Many of us know how trauma can wreak havoc on an individual, causing anxiety, panic attacks, dissociation, and depression, as there is an ample amount of research about this subject. However, there is much less research and information regarding a more complex concept, known as intergenerational trauma.

A traumatic event has the potential to disrupt a person’s entire world. Although It sounds bleak, healing is not impossible. Though, truthfully, it is a long and painful process. Many people don’t attempt to heal from trauma because of how painful it can be to revisit painful memories.

You may have heard the word “trauma” before, but what does it actually mean and what can it do to a person? Before we get to that, we first have to identify what is considered a traumatic event. The DSM-5 describes it as an event in which an individual is exposed to actual or threatened death, serious injury, or sexual violence. Some examples of a traumatic event include witnessing a gruesome car accident, being robbed or having your house broken into, being raped or beaten by your spouse, or a family member dying suddenly and unexpectedly. These are just examples, and by no means encapsulate all the different life events that could potentially cause a person trauma.