When we hear the word “inherited,” a few thoughts will typically come to mind. It could relate to material possessions that are passed down from one generation to the next. Also, there are genetic traits that we may inherit from our predecessors. But what about inherited trauma? It’s a lot more common than you might imagine and can be shaping our lives far more than our eye color or height.
In a nutshell, inherited trauma is a concept based on the reality that if your parent or grandparent endured traumatic events, you may still be feeling the effects. As fantastic as it may sound, we can inherit symptoms, mindsets, and coping mechanisms from our family members.
Is Inherited Trauma the Same as Generational or Ancestral Trauma?
For the most part, yes. However, including the word “inherited” in the name tends to put the focus on the epigenetic changes that transfer trauma to ensuing generations. Even so, all of these terms work to describe how there are countless factors — social, behavioral, genetic, and more — that play a role in making us who we are right now. What your ancestors experienced is not just a thing of the past.
While inherited trauma is not technically a diagnosis, it can be a major component of conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and complex post-traumatic stress disorder (C-PTSD). What caused these disorders in your ancestors — and how they responded — can alter how your body “reads” your DNA. This process is known as epigenetics and it can result in outcomes that are almost exactly the same as genetic outcomes.
What Does Inherited Trauma Look and Feel Like?
Trauma notoriously spawns unhealthy coping mechanisms. The suffering can be so severe that your mind and body will do anything to ease the pain — even when such choices have long-term negative implications. In the case of inherited trauma, folks may opt to downplay, minimize, or fully deny the existence of the trauma. Here’s a little of what that may look and feel like:
Fear of Stigma
This can happen due to your personal choices. You may be unwilling to face some unfortunate parts of your family history. At the same time, there’s a strong chance you’ll get pushback from relatives — particularly the elders. They’ve hidden away the trauma and have no intention of letting you out for a closer look.
Emotions Are Repressed
If no one leads by example to break the cycle of trauma, things will get swept under the rug. As a result, some volatile emotions will have to be ignored and denied. Such a choice allows everyone involved the freedom to declare that, “It wasn’t so bad” and now, “It’s all in the past.”
The Cycle Continues
Worst of all, the decision to live in denial lays the groundwork for further trauma to happen. A family that keeps secrets can be more likely to create secrets. Understandably, someone would rather not deal with drama and pain. But the alternative path will lead to more.
Inherited Trauma Can Be Healed
When you connect with a seasoned, trauma-informed therapist, you allow for major changes to happen. In fact, you’re taking an important first step by accepting that things cannot stay as they are. The road ahead is not navigated through pep talks and self-help affirmations. It’s a challenging journey by the reward is that your family can have a new “inheritance” — something that contributes to everyone’s well-being.
Imagine passing down good communication skills, deep-seated resiliency, and a strong desire for justice. Trauma can be processed, resolved, and stopped in its tracks. To learn more about removing trauma from your family’s legacy, I invite you to reach out for trauma treatment very soon.