Intergenerational Trauma and Historical Trauma: How Trauma Can Be Passed To Future Generations and Ways to Break the Cycle

Thrive • May 19, 2022

By Thrive Wellness Reno Clinical Director and Therapist Kerstin Trachok, CPC

Trauma can have far-reaching consequences on an individual and those closest to them. The concepts of intergenerational trauma and historical trauma are well-accepted theories proposing that the impacts of trauma can even extend across generations. The concepts of intergenerational and historical trauma first emerged in 1966 when researchers found high rates of psychological distress among children of Holocaust survivors. Relatively new theories, scientific study into these trauma phenomena is lacking, but evidence does show biological, social, mental, and emotional trauma reverberations throughout lineages.

INTERGENERATIONAL TRAUMA

Intergenerational trauma describes the passing of individuals’ traumatic experiences through family generations. For instance, if a person experienced a traumatic event, such as sexual assault or domestic violence, the implications of that trauma can carry over to their children, especially if they were pregnant at the time the trauma occurred. Biologically, their children’s brain structure may be impacted. Socially, the children’s relationships with their family members, community, and society may be affected. Mentally, these children may be more at risk for certain mental health challenges, including anxiety , depression , and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) .

HISTORICAL TRAUMA

Closely related to intergenerational trauma, historical trauma may develop when a community or generation collectively experiences trauma, such as pandemic, war, economic depression, or oppression.

One example of historical trauma can be found within the Native American population. Native Americans have historically suffered a great deal of trauma, from the destruction of much of their population to forced displacement throughout the ages. Such trauma has impacted their social, mental, and behavioral health, as evidenced by increased rates of poverty, psychological distress, and substance abuse within the demographic.

IMPLICATIONS OF INTERGENERATIONAL TRAUMA AND HISTORICAL TRAUMA

Many don’t realize they are affected by intergenerational or historical trauma. Instead, these individuals are commonly so adjusted to the impact of the condition on their lives that they consider the implications of past trauma normal functioning.

Some implications of intergenerational trauma and historical trauma include:

Mental and behavioral health manifestations: Intergenerational trauma and historical trauma may manifest as depression , anxiety , panic attacks , PTSD , substance abuse disorders , and struggles with self-esteem .
Genetic changes: Trauma impacts the brain’s immune system cells which are called the microglia. Instead of clearing damage and promoting growth within the brain as they’re meant to, the microglia destroy nerve endings. This can cause depression, anxiety, and dementia which can be passed genetically .
Immune system responses: Trauma may lead to an overactive or underactive immune system, conditions that can become hereditary.
Behavioral patterns: Trauma can determine one’s behaviors, which can become ingrained, especially through parenting styles. These patterns of behavior can be passed to one’s children, impacting their personalities, worldview, and relationships.

BREAKING THE CYCLE OF INTERGENERATIONAL TRAUMA AND HISTORICAL TRAUMA

The cycle of intergenerational trauma and historical trauma can be broken. The most crucial step in adapting to this trauma is becoming aware of its impact on oneself and one’s family. Because families are traditionally adept at adjusting to challenges, attending individual or family therapy can provide insight into whether a family and its members are affected by intergenerational trauma or historical trauma.

A mental health clinician may dive into individuals’:

Full family history: As a way to understand how the histories of one’s parents, grandparents, and so on have impacted their life.
Experiences with traumatic events: Such as experiences involving illness, injury, loss, or violence.
Socioeconomic status: A history of poverty and/or oppression places individuals at higher risks for intergenerational trauma and/or historical trauma.
Triggers: Understanding the triggers that exacerbate any symptoms of anxiety and depression may provide deeper context that points to an experience that extends beyond one’s lifetime and spans back into the past.

While discovering the implications of intergenerational trauma and historical trauma, individuals can also work with their clinician to develop healthy coping skills that can also be passed along to their children. By seeking mental health treatment for personal or family trauma, individuals can process their experiences and emotions, manage their symptoms and triggers, and normalize open, honest conversations with their loved ones.

