How do I find my generational trauma?

Finding your generational trauma can be a complex process. You need to examine family patterns that can be seen through generations as well as emotional triggers in your family. One of the best ways to uncover generational trauma is to talk to the generations before you and try to learn about their experiences and how those experiences impacted their lives. You may be surprised at what information you can uncover by asking the right person the right question and you should proceed with caution when doing this.

Can you break generational trauma?

Yes, you can break generational trauma, but you must make an effort to understand how the trauma of those before you has impacted your life and make attempts to improve the ways in which you’ve been negatively impacted. You can work on yourself in the hope that you won’t pass negative habits and behaviors down to the next generation.

Does trauma change your DNA?

Trauma can’t change the makeup of your DNA, but it can alter the way your genes are expressed down the line. This is called epigenetics and involves the way your genes respond to environmental factors as well as trauma, stress, diet, and lifestyle. If you’re severely stressed during crucial developmental times in your life, then how you regulate cortisol can be altered and that change could be passed on to future generations (6) .

How can you break a generational cycle?

The best way to break a generational cycle is by trying to recognize and understand patterns through generations. You should also educate yourself on generational trauma in general, as well as your family’s personal trauma. Utilizing therapy and counseling and setting boundaries are also helpful for breaking generational cycles.