In families with a pattern of trauma, there are many secrets, taboos, things that are not allowed to be talked about. Although epigenetics is still a new field of study, scientists want to uncover the roots of pain so that future generations might not be impacted. Some researchers are finding evidence that mass trauma like the Holocaust, the Khmer Rouge killings in Cambodia, the Rwandan genocide, the displacement of American Indians and the enslavement of African-Americans, historical trauma of First Nations of Canada, colonialism have intergenerational impacts that are psychological, familial, social, cultural, neurobiological and possibly even genetic as well.
Intergenerational trauma can affect a family, a community or a people. Intergenerational trauma in families often happens in an overarching societal context which offers the setting that facilitates trauma to be passed down (poverty, patriarchy, war, colonialism, slavery, genocide, etc.). They might suffer from anxiety or depression as adults without being able to pinpoint its origin, indeed intergenerational trauma in families is not easily recognised or its impact is minimised. The first victims of intergenerational trauma in families are the most fragile, i.e.
Children learn to be by mimicking the adults around them but when these adults are acting from their own trauma, children pick up patterns and behaviors that become their norm. Sometimes we also inherit behavior patterns, coping strategies of our parents, grandparents who did not process their trauma. I was reflecting the other day that it is the first time the whole of humanity is facing the same threat, I hope it makes us look inside of us and connect more with ourselves and the people we love.įrom our families, we inherit genes, foundational life skills, traditions, knowledge, connections, wisdom, identity, resilience, etc. I had scheduled to write and post this some weeks ago but the Coronavirus pandemic sent me into a disregulated and anxious state like many of you. In my series of blogs raising awareness on childhood trauma, I will tackle intergenerational trauma.
“ Surviving is important but thriving is elegant” Maya Angelou