Inherited Trauma

Trauma: Recognizing Inherited Trauma

Trauma is becoming increasingly recognized in our society, with the media portraying more traumatized characters and people beginning to understand the negative impact trauma can have on individuals and families. Trauma can cause the brain to develop adaptations to cope with frightening experiences from the past, all in an attempt to enhance survival. Those living with trauma often feel helpless and powerless, struggling to cope with the overwhelming emotions it brings. This frightening experience can leave deep emotional scars.

Inherited traumas differ from direct experiences; they are traumas passed down from parents and caregivers to their children. You may have felt the effects of this yourself—perhaps your parents faced trauma that has impacted your own emotional landscape. Research supports the idea that generations can inherit unfinished psychological tasks from their parents, carrying the weight of unresolved pain across family lines. Understanding inherited trauma is crucial to breaking the cycle and beginning the journey toward healing.

How Do You Recognize Inherited Traumas?

Recognizing inherited traumas is possible, but it requires paying close attention to both body and mind. If you have unexplained memories or body sensations, or you recall things like they are memories without ever having actually experienced them, you may have inherited trauma.

Sometimes inherited trauma can work its way into our biology in the form of genetic pain and suffering which gets passed on. Experiences may rewrite DNA, sending signals to the next generation to be aware of a particular threat in the environment. However, it may also be entirely psychological, with no genetic component, which is observed when parents are not able to control their emotional reactions to stressful events which may cause the child to feel unsafe.

Here are some symptoms of trauma which can also be past down to future generations:

Difficulty Concentrating

You might find it hard to focus on tasks in front of you, or even follow the plot of a movie. This may hamper relationships, work and your social life.

Insomnia

You might also experience bouts of insomnia or nightmares. Getting to sleep might be difficult if you are thinking about your trauma.

Racing Heart

Those with inherited traumas may experience racing heart syndrome. Because of the intensity of the traumatic experience, the brain changes the heart rate to prepare the body for escaping danger, even when there is no direct threat.

Feeling Sad And Hopeless

Sadness and hopelessness are other common symptoms that you might experience if you have inherited trauma. It’s hard to feel good about life when threats seem overwhelming.

Feeling Numb Or Disconnected

Lastly, you may feel numb or disconnected. This is a way for your brain to protect you against the direct experience of the trauma. If it is too painful, you’ll feel cut off from your fears, and the rest of the world.

Examples Of Inherited Trauma

SAMHSA estimates that around two-thirds of children experience some form of inherited trauma during the formative years of their life.

Here are some examples that might affect your life:

Abuse

You might not have been abused yourself, but your parents or caregivers might have been. For instance, your mother may have had an abusive partner who caused her emotional distress. Signs of inherited trauma may be having moments where you experience the same feelings and sensations your Mother felt during the traumatic event. In the book, “The Body Keeps the Score,” by Bessel Van Der Kolk, M.D. he shares a study on mice where they inflicted trauma on mice through inflicting fear and then let off a cherry blossom scent. They discovered that future generations exhibited trauma symptoms when provided with a cherry blossom scent, although the new generation of mice had never experienced trauma.

Natural Disasters

You may also have inherited traumas from natural disasters that affected your parents during their lives. Hurricanes, for instance, might have destroyed their home. In the book “It Didn’t Start With You,” by Mark Wolynn, they share a story of a 19 year old male who suddenly began feeling cold at night, not being able to sleep, and an increase in trauma symptoms for no identifiable reason. After some family research, they discovered he had an uncle that was working on a power line, got electrocuted, and froze to death at the age of 19. Concluding that this person had inherited his uncles trauma.

Severe Illness

Parents and caregivers might have also experienced severe illness, which can be past down genetically in addition to the trauma symptoms that stemmed from the trauma of having severe illness.

How To Work Through Inherited Trauma

Inherited trauma can cause unwanted side effects, including emotional problems, a detachment from thoughts, behaviors and memories, and sleep problems. It can also lead to intrusive thoughts, flashbacks, dissociation and self-harm.

Treatment primarily involves working with a therapist. The first step is to understand that the problem is inherited, not something that occurred to you directly. This means looking at your parents’ lives and the stories that they told you when you were young. Therapists will work with you to explore your family history and obtain an understanding of the root of the trauma through trauma therapy.

