Intergenerational trauma, also known as transgenerational or multigenerational trauma, occurs when the effects of trauma experienced by one generation are passed down to subsequent generations. These traumas can stem from historical events such as wars, genocides, slavery, and other forms of collective violence and oppression. They can also arise from familial traumas like abuse, neglect, and unresolved grief. This type of trauma can be deeply rooted and affect families and communities for decades.
Racial Trauma is a form of intergenerational trauma that stems from racism which has physical, emotional, and psychological effects. Racism operates on three levels, institutional, which is the normalization and legalization of disadvantage that manifests through a disparity in access to things like quality education, clean and safe housing, rewarding employment, suitable medical services, and healthy food, and a lack of access to information, resources, and representation. It operates on the personal level which is both an intentional and unintentional lack of respect for, suspicion, avoidance, dehumanization, and devaluation of persons based on race. It occurs on an internal level whereby members of the stigmatized race/s internalize the negative messages about their own abilities and intrinsic worth. These negative effects lead to feelings of resignation, self-loathing, helplessness, hopelessness, stress, anxiety, depression, social isolation, internalized aggression, and an increased health risks such as diabetes, hypertension, obesity, asthma, and heart disease.
Spiritual wounds, also known as spiritual trauma, refer to deep emotional and psychological injuries that affect an individual’s sense of meaning, purpose, and connection to something greater than themselves. These wounds can result from various sources, including traumatic experiences such as abuse, violence, natural disasters; grief and loss, including the death of a loved one, loss of faith, or significant life changes; or existential crises, such as feelings of meaninglessness, despair, or questioning one’s purpose in life.
Anxiety is a natural human response to stress or perceived threats, characterized by feelings of worry, nervousness, or fear however, stressful life events, trauma, and chronic stress can trigger anxiety. While occasional anxiety is a normal part of life, chronic anxiety can significantly affect one’s daily functioning and quality of life. It can manifest as a feeling of apprehension, worry, or unease. Sometimes it shows up as fear, irritability, restlessness, and feelings of impending doom. It can cause increased heart rate, sweating, trembling, dizziness, headaches, muscle tension, gastrointestinal issues, difficulty concentrating, and disrupted sleep patterns.
Depression is characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a lack of interest or pleasure in daily activities. Symptoms of depression can vary widely in severity and may include emotional, cognitive, and physical aspects such as: persistent sadness, feelings of worthlessness or guilt, irritability; difficulty concentrating, indecisiveness, negative thinking; fatigue, changes in sleep patterns, and appetite changes.
Grief is a profound experience that affects individuals emotionally, physically, and spiritually. It is a deeply personal process, a natural response to loss, is non-linear, and can vary greatly in duration and intensity. It encompasses a wide range of emotions, thoughts, and behaviors such as shock and disbelief, guilt, anxiety, frustration, helplessness, anger, loneliness, deep sadness, and despair. It can cause fatigue, changes in appetite, sleep disturbances, and physical pain. It may also cause confusion, difficulty concentrating, and intrusive thoughts about the loss. Social withdrawal, changes in routine, and avoidance of reminders of the loss sometimes occur. Common causes of grief, whether sudden or expected are, the loss of a loved one, the end of a significant relationship, chronic illness or disability, the loss of independence, unemployment or retirement, economic hardship, and unfulfilled aspirations.