Generational trauma cycles are rooted in ancestral emotional distress, ongoing stress, and inherited vulnerabilities passed down through generations. For instance, if a grandparent endured chronic stress or adversity—such as marginalization, immigration struggles, or poverty—it could alter their gene expression. These genetic changes can predispose their children, including your parent, to specific emotional vulnerabilities.

The next layer of intergenerational trauma unfolds in your parent’s lifetime. If your grandparent was consumed by unprocessed trauma, they may have struggled to attune to or repair their relationship with their child. This can lead your parent to face challenges like abusive relationships, self-medication, or unresolved mental health issues, perpetuating the cycle.

Then comes you. You inherit genetic predispositions from your parents and grandparents, along with the emotional patterns shaped by their experiences. You might struggle with addictive behaviors, chronic sadness, or a persistent sense of unworthiness, drawing experiences that reinforce these feelings. The cycle continues—until you make the courageous choice to break it.