Then the next step is to complete work through the emotional scarring. This requires processing the traumas your parents faced. For instance, your therapist might guide you to complete your parents’ grief and unfinished psychological tasks.

The goal is to find ways to tackle the inherited traumas. Once a therapist helps you identify them, you can finally break the cycle and return to your life.

Coping Strategies and Self-Care

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Inherited trauma can lead to unwanted side effects, including emotional difficulties and detachment from thoughts, behaviors, and memories. It’s essential to develop coping strategies that can help you manage these symptoms while engaging in therapy. Here are some effective techniques:

  • Mindfulness Practices: Incorporating mindfulness techniques such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, and yoga can help ground you and manage anxiety. These practices encourage awareness of the present moment, making it easier to navigate overwhelming emotions.

  • Journaling: Expressive writing can be a powerful tool for processing emotions and exploring inherited traumas. Journaling allows you to articulate feelings, reflect on experiences, and uncover patterns in your emotional responses.

  • Support Networks: Building a supportive community is crucial for navigating the complexities of inherited trauma. Connecting with friends, family, or support groups can provide shared experiences, understanding, and encouragement.

  • Creative Outlets: Engaging in art, music, or other creative activities can serve as an outlet for expressing feelings and coping with trauma. These activities allow for self-exploration and can provide a sense of relief.

  • Professional Support: It’s important to seek ongoing therapy as a source of support and guidance. A therapist can help you process inherited traumas and develop effective coping strategies tailored to your unique experiences.

The Role of Community and Cultural Context

Inherited trauma does not exist in a vacuum; it is influenced by community dynamics and cultural contexts. Understanding these factors can provide deeper insights into your experiences and support your healing journey.

  • Understanding Cultural Influences: Different cultural backgrounds can shape the way trauma is experienced and expressed. Recognizing how cultural narratives and familial beliefs influence your perceptions of trauma can help in identifying inherited patterns.

  • Community Healing: Engaging in collective healing practices, such as storytelling, rituals, or community support initiatives, can be instrumental in processing inherited trauma. These communal experiences foster connection and understanding, allowing individuals to share their stories and heal together.

  • Breaking Generational Patterns: Education and awareness within communities can help break cycles of trauma. By fostering conversations about inherited trauma and encouraging open dialogue, families can begin to understand and address unresolved pain, promoting resilience for future generations.

Conclusion

Healing from inherited trauma is a journey that requires courage, awareness, and support. By recognizing the signs and symptoms of inherited trauma, individuals can begin to understand how past experiences shape their present lives. Engaging in coping strategies and self-care practices empowers you to manage the effects of trauma while working with a therapist to process and heal.

Additionally, understanding the role of community and cultural context can illuminate the pathways toward healing and resilience. As you explore your family history and the collective experiences of your community, you can break the cycles of inherited trauma, paving the way for a brighter future. Embracing this journey allows you to reclaim your narrative, foster self-love, and ultimately return to a fulfilling life.

If you're ready to take the first step toward healing, contact us today. Our compassionate team at Inward Healing Therapy is here to support you on your journey to wellness.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is inherited trauma?
Inherited trauma refers to the emotional and psychological effects of trauma experienced by previous generations that can be passed down to children and grandchildren. This can manifest as feelings, behaviors, or unresolved pain that individuals may not have directly experienced but still feel the impact of.
2. How can I tell if I’m experiencing inherited trauma?
Signs of inherited trauma may include unexplained memories, emotional responses, or physical sensations that seem connected to family history. You may also notice patterns in your thoughts and feelings that align with your parents’ or grandparents’ experiences.
3. Can inherited trauma be healed?
Yes, inherited trauma can be healed through therapeutic processes that address both personal and familial history. Working with a qualified therapist can help you identify and process these inherited issues, leading to healing and personal growth.
4. What are some coping strategies for managing inherited trauma?
Effective coping strategies include mindfulness practices, journaling, engaging in creative outlets, and seeking support from friends or support groups. These tools can help you manage symptoms and foster a sense of connection and understanding.
5. How does community play a role in healing inherited trauma?
Community support can provide a safe space for individuals to share their experiences and learn from others. Collective healing practices, such as storytelling and cultural rituals, can also help break the cycle of inherited trauma and promote resilience within families and communities.