On the societal level, the cycle of historical trauma can be broken through advocacy efforts on behalf of marginalized groups, including encouraging community support resources.

CLINICAL SUPPORT FOR INTERGENERATIONAL TRAUMA AND HISTORICAL TRAUMA

At Thrive, our compassionate mental health clinicians are skilled at treating trauma in various forms including intergenerational trauma and historical trauma. With the intention of nourishing your mental health so you and your family can thrive, we offer both individual and family therapy and provide many mental, physical, and behavioral health services. Reach out to learn more.

About the Author

Thrive Wellness Reno Clinical Director and Therapist Kerstin Trachok, CPC

Kerstin received her master’s degrees in clinical mental health counseling and school counseling from the University of Nevada, Reno. Kerstin has six years of experience in the counseling field working in different settings and a wide array of mental health issues. Kerstin has experience working in schools with children of all ages, clients with psychosis in a hospital setting, adults and teens in private practice, and working at an agency providing counseling to children and families. Kerstin is a fully licensed clinical professional counselor in the state of Nevada and received her certification in Complex Trauma Levels I and II. Kerstin has experience working with children, teens, adults and families with trauma, anxiety, grief, depression, ADHD, autism spectrum, suicidal ideation, and behavioral issues. Kerstin is passionate about fostering client’s growth and autonomy while providing a safe and secure space to process emotions. Kerstin uses creative interventions and other tools to allow clients to voice their internal experiences beyond traditional talk therapy. Kerstin’s theoretical approach is Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. She uses mindfulness tools and techniques to help clients be present moment oriented, and reduce stress so they may move towards psychological flexibility. Kerstin believes all individuals have the right to live a fulfilling and vital life.

The post Intergenerational Trauma and Historical Trauma: How Trauma Can Be Passed To Future Generations and Ways to Break the Cycle first appeared on Thrive Wellness.

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When Mealtimes Become Battlegrounds: How ARFID Impacts Families

