Let's dive right into the complex topic of generational trauma - the emotional and psychological wounds that can be passed down through families over generations. I talk today about 7 basic ways that trauma forms over the course of our childhood, often without us even realizing it, and some methods for managing/stopping the cycle that work for me (when I can be present enough to use them).

Have you ever experienced...

1. Your emotions being minimized - Being told your feelings are "not that big a deal" or to "get over it"
2. Being told not to feel a certain way - being prohibited from expressing anger, sadness, or other "undesirable" emotions
3. Someone comparing their experience to yours - "Your problems aren't as bad as mine were" or "back in my day..."
4. Someone distracting or redirecting you instead of validating your emotions - Changing the subject rather than listening and acknowledging your feelings
5. Expressing irritation or impatience with your emotions - Sighs, eye rolls, or blatant annoyance when you open up about how you're feeling
6. Being called attention-seeking for having big emotions - Dismissing strong feelings as "drama" or you just wanting sympathy
7. Your perspective being invalidated - Telling you you're "making too big a deal out of it" or that "it wasn't that bad."

Identifying these subtle patterns is the first step toward breaking free from the cycle of generational trauma. With self-awareness and compassion, we all can start to heal.

Until we meet again <3