What is Inherited Family Trauma?
Inherited family trauma refers to the way traumatic experiences alter psychological and even biological functioning in a way that gets passed down to future generations. Even if you didn't directly experience your ancestors' hardships, their unresolved trauma could still be affecting you today. When traumatic events happen to our parents or grandparents, the impact is often felt by subsequent generations.
Trauma changes how our DNA functions and those changes are passed on to our children and grandchildren. It also impacts how parents raise their children, and the coping strategies and behaviors they model continue the cycle.
If you struggle with anxiety, depression, or emotional regulation, it could be a sign of inherited family trauma. Difficulty with intimacy, distrust in relationships, and always feeling on edge are also common signs. You may find it hard to feel safe, secure, or cared for. Memories of traumatic events you didn't experience yourself may even surface.
How Trauma Is Passed Down Generations
Trauma isn't always an isolated event, and when left unresolved, the effects of trauma can ripple through families for generations.
Childhood Experiences Shape Our Biology
Our experiences as children shape the way our brains and bodies develop. Things like abuse, neglect, violence, or loss during childhood can alter our brain chemistry and the way our DNA is expressed. These biological effects get passed down to our children, their children, and so on.
Trauma Is Coded Into Our Cells
Traumatic experiences cause biological changes, including releasing stress hormones like cortisol. Over time, frequent or prolonged exposure to cortisol and other stress chemicals can damage the body and brain. Some research shows that these biological effects can be transmitted to future offspring through changes in gene expression.
Healing is a Family Affair
The effects of trauma can also be resolved and healed across generations. By processing your own traumatic experiences, making sense of how they impacted you, and learning tools for regulation and self-care, you can break the cycle of intergenerational trauma transmission in your family.
Healing From Inherited Family Trauma
Recognizing you have inherited family trauma is the first step. Next comes the healing process, which takes time and conscious effort. Here are a few ways to begin that process.
Seek Counseling or Join a Support Group
Speaking with others who have had similar experiences can help reduce feelings of shame and isolation. Work with a therapist to guide you in setting boundaries, improving self-esteem, and managing difficult family interactions.
Reflect on How Your Family History has Impacted You
Consider behaviors, beliefs, and coping mechanisms you may have adopted to survive a dysfunctional family environment. Then, work to replace them with healthier alternatives. This may involve re-framing negative core beliefs and learning new strategies for managing stress or relationships.
Prioritize Self-care
Schedule time for regular exercise, sleep, healthy meals, and enjoyable hobbies. Self-care will boost your resilience and make you less vulnerable to the effects of trauma. It can also help shift your mindset to growth and possibility rather than fear or hopelessness.
Set Boundaries
You must be cautious when engaging with family members who are still actively destructive or manipulative. You may need to limit contact or establish firm and consistent boundaries. Don't feel guilty about protecting yourself.
Address Unresolved Emotions
Journaling, art therapy, meditation, or yoga can help you work through feelings of anger, grief, fear, or shame from your family history. Releasing these pent-up emotions is an important step toward healing and breaking the cycle of generational trauma.
Inherited family trauma can affect you and your loved ones in profound ways. Even though healing may take time, we are here and can help you cultivate resilience to build a healthier future for you and your descendants through trauma therapy. We invite you to book an appointment with us today.