This is the idea behind intergenerational trauma, a phenomenon that has been observed in various groups of people who have gone through extreme physical and psychological stress, such as Holocaust survivors, prisoners of war, and famine victims.

According to a growing body of research, trauma can leave a chemical mark on a person’s genes, which can then be passed down to future generations. This mark doesn’t cause a genetic mutation, but it does alter the mechanism by which the gene is expressed. This alteration is not genetic, but epigenetic.

What is epigenetics?

Epigenetics is the study of how environmental factors can influence the way genes are turned on or off. In essence, epigenetics controls how or why your genes are expressed.

For example, you may have inherited a gene that makes you prone to diabetes, but whether or not you develop the disease depends on your diet, exercise, and other lifestyle factors. These factors can affect the activity of your gene by adding or removing chemical tags called epigenetic marks.

Stress, nutrition, toxins, hormones, and emotions are just a few of the variables that can affect epigenetic marks. Some of these marks are temporary and reversible, while others are more stable and long-lasting.

How does trauma affect epigenetics?

Trauma is one of the factors that can cause epigenetic changes in your genes. When you experience a traumatic event, such as abuse, violence, or starvation, your body releases stress hormones that activate your fight-or-flight response. This response helps you cope with the immediate threat, but it also alters the activity of some of your genes.

Some of these alterations may be beneficial in the short term, such as enhancing your memory or immune system. But if the stress is prolonged or repeated, it may become harmful in the long term, such as by increasing your risk of depression, anxiety, or chronic diseases.

Moreover, some of these alterations may not be limited to your own cells. They may also affect the cells that produce your gametes (sperm or eggs), which means they can be transmitted to your offspring.

How does intergenerational trauma affect future generations?

When you pass on your epigenetic marks to your children and grandchildren, you may also pass on some of the effects of your trauma. This means that they may inherit some of your vulnerabilities or resilience to stress and disease.

For instance, studies have shown that children and grandchildren of Holocaust survivors have lower levels of cortisol, a hormone that regulates stress responses. This may make them more susceptible to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or other mental health issues.

On the other hand, studies have also shown that children and grandchildren of famine victims have higher levels of insulin-like growth factor 2 (IGF2), a gene that regulates growth and development. This may make them more adaptable to harsh environments or food shortages.

However, these effects are not deterministic or inevitable. Numerous other factors, such as the type and degree of the trauma, the timing and length of the exposure, the sex and age of the carrier, and the interaction with other genes and environmental factors, also have an impact on them.

How can intergenerational trauma be prevented or treated?

Intergenerational trauma is not a fate that you have to accept or pass on to your descendants. There are ways to prevent or reduce its impact on yourself and future generations.

One way is to seek professional help if you have experienced trauma or suffer from its consequences. Therapy can help you process your emotions, cope with your symptoms, and heal from your wounds. It can also help you break the cycle of trauma by improving your relationships with yourself and others.

Another way is to adopt a healthy lifestyle that supports your physical and mental well-being. This includes eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, getting enough sleep, avoiding drugs and alcohol, and managing stress. These habits can help you maintain or restore your epigenetic balance and prevent or reverse some of the negative effects of trauma.

A third way is to provide a nurturing and supportive environment for your children and grandchildren. This includes giving them love, care, attention, guidance, and protection. This can help them develop a secure attachment with you and others, which can buffer them from stress and enhance their resilience.

Intergenerational trauma is a complex and fascinating topic that reveals how our experiences can shape not only our own lives but also those of our descendants. By understanding how trauma affects our genes and our offspring, we can take steps to heal ourselves and our future generations.