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What Is Intergenerational Trauma?
Intergenerational traumarefers to trauma that is passed from generation to generation.
It is a common phenomenon among the AAPI population.
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Individuals with PTSD may exhibit mood dysregulations,hypervigilance, and impairments in quality of life.
This results in alterations to ones DNA, which then gets passed down to subsequent generations.
Studies have shown a strong heritability of PTSD from parent to offspring.
Angela Wu, a Taiwanese American LMFT, weighs in on how intergenerational trauma can appear within AAPI communities.
Wu also says that intergenerational trauma can perpetuate the “model minority” stereotype.
“to get to be ‘successful,’ Asians have learned to be model citizens,” says Wu.
Intergenerational trauma may also show up through physical diseases.
Repeated exposure to these events can result in race-based traumatic stress, orcomplex PTSD.
Without proper interventions, maladaptive patterns continue to be passed down, perpetuating a cycle of emotionaldysregulation.
However, internal barriers remain in AAPI communities, hindering many from pursuing treatment.
Ways To Cope
Mental illness remains a taboo topic within AAPI communities.
Molly Wang, LPC-Soffers tips on how to cope.
Find others with these shared experiences of intergenerational trauma, exchange stories, and build solidarity in shared experiences.
Furthermore, emotional healing should be viewed as akin to healing a physical wound or injury.
Initially, the pain of revisiting and working through traumas may feel challenging.
But with time and commitment, theres potential for growth and improved quality of life.
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