generational trauma can be mistaken for a wide range of other issues. In addition, it’s not exactly something that families openly talk about. Therefore, to address this scourge, we need far more awareness and information.
The Basics of Generational Trauma
It’s not as widely known as it should be but trauma can be transferred from one generation to the next. Even if the trauma was not directly experienced or witnessed, it can be shaping your thoughts, beliefs, and behaviors. This cycle also has a negative physical effect. As long as the trauma remains unrecognized and/or unresolved, every family member is at risk.
How is passed down? Partly, this happens via DNA. In addition, ensuing generations are caught up in the web through the way their extended family deals with everyday life. For better or for worse, we can all “inherit” habits, patterns, and values. For a family steeped in long-term trauma, such an inheritance can be a major obstacle.
Signs of Generational Trauma
Unhealthy, dysfunctional family patterns like substance abuse, domestic violence, and sexual abuse (usually kept quiet)
Chronic, unexplained pain
Insomnia, nightmares, and sleep disturbances
Hypervigilance
Intrusive thoughts
Mood swings
Mental health issues and disorders, e.g. disordered eating, anxiety, depression, and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Anger outbursts
Low self-esteem
Guilt
Self-isolation
Difficulty connecting with others — friends, relationships, etc.
Dissociation
Unable or unwilling to talk about emotions
Unable or unwilling to experience emotions
Feeling shame and helplessness
Never trusting “outsiders”
Lacking a sense of safety or security
Pessimism about the future
Fear of death
Of course, every individual and every family will have unique factors and characteristics. The above list, however, is a comprehensive overview of universal trends.
Causes of Generational Trauma
Generational trauma often exists hand-in-hand within communities that have suffered the most from barriers like racism and misogyny. Also, living in war zones or the locations of natural disasters is a major contributor. A few other factors to consider and explore are:
Persecution and oppression
Cultural disadvantages and reduced access to opportunity
Intergenerational poverty
In-utero exposure to stressors that are toxic to healthy development
These are not the only causes — again, every situation is unique. But research has shown them to be the most common. Are any of them present in your life?
Healing Generational Trauma
Generational trauma isn’t a diagnosable condition but that does not mean you shouldn’t seek treatment. In addition, there are crucial self-help steps you can practice, e.g.
Identify and accept that generational trauma is real in your family and it is impacting you
Learn more about this situation and about your family history
Join an in-person or online group made up of others going through generational trauma
Practice self-care by maintaining healthy sleep habits, making healthy eating choices, engaging in daily exercises, and prating stress management
Beyond this, though, it is vital that you connect with a trauma-informed therapist who “gets” what you are going through. Healing generational trauma is not a solo act. You’ll need guidance and support to navigate triggers and break the ongoing cycle. Therapy can help you delete counterproductive behaviors and develop healthy coping mechanisms. If you think generational trauma is influencing your life, I’d love to talk with you soon about working with a black therapist who understands your life experience.