August 21, 2025

When Emma was 8, her parents noticed her food choices shrinking. At first, they assumed it was just picky eating — “She’ll outgrow it,” friends said. But by 10, Emma would only eat crackers, cheese, and chicken nuggets. Family dinners became nightly struggles, her growth slowed, and she skipped birthday parties to avoid “strange food.” Her parents felt powerless, her brother grew frustrated, and outings dwindled. What began as food avoidance soon reshaped the rhythm of the entire household. When children avoid food, most parents expect it’s a passing stage. But when restriction deepens, shrinks to only a few “safe foods,” and begins affecting growth or health, families suddenly find themselves in unfamiliar territory. This is often where Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) emerges — with effects that extend far beyond the plate. As providers, we need to be attuned to these patterns. It’s tempting to dismiss them as “no big deal,” yet for many families, they are life-altering. Sadly, Emma’s story is not unusual. Mealtimes as Battlegrounds Families living with ARFID often describe mealtimes as emotionally charged, exhausting, and unpredictable. What should be a chance to connect around the table can feel more like a negotiation or even a standoff. Parents wrestle with whether to push their child to try a new food or give in to the same “safe foods” again and again to avoid tears, gagging, or complete meltdowns. This ongoing tension can make mealtimes dreaded rather than cherished. Siblings, too, are affected. Some may feel resentful when family meals are limited to what only one child will tolerate. Others may act out in response to the constant attention the child with ARFID receives. Over time, the dinner table shifts from a place of nourishment and bonding into a stage for conflict, anxiety, and guilt — a pattern that can erode family cohesion and resilience. Social Isolation and Missed Experiences ARFID impacts more than what happens at home; it influences how families engage with the world around them. Everyday events — birthday parties, school lunches, vacations, even extended family dinners — become sources of stress. Parents may pack special foods to avoid confrontation or, in many cases, decline invitations altogether to protect their child from embarrassment or overwhelm. This avoidance can lead to an unintended consequence: isolation. Families miss out on milestones, friendships, and traditions because of the unpredictability surrounding food. The child may feel left out or ashamed, while parents grieve the loss of “normal” family experiences. This social withdrawal can compound the anxiety already present in ARFID and deepen its impact across generations. Emotional Toll on Parents The emotional strain on parents navigating ARFID is significant. Many describe living in a constant state of worry — Will my child get enough nutrients? Will they ever grow out of this? Am I doing something wrong? This worry often spirals into guilt and self-blame, particularly when outside voices dismiss the disorder as mere “picky eating.” In addition, the pressure to “fix” mealtimes can strain marital relationships, creating disagreements over discipline, feeding strategies, or medical decisions. Parents may also feel emotionally depleted, pouring all their energy into managing one child’s needs while inadvertently neglecting themselves or their other children. Without support, this chronic stress can lead to burnout, depression, and disconnection within the family system. The Role of Providers For clinicians, ARFID must be viewed not only as an individual diagnosis but as a family-wide challenge. Effective care requires attention to both the clinical symptoms and the family dynamics that shape recovery. Parent Support: Educating caregivers that ARFID is not their fault, offering psychoeducation, and helping them reframe mealtime struggles as part of the disorder — not a parenting failure. Family-Based Interventions: Coaching families in structured meal support, communication strategies, and gradual exposure work so parents don’t feel powerless. Holistic Care: Involving therapists, dietitians, occupational therapists, and medical providers ensures that the family does not shoulder the weight of treatment alone. When families are validated, supported, and given practical tools, the entire household can begin to heal. Treatment is not only about expanding a child’s food repertoire but also about restoring peace, resilience, and connection at home. Moving Forward ARFID may begin with one individual, but its ripple effects are felt across the entire family system. By addressing both the psychological and relational dimensions, providers can help transform mealtimes from a source of conflict into an opportunity for healing and connection. For those who want to go deeper, we invite you to join our upcoming training on ARFID , where we will explore practical strategies for supporting both clients and their families.

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Is It OCD or an Eating Disorder? What Parents Need to Know

July 17, 2025

As a parent, noticing alarming behaviors around food or routines in your child can raise some important questions. You might be asking yourself, “Is this an eating disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), or something else entirely?” Understanding the signs and differences between these disorders is key to getting your child effective, timely treatment. In this blog, we’ll break down the overlap between OCD and eating disorders, what signs to watch for, and how to get professional help. If you're a parent wondering “Is my child’s eating disorder actually OCD?” or “OCD vs eating disorder in teens,” know that you’re not alone and you’re in the right place to find specialized care for your child. What Is OCD? Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition where unwanted thoughts (obsessions) cause anxiety, leading to repetitive behaviors (compulsions) intended to ease that anxiety. OCD can be focused on any subject. Common obsessions include contamination, perfectionism, scrupulosity, and harm, but sometimes, the content of obsessions can be focused on food, body image, or weight. What Is an Eating Disorder? Eating disorders , like anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, and avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) involve disturbed eating behaviors and intense concerns about body weight or shape. These conditions go beyond dieting or “picky eating” and can become life-threatening without professional intervention. The Overlap: Why It Can Be Confusing OCD and eating disorders often share similar symptoms : Ritualistic eating (e.g., needing to eat foods in a certain order or at a certain time) Rigid rules about food (like only eating certain food groups or certain amounts of food) Excessive checking (like weighing food or body or repeated checking of expiration dates or thorough cooking) Avoidance behaviors ( like avoiding carbs, fats, or other food groups or avoiding places or objects that can trigger obsessions) Distress when routines are disrupted (either around mealtimes or exercise routines) So, How Can You Tell the Difference? Use the following chart to compare and contrast symptoms of OCD and eating disorders.