Experiencing a trauma can have long lasting effects on a person’s physical and mental health. Anyone who experiences trauma knows that it just doesn’t stop there; the emotional and physical ramifications may last for a long period. Research suggests that 50% women and 60% men have endured trauma at least once in their lifetime. But what does it mean when that trauma is generational?
Generational trauma is a little more complex and can often be difficult to identify. In this blog, Peak Brain Center will explore what generational trauma is and the possible solutions to heal from it.
What is Generational Trauma?
It’s likely a term you’ve heard before, but understanding it is another thing entirely. By definition, generational trauma is trauma that’s not just experienced by one person, but is passed down from one generation to the next. The impact of this trauma and emotional fall often leaves families in a cycle of poverty, abuse, neglect, and ina lower socio-economical status. It often begins decades prior to the current generation and impacts the way they understand and navigate through the world around them.
How is Trauma Passed Down?
Parents who have unresolved traumas often develop negative coping mechanisms which they pass on to their children. Also, parents who experience trauma struggle in developing positive attachments with their kids, often explaining why they are unable to identify the wants and needs of their children. This can further lead to mental health issues in children like depression and anxiety.
Trauma is also passed down through genes via epigenetics. Epigenetics is the way the genetic code is expressed in cells, and there are different life experiences which possibly turn on or turn off certain genes.
Who’s Vulnerable to Generational Trauma?
When it comes down to it, everyone is vulnerable to intergenerational trauma. But due to their histories, there are specific groups of people that are even more likely to experience this type of trauma, including black and indigenous communities. Even countries were people have endured years, or dedades, of war are vulnerable to generational trauma, making it even more vital we understand it and how it affects all.
Examples of Generational Trauma
- Alcohol and drug addiction
- Refugees
- Survivors of war related trauma
- Domestic violence
- Child abuse and neglect
Generational Trauma Signs and Symptoms
- Fearfulness
- Substance abuse
- Memory loss
- Isolation and withdrawal
- Anger and irritability
- Unresolved and complicated grief
- Nightmares
- Recurring thoughts of death and suicide
- Hyper-vilgilance
- Lack of trust factor
- Inability to connect with others
How to Heal from Your Generational Trauma
The good news is that generational trauma can be treated. Treatments include mental health medications, seeking a therapist, and neurofeedback. Neurofeedback at Peak Brain Center is a non-invasive approach to brain enhancement and mental exercises. It can restore the balance in your brain, help you regulate emotions, and process complex feelings or thoughts. As a result, your generational trauma healing can begin! So, don’t let trauma hold you back. Book a free consultation with us today.
