This week's edition of EZ Reflections was inspired by another episode of EZ Conversations with guest Shannan Mondor (Listen Here). I was honoured to hear Shannan's story and how she navigated her past to change the world moving forward. Shannan talked about the abuse and addiction that was passed down to her from her family and that had become her "normal." But she decided to wake up and choose a new life.
That's what it boils down to. I cannot minimize how debilitating generational trauma can be because I have seen the impact it has had on many clients. But I have seen many clients choose a different path and rise above the trauma, and they use their experience as a source of resilience.
The most moving moments in the therapeutic setting are seeing the clients growing above and using their experience as inspiration, whether it is a better future for themselves or their children, just like Shannan did. How can we then support each other in this journey? We are together collectively because this is not one individual's journey alone. Generational trauma impacts us all. People like Shannan consciously choose to rise above the cards they were dealt, break away, and create a new path for the generations to follow. However, only some get there, and that is why it is our responsibility as a society to step up, especially the one's that are subject to war, colonialism, occupation as children are even more vulnerable.
We cannot look the other way. Therefore, in this week's edition of EZ Reflections, I wanted to focus on the pervasive intergenerational trauma prevalent in society. Generational trauma, often referred to as intergenerational trauma, is the transfer of emotional and psychological wounds from one generation to the next. Whether stemming from war, discrimination, or other forms of adversity, these deep-seated scars influence familial dynamics, shaping individuals' perceptions of themselves and the world around them. According to a study published in the Journal of Traumatic Stress, the effects of trauma can be transmitted across multiple generations, creating a cycle that seems unbreakable.
To comprehend the scale of generational trauma's impact, it's essential to delve into the statistics. A report by the World Health Organization (WHO) highlights that an estimated one in four individuals worldwide will experience a mental health disorder at some point in their lives. More significantly, the risk of mental health issues substantially increases when exposed to traumatic experiences, which are often perpetuated across generations.
Breaking free from generational trauma requires consciously making better choices for ourselves and future generations. A groundbreaking study published in the Journal of Counseling Psychology found that individuals who actively engage in self-reflection, seek therapy, and make intentional decisions can disrupt the intergenerational transmission of trauma. By choosing self-awareness and embracing personal agency, we can rewrite the narrative for ourselves and those who come after us.
Education emerges as a powerful tool in dismantling the walls of generational trauma. A UNESCO report underscores the role of education in promoting mental health and resilience, providing individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate life's challenges. By prioritizing education, communities can empower themselves to break free from the patterns that have held them captive for generations.
A transformative ripple effect begins as individuals choose to heal over perpetuating generational wounds. A study published in the American Journal of Public Health reveals that communities with higher levels of mental well-being experience increased social cohesion and collective resilience. By choosing ourselves, we contribute to creating healthier, more resilient societies that reject the shackles of the past.
With knowledge, self-awareness, and the courage to make better choices, people can pave a new path for themselves and future generations. The statistics and data underscore the urgency of addressing generational trauma on a societal level, emphasizing the importance of education, self-reflection, and intentional decision-making. As we embark on this journey of breaking free, let us remember that each choice we make can rewrite the script of our lives and those that follow.