What is intergenerational trauma?
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Dear Dr. Ted:
You were up at the Tsuut’ina Nation in Canada last week and I heard you speak on grief and trauma. Within our nation we have had generational trauma as well. What is it and how do you heal from intergenerational trauma?
Thanks, Lacy
Dear Lacy:
I appreciate the hospitality and care that was given to me as I was invited to spend time with the people of Tsuut’ina nation. Thank you. Intergenerational trauma is experienced trauma that is experienced and passed down from one generation to another. It can be silent and covert, or overt and obvious. Any type of extreme prolonged stress can impact all generations, including children and grandchildren. Extreme stress can lead to anxiety, depression, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as well as other mental health issues. These mental health difficulties can then be passed down to the next generation. Any group, community or family is susceptible, but certain groups are more vulnerable due to their history.
Exploitation, continual abuse, racism and poverty, sexual abuse, eradication attempts, hate crimes and other stressors that impact a person mentally, emotionally, physically and spiritually can cause genetic changes in future generations, some research suggests. This means in addition to certain dysfunctional behaviors being learned and role modeled, there can be a genetic disposition that leads the nervous system to be hypersensitive to the world around it. This does not mean that there is no cure, or that healing from trauma is impossible.
If intergenerational trauma can happen, then why can’t generational health and safety be implemented? I believe it can as groups become aware of ways to allow people to feel safe. Family, individual and group therapy, traditional ceremonial practices and education will be a good start.
Trauma is a pervasive fear of lack of safety which keeps the brain in a chaotic state and does not allow the nervous system to calm down and feel safe. This keeps someone hypervigilant, similar to a car all revved up until it blows. As our individuals, families, communities and the world find more and more ways to find safety, trauma can decrease with each generation. A major part of healing is to honor the past, feel the emotions that arise and glean the wisdom to help in the present. Finding the supports that allow a decrease in present stress and looking for balance mentally, emotionally, physically and spiritually is the first step. Systems may take a long time to show change but what is possible is to start individually and within the family.
Last week, I was able to watch the Tsuut’ina Nation be willing to talk about historical trauma, explore healing ways and be open to change. That experience gave me hope for the present and for the future. You are being a leader for healing, and I thank you.
Until next time, stay safe and take care.
Golden Willow Retreat is a nonprofit organization focused on emotional healing and recovery from any type of loss. Direct any questions to Dr. Ted Wiard, EdD, LPCC, CGC, Founder of Golden Willow Retreat at gwr@newmex. com or call at 575-776-2024. Weekly virtual grief groups, at no charge, are being offered to help support emotional well-being. Information can be accessed through goldenwillowretreat.org.