According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, most people experience a traumatic event at some point in their lives. Unfortunately, trauma can be difficult to recognize. Some individuals may experience a traumatic event like a violent crime or war that can be traumatic. Other individuals may struggle with generational trauma passed down to them which can hurt their physical and mental health and well-being. In this article, you’ll learn more about what is generational trauma and how generational trauma affects families.
At The Bridge to Recovery, we are a leading mental health workshop that helps patients struggling with mental illness better manage their symptoms so they can lead a healthier life. Although many people struggle with mental health issues, that doesn’t mean each patient’s recovery journey is uniquely the same. That’s why our mental health program offers a comprehensive range of mental health options to best support your recovery.
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What is Generational Trauma?
First, before understanding how does generational trauma affect families it’s important to understand what generational trauma is. Generational trauma is a type of trauma that is passed down from previous generations. Although an individual may not have directly experienced a traumatic event (ie. war, genocide, or discrimination) in their own lifetime, they can still receive passed down negative beliefs or behaviors because of that traumatic event.
Essentially, generational trauma can perpetuate or continue a cycle of trauma and pass down beliefs within a family that can have negative repercussions on family members’ physical, mental, and emotional health and well-being.
3 Ways Generational Trauma Can Affect Families
Generational trauma can hurt a family’s physical and mental health and well-being for the worse. Below are a few ways generational trauma can negatively impact you and your family members– whether you realize it or not!
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Increased Risk of Addiction
First, generational trauma left untreated can put you and your family at an increased risk of struggling with addiction. Although you may have not been directly impacted by the traumatic event, you as a child can be extremely influenced by your parent’s views. And your parent’s trauma can shape you and your beliefs and behaviors. For example, if your parents grew up where they were discriminated against for their religious beliefs, they may be cautious around others who don’t share their beliefs. This then can create hyper-cautious behavior to stay away from and be constantly on the lookout for people who don’t share your beliefs, which can be passed down and inevitably warrant stress and anxiety. Therefore, some people may turn to drugs or alcohol as a means to cope with their symptoms of generational trauma.
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Increased Risk of Mental Illness
Generational trauma can also increase your family’s risk of mental illness. Trauma, regardless of whether it’s generational or not, can bring about intense feelings of stress, anxiety, and even depression that can greatly interfere with your health and quality of life.
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Increased Risk of Physical Health Concerns
Likewise, generational trauma can also increase your family’s risk of certain physical health concerns like heart disease or certain autoimmune disorders. This is because trauma can trigger chronic stress and anxiety in an individual. And, chronic stress left untreated can result in various negative physical health concerns.
Help Is Available
Now you know more about how does generational trauma affect families. The first step toward breaking generational trauma within your family is recognizing it and seeking help to break the cycle. If you or someone you know is struggling with trauma or another mental health condition, it’s critical you seek professional support so you can effectively lead a healthier, happier quality of life.
Our team at The Bridge to Recovery is here to help you better manage your mental illness symptoms so you can lead a healthier, happier quality of life. No two patient’s recovery journeys are ever the same. We ensure you receive the best possible care to improve your mental health and well-being. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you on your road to recovery.