Generational trauma can affect how people think, feel, approach relationships, and respond to stress. Even if they’ve only learned about traumatic events from relatives, books, or videos, they could be more vulnerable to mental health challenges that affect their quality of life.
This is especially true during Black History Month. The resilience and achievement celebrated throughout the month are often rooted in historical injustices and chronic trauma, from discrimination in housing and education to police violence and slavery.
What Is Generational Trauma?
Generational trauma refers to the emotional, psychological, and even biological effects of trauma that are passed down through generations.
In other words, children and grandchildren can feel stress, anxiety, fear, guilt, and other mental health conditions and symptoms from one or more traumatic events, even if they didn’t experience the trauma themselves.
Here are a few examples of how generational trauma can affect mental health.
Stress Response
Older generations may feel unsafe in certain settings or situations, or they might always be on high alert because trauma created a sense of fear or lack of trust. This can affect how their children respond to stress, danger, or conflict. These children could then become overprotective and strict as parents.
Emotional Regulation
Generational trauma can affect how people manage and express their emotions. Intense emotions tied to traumatic events like violence or racism can be particularly tough to process. This can have a direct impact on their mental health and lead to mood swings, irritability, overreaction, or deep sadness.
Self-Worth Identity
When parents or grandparents were abused, told they’re not good enough because of their race or culture, or made to feel like they don’t deserve to be happy, it can affect how kids and grandkids feel about their own identity and worth. They might feel shame or guilt, constantly criticize themselves, or believe they have to work twice as hard to be successful.
Genetic Expression
Generational trauma can affect mental health biologically. Severe stress won’t change DNA, but it can change gene expression and how the body responds to stress. This can make someone more sensitive to intense emotions, overwhelming feelings, and conflict.
Relationships
Families with generational trauma may not feel comfortable talking about their feelings. Communication suffers when emotions stay suppressed and past experiences aren’t discussed. Children could even have trouble building relationships outside the family and become isolated.
Our Mental Health Services Can Help
At Oaks Integrated Care, we use Trauma Informed Care to embrace and understand your life experiences, history, and culture. We can help you process trauma and create a sense of hope for the future. To learn more, call our Access Center at 1-800-963-3377.
Leave A Comment