Family Drama or Family Trauma?

Ever feel like you and your family or loved ones are in a constant cycle of chaos or stagnancy? Things can only stay good for a little while but you know there's a volcano on the horizon about to erupt. Yes, I know the feeling. Generational trauma is the lasting physical and psychological effects of traumatic experiences passed down from generation to generation. Traumas can include physical, verbal and emotional abuse, poverty, parenting and attachment styles.

Generational trauma can effect ones mental and emotional state causing mental health and substance abuse disorders, strained relationships and division amongst the family and even chronic health health conditions that can become fatal. The key to healing generational trauma is to first recognize the patterns that have been passed down aren't healthy and challenging them with a combination of therapies such as medication management, individual and family therapy along with and if necessary intensive trauma work all in between.

While it can be hard to face the fact that the people closest to us can be the hardest to count on, the ones who show up for us the least and hurt us the most, sometimes it’s the clarity we need to begin the journey of breaking generational curses as the old folks say. Knowing you cannot change anyone or anything but yourself, and that in essence is what can heal generations. If therapy and medication management services are too much too soon, begin with self care, journaling and thinking about a future you want for yourself, thus creating a life you deem is healthy for you and your generation to come.