Most people know that post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can develop after experiencing trauma. What’s less known is that PTSD can emerge years later or from indirect exposure to trauma. Many individuals with PTSD are unaware they have it or why—they feel something is wrong and often turn to drugs or alcohol to cope with their distressing symptoms, leading to new problems.
At Recovery Ranch PA, we understand the complexities of trauma and how it can manifest. Our highly skilled, compassionate treatment team relies on evidence-based practices to help clients and their families identify and talk about unresolved trauma to find true healing. Call 717.969.9126 to learn how you can benefit from our PTSD treatment program in Pennsylvania.
Understanding the Different Types of Trauma
Trauma is classified into several different types, and understanding these helps identify the best course of treatment:
- Acute trauma results from a single distressing event, like a natural disaster or severe accident.
- Chronic trauma refers to prolonged exposure to a distressing situation, like war or domestic violence.
- Complex trauma occurs from exposure to multiple ongoing distressing events or situations, such as sexual abuse and chronic neglect.
When the impacts of a distressing event aren’t limited to the person who directly experienced it but are also felt by their children, grandchildren, or community, it’s called generational trauma. But what is generational trauma, exactly? All of the above examples of different types of trauma can become generational trauma when their impacts aren’t identified and addressed.
Recognizing Generational Trauma
Generational trauma can manifest in various forms—emotional, psychological, behavioral, and even biological. Here are some specific ways this trauma is passed down through generations.
Parenting and Relationships
Parents or other caregivers who have unresolved trauma often struggle to form healthy attachments with their children. They may pass on maladaptive coping mechanisms, and children can internalize their anxiety, emotional distress, and behavior patterns.
Family Narratives
Family members can transmit trauma through the stories they tell or don’t tell about their experiences. These narratives can shape future generations’ anxieties, thinking, and behaviors.
Epigenetic Changes
The study of how behavioral and environmental factors impact how genes function indicates that stress responses can be passed down through generations, meaning that future generations may be at higher risk for post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, and depression.
Descendants of trauma survivors may also be more susceptible to substance use disorders (SUD), attachment disorders, violence, difficulty managing stress, and challenges with healthy emotional expression. Still, some families or communities develop heightened resilience and solidarity that can be passed through generations.
Why Families Should Be Talking About Trauma
Suppressing traumatic memories can lead to long-term emotional and psychological distress for the affected individual and their family members. Talking about trauma is vital to resolving it, replacing maladaptive coping mechanisms with healthy ones, and breaking the cycle of generational trauma. Further, talking about trauma can:
- Provide emotional release from the burden of carrying painful feelings
- Validate the experience and the feelings surrounding it
- Process the experience and gain perspective on it
- Reduce anxiety and depression
- Create a sense of connection and reduce feelings of isolation
- Promote empowerment and resilience
- Reduce stigma and encourage others to talk about their trauma
At Recovery Ranch PA, we know that talking about trauma isn’t easy for many. Thus, we strive to foster a safe, supportive environment that meets clients where they are. In addition to traditional treatment modalities, we offer experiential therapies like adventure counseling and therapeutic drumming for clients who struggle with conventional talk-based therapies.
Connect with Recovery Ranch PA and Start PTSD Treatment in Texas
Unresolved trauma can have far-reaching impacts on individuals and their families. Many people with unresolved trauma struggle with a combination of symptoms, including anxiety, depression, and substance abuse. At Recovery Ranch PA, we provide comprehensive treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder and co-occurring conditions. Contact our team online or call 717.969.9126 to enroll in our PTSD treatment program today and break the cycle of generational trauma for you and your family.
