What is Generational Trauma, and How Can You Identify it in Your Life?

Today we're going to talk about generational trauma. This topic is a special one to me because once I learned about it, it changed my life. Generational trauma happens when emotional and psychological trauma is passed down through generations in a family or community. This can happen because of things like war, slavery, colonialism, sexual assault, famine, or forced migration that one's ancestors have experienced. It can show up in all sorts of ways, and usually, it affects people differently. In this blog post, I’ll dive deeper into generational trauma, how it can impact people, and some ways to identify it in your own life.

My experience with Generational Trauma

Before I was born, my family had been personally attacked by Colombian violence and the loss of very close family members. This included death threats, murders, kidnappings, bombs, and so much grief and pain from the death of my older brother Tomas, my dad's mom and brother. Given this situation, my family had to flee Colombia, and this is the reason I was born in the USA. My family had suffered through so much trauma that their way of dealing with it was by putting it behind them and moving on. When we came back to Colombia, I learned about our family history through rumors, changes in our lifestyle, newspaper clippings, and general Colombian history.

Growing up, I had night terrors where I dreamed of being kidnapped. I was a very nervous and anxious child, terrified of the dark. I always questioned these dreams, fears, and emotions, but I could never explain them until I learned about inherited trauma. In my healing journey, I discovered The Emotion Code and Body Code. This changed my life by helping me identify my emotions or stories which had been inherited. The Emotion Code and Body code gave me a clear path to overcoming my generational trauma.

What is Generational Trauma?

So what is Generational trauma? Generational trauma occurs when trauma is not addressed, resolved, or healed within a family or community. When someone goes through a traumatic experience, it can cause emotional and psychological distress that can last for years. If this trauma is not dealt with, it can be passed down to future generations, leading to a cycle of pain and suffering. With Emotion Code and Body Code, I not only understood that we inherit emotions and traumas from past generations, but we can also trap emotions from our time in our Mom’s womb! This blew my mind. I knew my Mom had a tough time while pregnant with me. I finally understood that there was no barrier preventing her emotions from becoming my own, causing me to have a sense of ownership of her emotions and feelings that were not mine to carry.

It's important to understand that trauma affects people differently based on age, gender, and cultural background. I have seen how my sister and I, having been raised in the same household, experience life in such an opposite way.

Some symptoms of generational trauma can include anxiety, depression, anger, guilt, shame, and a sense of disconnection from others. When dealing with this type of trauma, it may be hard to trust others, have close relationships, and feel good about yourself.

What are epigenetics? And what does it have to do with Generational Trauma?

Epigenetics studies how genes are “edited” or turned on and off through environmental factors. It has been found that trauma can cause changes in gene expression that can be passed down through generations, potentially leading to increased susceptibility to mental health issues and other health problems. While epigenetics does not directly prove the existence of generational trauma, it provides a scientific basis for how trauma can be passed down through generations in a biological sense.

It is suggested that traumatic experiences can have an impact beyond the individuals who directly experienced them, ultimately affecting the health and well-being of future generations. In addition, research has shown that trauma can have a cumulative effect, with each successive generation experiencing the compounded effects of the trauma of their ancestors. Although epigenetics is still a relatively new area of study, it provides a unique perspective on the long-term effects of trauma on individuals and communities.

How Can You Identify Generational Trauma in Your Own Life?

I shared the symptoms that led me to understand which of my feelings and emotions were inherited. So now you can also identify generational trauma in your own life. This is an essential exercise because generational trauma can be challenging, as it may have become normalized within your family or community.

Here are some signs that you can look for that may indicate the presence of generational trauma. These include:

• Persistent feelings of anxiety, depression, or anger that seem to have no identifiable cause.

• Disconnection from others, including family members, friends, or colleagues.

• Difficulty trusting others or forming close relationships.

• A tendency to engage in self-destructive behaviors, such as substance abuse or self-harm.

• A feeling of being stuck or unable to move forward in life.

The Emotion Code and Body Code program might be an excellent resource if you identify with any of these symptoms. With this program, we can help you process your experiences and release these traumas from your family tree.

Breaking the Cycle of Generational Trauma

Breaking the cycle of generational trauma is essential for healing and building a brighter future. The first step is acknowledging the presence of generational trauma and its impact on your life. When we work with The Emotion Code and Body Code program, we can identify from what side of the family did you inherit these emotions. This is a great tool to help you start a conversation with your family to understand better what happened and start healing as a community.

When working with clients, I suggest different coping strategies to help them through this process. Some coping strategies I share are journaling, mindfulness, meditation, exercise, and creative expressions such as creating art, making music, or signing. These practices can help you manage stress, regulate emotions, and build resilience.

Healing Through Education and Advocacy

In addition to seeking individual healing, addressing the root causes of generational trauma through education and advocacy is essential. For me, it was vital to understand more about Colombia and my family’s history. You can do your work by learning about the history and impact of traumatic events on different communities and advocating for policies and programs that support healing and reconciliation. By working together to address the effects of generational trauma, we can build a more compassionate and just society for ourselves and future generations.

Conclusion

Generational trauma is a complex and challenging issue that affects many individuals and families. However, by identifying the signs of generational trauma in your life and taking steps to break the cycle, you can begin the healing process and build a brighter future. Seeking support from a therapist, an Emotion Code and Body Code practitioner, or from friends and family is vital during this process. Remember, healing is a process, and being patient and compassionate with yourself as you navigate this journey is important.

If you feel like you have been carrying generational trauma and you are ready to release it and heal, booking a discovery call is a great first step to see if we are a good fit!