What is generational trauma and ways to prevent it? What is generational trauma and how to avoid it?

Generational trauma can also be called a mental conflict that has been going on for generations. It is a mental and emotional experience that is passed from one generation to the next. It impacts not only the person who has personally experienced trauma, but also their children and their children. This trauma may arise from a major social, historical, or family event such as domestic distress, oppression, or poverty.

This trauma does not directly affect the present generation, but is carried forward as a mental and emotional burden through the experiences of the ancestors and their reactions. Also, it can go on for many generations and its impact can be profound on a person's mental and emotional health. In such a situation, it is important to understand how it grows, what problems it can cause and what are its solutions?

What is generational trauma and how does it happen?

Dr. Rahul Rai Kakkar, Consultant Psychiatrist and Psychotherapy, Narayana Hospital, Gurugram, explains that “Generational trauma usually develops in situations where a family has endured extreme stress, violence, mistreatment, or social injustice for a long period of time. In most cases, this type of trauma may develop due to the reasons mentioned here-

Due to different history and culture:

Major historical events such as conflict, large group oppression, poverty, and exploitation can cause deep trauma in families. When family members go through such experiences, they may unknowingly pass on the emotional burden of this trauma to their generation. For example, a person suffering from post-fight stress may pass on his or her worries, fears, and emotional insecurities to his or her children.

Family environment and behaviour:

In families where there are trauma survivors, children may unconsciously experience trauma-related feelings and behaviors. Parents troubled by trauma are unable to relate to their children in a normal way and sometimes become harsh. This can cause problems like fear, insecurity, and low self-esteem in children.

Also read: Genetic Cancer: Understand how much family history can increase your risk of cancer.

Genetic influence:

The impact of trauma is not only mental and emotional, but also genetic. Excessive stress or trauma can affect our genes and can be passed on to future generations. This means that a person who experiences trauma in one generation may see this impact in their next generations, even if they do not experience that trauma directly.

Social reasons:

The tendency to hide or deny trauma in society and family also serves to transmit trauma from one generation to the next. Because of the shame or guilt associated with trauma in society, people do not share their pain, which leads to this experience being passed on to the next generation.

Know what are the problems caused by generational trauma (Generational trauma side effects)

There can be many mental and emotional problems related to generational trauma, which impact a person's personal and social life. It is not only related to mental health, but it can affect a person's entire life and all relationships.

Mental health problems:

Mental problems such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) may be related to generational trauma. Individuals whose ancestors have experienced deep trauma may unconsciously repeat those experiences in their own lives. This can lead to feelings of frustration, anxiety, and instability.

Emotional instability:

Individuals suffering from generational trauma often view the world as a dangerous place. They find it difficult to trust others and live with constant worry and fear. Such people often face difficulties in their relationships. They may have limited ability to form healthy relationships with others. They may unconsciously be surrounded by anger, insecurity, and emotional instability.

low self-esteem ,

The impact of trauma can have a profound impact on a person's self-esteem. People who experience generational trauma often view themselves as unworthy, weak, or unsuccessful. This negative image can become a hindrance in their personal and professional life.

Social and economic problems:

Trauma also has social and economic impacts. Families experiencing trauma may struggle with education, employment and economic stability. The impact of the struggles and failures of one generation can also be seen on the next generation, which can prevent them from moving forward.

Problem in family:

Relationships between family members can be strained due to generational trauma. Lack of communication and trust between parents and children can create emotional distance, leading to deep differences in the family.

How to overcome generational trauma

Dr. Rahul further adds that “Dealing with generational trauma may be difficult, but it is not impossible. This requires proper understanding, sensitivity and assistance. Here are some important steps by which generational trauma can be handled-

Accepting and Recognizing Trauma

The first step is to recognize and accept the trauma. One can understand this trauma by gaining an understanding of family history and experiences. This understanding begins an important healing process that helps prevent those experiences from repeating.

Mental treatment

The use of psychotherapy can be extremely effective in dealing with generational trauma. In this the person gets an opportunity to express his feelings and experiences. Various types of therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and family therapy, can help recover from trauma. These therapies help the person understand and change habits and behaviors influenced by their family's trauma.

Healthy family discussions are important

Open and healthy communication within the family can be helpful in reducing trauma. Talking about emotions and sharing your experiences rather than suppressing them strengthens family relationships and also makes clear which behaviors and emotions are influenced by trauma.

Meditation and Yoga

Practicing meditation, yoga, and other stress-control techniques can be helpful in maintaining mental and physical balance. These help the person to control mental stress and emotional insecurity caused by his trauma.

Join Support groups

Joining a support group may be beneficial for individuals suffering from generational trauma. These groups contain people with similar experiences, giving individuals a chance to share their feelings, seek understanding, and get support.

conclusion

Generational trauma is a serious and complex problem. Which impacts the mental, emotional and social life of a person. Its impact can last for generations, but it can be recognized and understood. This can be reduced with proper treatment, communication, and mental health care. What is important is that a person understands his history, accepts it, and takes necessary steps to change it, so that future generations can live a healthy and better life.

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