8 Symptoms That May Indicate the Presence of Intergenerational Trauma

Intergenerational trauma- also known as transgenerational, multigenerational, or generational trauma- refers to trauma that’s been passed down multiple generations.

Unlike other traumas, this specific type of trauma isn’t frequently discussed in mainstream conversation. However, it can have a significant impact across the lifespan, affecting direct survivors and their family members.

The intergenerational transmission of trauma often results from being unaware of the impact of the traumatic event. But it can also coincide with hesitation or resistance to seek mental health treatment. Stigmas about trauma- and getting help- can perpetuate emotional distress.

What Is Intergenerational Trauma?

Intergenerational trauma refers to indirect exposure to a traumatic event. These events can include anything from systemic oppression to sexual abuse to natural disasters. The trauma can also be more complex and focus on one specific cultural group.

In intergenerational trauma, one generation essentially absorbs the previous generation's trauma symptoms. Parents- even if they have the best intentions- may unknowingly repeat cycles of abuse or trauma with their own children.

Anyone can experience intergenerational trauma. To date, most of the research has focused on the impact of historical trauma, with studies focused on holocaust survivors, people in refugee camps, and those who have experienced slavery.

Why Does Intergenerational Happen?

We're still on the cusp of understanding how trauma impacts the brain. We do know that multigenerational trauma may coincide with epigenetic changes and personality traits that affect the entire family unit. Furthermore, traumatic experiences are passed down both environmentally and psychologically.

It's important to realize that transgenerational trauma is generally a subconscious process. People, therefore, do not intend to pass down the negative effects of their experiences to others. Instead, it tends to happen as part of their own stress response.

People who experience complex trauma may experience intense symptoms of depression, anxiety, detachment, or numbness. These symptoms are common reactions, but if they aren't resolved, someone's mental health often suffers.

If this individual has a child, they may struggle immensely with the impact of parenting. Because they may lack healthy coping mechanisms to manage stress, they might take out their frustration, sadness, or anxiety onto their children. This often perpetuates cycles of domestic violence or family dysfunction.

8 Signs of Intergenerational Trauma

Everyone reacts to traumatic events differently. The symptoms of intergenerational trauma vary based on how your family integrated different forms of collective or cultural trauma.

Here are some signs that you may be experiencing unresolved trauma:

You Struggle to Connect With Others

The transmission of trauma can make it challenging to form outside relationships. You may feel a strong sense of loyalty to your family (without really understanding why). This can sometimes lead to trauma bonding. Your family may also have imposed strict beliefs about which types of people were acceptable for you to spend outside time with.

You Feel Like You Have Unresolved Trauma or Grief

It's possible to feel the impact of historical traumas without really having your own recollection of a specific traumatic event. You may grieve for what your family or culture endured. Similarly, you might struggle with your cultural identity.

You Feel Anxious or Hypervigilant

People with histories of transgenerational trauma often feel anxious in their daily lives. Sometimes, this anxiety emerges as panic attacks, nightmares, headaches, ruminating thoughts, or trouble sleeping. Regardless, it can be hard to sit still and relax, as it's like your mind is constantly detecting danger.

You Struggle With Substance Abuse

Substance abuse often coincides with PTSD symptoms and generational trauma. People turn to drugs and alcohol to cope with their distress. And because addiction can run in families, these patterns may repeat themselves time and time again.

Your Family Members are Overprotective

It's common for family members to feel protective over subsequent generations. This usually comes from a desire to shield them from experiencing more trauma. They also desire to maintain family closeness and avoid outside adverse childhood experiences.

You Grew Up Believing Feelings Were Weak or Unimportant

If your parents or grandparents experienced a significant traumatic event, they may have directly or indirectly taught you that your feelings didn't matter. This often comes from the comparison effect. Because they faced a life-threatening situation, they may deem other stressors as less crucial.

Your Family Members Are Wary of 'Outsiders'

When intergenerational trauma is present in family systems, people often feel suspicious of teachers, mental health professionals, and other healthcare providers. You may have grown up in a home where you were taught to avoid 'airing dirty laundry.'

You Feel Like You Can't Break the Cycle

Maybe you notice yourself repeating unwanted patterns with your own children. If you struggle with emotional regulation, low self-esteem, or other symptoms of psychological distress, you may unknowingly engage in problematic dynamics in other relationships.

Therapy for Generational Trauma Survivors

Healing intergenerational trauma can be challenging, and you may find yourself resisting the changes needed for growth. This is normal. In some ways, your body has adapted to this state of chronic stress and is used to a state of heightened arousal. Likewise, you may feel guilty about discussing sensitive topics related to your family's experiences and cultural group identity.

Trauma therapy focuses on understanding the impact of your psychological distress. We work from a culturally-responsive perspective to focus on learning about your past and present. It's important to identify the unhealthy coping mechanisms you may use to avoid pain.

Therapy can help you rewrite the story of your collective trauma and change the outcome for you and future generations. The intergenerational trauma treatment model, in particular, can help children and their caregivers come together to heal from trauma.

We are here to support you and your family. Contact us today to learn more.