Historical Trauma

Since we are talking in class about adding a definition to Wikipedia, I though I would include some ideas here about some of the effects of historical or generational trauma.



Generational or historical traumas can include such experiences as war, genocide, oppression, poverty, emotional abuse, physical abuse, sexual abuse, loss of parents or siblings, residential schools, institutionalization, alcoholism, and substance abuse. The effects of generational trauma need to be grieved so healing can occur for individuals, families and communities. Otherwise, the effects of unresolved trauma are carried into the next generation. Individuals can suffer from isolation, loss of cultural identity, low self-esteem, hyper-vigilance and the inability to sustain healthy relationships. Families can experience communication breakdown, increased domestic violence, shaming and sexual abuse. The healthy rituals for grieving, celebration, and rites of passage can become lost. Family members become isolated from one another and the community. Community members frequently experience increased apathy, substance abuse, trauma and suicide epidemics among the youth. Signs of lateral violence such as family feuds, religious wars, competitiveness, and gossip can develop between members of the community. This only furthers the isolation and prevents healing. When communities begin to understand the effects of generational trauma, a process of validation and healing can begin which empowers individuals and stops the trauma from being carried into the next generation of families and communities.