Also, providers must get trained to be more culturally competent and sensitive.įinally, systematic changes need to be made to create a more equitable society and prevent further traumatization of Black people. Treatment of intergenerational trauma is relatively similar to any other trauma-informed practice, although progress may be slower. Therapeutic treatment can also be helpful. Social support could include healing circles or other support groups focusing on intergenerational and racial trauma. It may look like yoga, meditation, breathing exercises, physical activity (walking, dancing, running), and gardening. Self-care is also an important component of healing from trauma. Addressing the past traumas of slavery, Jim-crow, and racism and the present racism and racist power structure that still exist is vital in helping new generations heal.
![intergenerational racial trauma intergenerational racial trauma](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/L3hPDDsFgaU/maxresdefault.jpg)
While these techniques may have helped people survive in the past, they are unhelpful and harmful today.įirst, it is essential to acknowledge that the trauma is real and that it exists. In the meantime, their mental health and self-esteem may also suffer. However, the child does not understand why their parent acted in this way until later in their life. Parents may have had to protect their children by instilling this fear about the world they lived in to keep their family together. Research has shown that trauma may be passed down genetically, resulting in health issues in later generations.įor example, living under such oppressive circumstances such as slavery and racism can lead to parents creating fear-based survival techniques that they pass down to their children and grandchildren and so on.
![intergenerational racial trauma intergenerational racial trauma](https://ic-cdn.flipboard.com/nativenewsonline.net/e5dc9f1a13faa783c83bedcdd8e00db26f90875b/_large.jpeg)
Intergenerational trauma also has potential biological effects and various mental health effects. slavery, discrimination, sexual abuse, incest, concentration camps, etc.). The transmission of intergenerational trauma is often found in families who have gone through severe trauma (e.g. Intergenerational trauma (also referred to as transgenerational trauma and multigenerational trauma) refers to past trauma(s) that are passed down from generation to generation and exists across generations.