Unpacking Generational Trauma
Most people have a basic concept of trauma and how it can impact your life. However, trauma is often viewed as something that has to “happen” to you directly. That isn’t always the case, especially when it comes to generational trauma. Perhaps you didn’t go through a specific traumatic event, but earlier generations of your family did. The trauma they experienced can be passed down for years, impacting everything from how you think about certain subjects to specific behaviors. You might even carry the fear and uncertainty those original family members who went through the trauma had to deal with.
If you’re concerned that you might be dealing with the impact of generational trauma, it’s never too late to get help. It’s important for families to know about generational trauma and have a basic understanding of how it can affect them. Let’s take a closer look at what generational trauma really is, including some examples and what you can do about it.
What Is Generational Trauma?
Simply put, generational trauma is something that’s probably been impacting your family for years. It likely started long before you were born, and like many other family traits, it was passed down from generation to generation. Often, it’s a problem that’s unknowingly passed down. When a family member experiences a traumatic event, their perception often changes. They share those changes and that mindset with their children, who share it with their children.
Some of the best examples of generational trauma that often get passed down through the years include:
Domestic violence
Child abuse
Addiction
It’s also common for descendants of refugees or people involved in combat or war-related trauma to experience the lingering effects. It’s common to use the Holocaust as a prime example of how generational trauma can impact people today. Anyone who was a victim of the Holocaust likely passed on the effects of that trauma throughout their families. It might still have a hold on how you process things in your daily life.
What Are the Symptoms of Generational Trauma?
The unfortunate thing about generational trauma is that it often goes undiagnosed. It can be difficult to recognize when you aren’t sure what you’re looking for. That’s why understanding what previous generations may have gone through is so essential.
With that in mind, some of the most common signs of generational trauma include:
Low self-esteem
Insomnia
Anger
Depression
It’s also not uncommon for people who experience generational trauma to exhibit self-destructive behaviors. Unfortunately, because this type of trauma often goes unrecognized, the vicious cycle continues, and you’re likely to pass on some of these symptoms to your children and future generations of your family.
What Can You Do?
Years of generational trauma can be halted when one person steps forward and decides to get help. Thankfully, you can stop the cycle. The first step, of course, is recognizing the trauma and what caused it. You might consider talking with your family members—especially parents and grandparents—about their own experiences, how they were raised, and where the trauma began. From there, you’ll better understand how the trauma passed down in your family has impacted everyone’s lives, including your own.
Seeking a therapist that specializes in generational trauma should always be your next move. There are many different methods and types of treatment associated with generational trauma, so it’s essential to find the right method for you. A trauma-informed therapist can help you get to the root of your trauma, offer support, and help you with healthy coping skills that you can use to move forward.
If you think you’ve been dealing with generational trauma for years, it’s time to break the cycle. Feel free to contact me for more information or to set up an appointment for trauma therapy.
