Intergenerational trauma refers to the apparent transmission of trauma between generations of a family. People who experienced adverse childhood experiences growing up, or who survived historical disasters or traumas , may pass the effects of those traumas on to their children or grandchildren, through their genes , their behavior, or both, leaving the next generation susceptible to anxiety , depression , hypervigilance, and other emotional and mental health concerns.
When Intergenerational Trauma Becomes Part of Your Identity
Living with intergenerational trauma over time can lead to a fusion of identity and diagnosis. You may find yourself thinking "I am intergenerational trauma" rather than "I have intergenerational trauma." This identity fusion has significant consequences:
- Reduces motivation (why try if this is just who I am?)
- Increases shame and stigma internalization
- Makes recovery feel like losing part of yourself
- Limits how others see you (and how you see yourself)
Reclaiming a Multidimensional Identity
Your identity is vastly larger than intergenerational trauma. A powerful exercise: complete this sentence 20 times with anything other than your struggles:
"I am someone who ___________"
Values, roles, relationships, interests, history, capabilities — all form your identity.
Intergenerational Trauma as One Chapter, Not the Whole Story
Narrative therapy offers a powerful reframe: intergenerational trauma is one story in a much larger life narrative. You are the author, not the character defined by struggle.
Externalizing the problem: Practice talking about "Intergenerational Trauma that visits me" rather than "my Intergenerational Trauma." This linguistic shift creates psychological distance and agency.
Building Identity Beyond Intergenerational Trauma
- Invest in relationships that see your full self, not just your struggles
- Pursue interests unrelated to mental health — art, sport, learning, creativity
- Find meaning — purpose larger than symptom management provides identity anchor
- Contribute to others — giving to others builds positive identity components
- Celebrate growth — document how you've changed, overcome, adapted
The Strengths That Intergenerational Trauma Builds
Many people find that navigating intergenerational trauma develops genuine strengths: deep empathy, resilience, self-awareness, creativity, and a hard-won wisdom about what matters in life.