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The study of genes -

The first step to understanding how our genes can hold onto trauma is by first studying how our genes are structured and how they change. The branch of science that studies this is known as epigenetics.

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Intergenerational trauma -

Our genes act as a biological record of our ancestral experiences. When we face traumatic events, our genetic expressions can be altered, which means that our descendants would be more susceptible to stress, anxiety, and PTSD, a phenomenon known as “epigenetic inheritance.”

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Changes -

Unfortunately, traumatic experiences can cause deep chemical modifications in our genes without changing our DNA. These modifications are then passed down to our children and grandchildren, and they can influence how our descendants respond to stress and fear.

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Hardware and software -

The difference between our "genome" (i.e. our body’s full DNA) and our "epigenome" (genes) is the difference between a computer’s hardware and software. You need hardware for the body to function, but the software is constantly changing and updating and instructing the hardware on how it should behave.

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Fathers and sons -

Interestingly, studies have determined that trauma seems to be more strongly passed from fathers to their sons, which suggests that the traumatic changes that affect the epigenome has a stronger effect on the Y chromosome.

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Studies with mice -

A recent experiment at the University of Southern California’s developmental neuroscience and neurogenetics program involved exposing mice to a cherry blossom-scented chemical that was paired with a mild electric shock.

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Trauma from scent -

The mice learned to fear the cherry blossom scent, and the next two generations of mice were also startled when the smelled the odor, even though they had never been exposed to it before.

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Holocaust survivors -

Research on the children and grandchildren of Holocaust survivors have shown that they experience higher rates of anxiety and depression. This suggests that the trauma experienced by their ancestors during the Second World War has been biologically inherited.

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Slave descendants -

Studies show that African-American descendants of slaves have a higher prevalence of hypertension and diabetes. The brutal conditions endured by their ancestors have left a genetic imprint that has lasted centuries.

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Native Americans -

Native American communities experience high rates of substance abuse and mental health issues, which suggest that the trauma experienced from colonization, forced displacement, and cultural destruction has been perpetuated through multiple generations.

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9/11 -

Even the children of 9/11 first responders have shown signs of increased anxiety and PTSD. Studies suggest that the intense stress and trauma experienced by their parents during the event may have influenced their epigenome, thus predisposing them to similar issues.

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Intergenerational PTSD -

Families with a history of military service often exhibit higher instances of PTSD in the generations that follow. Indeed, studies show that severe stress from combat can modify gene expressions related to stress hormones, and these modifications are passed down to offspring.

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Vietnam War veterans -

Vietnam War veterans who were exposed to toxic Agent Orange passed down epigenetic markers that put their children at higher risk of birth defects and cancer. The toxic exposure altered the veterans' genetic makeup, and these modifications were passed down to their offspring.

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Childhood abuse -

People who experienced childhood abuse show distinct changes in their epigenetic patterns. These changes can be inherited by their children and potentially affect their psychological health. It’s also possible that the children would inherently fear abuse, even if they have never actually experienced it.

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The immune system -

Trauma can even affect genes involved in the body’s immune function, which means that descendants would be more prone to autoimmune diseases.

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Famine survivors -

Children and grandchildren of famine survivors often have higher rates of metabolic disorders. The severe malnutrition endured by their ancestors can alter genes related to metabolism, and so their descendants would be more predisposed to obesity and diabetes.

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Trauma from the environment -

Trauma isn’t only isolated to singularly devastating events such as abuse or war. The environment in which a person lives can also create trauma, especially if it includes prolonged periods of poverty or violence.

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Psychological disorders - It’s very important to understand the difference between psychological disorders and ancestral trauma. While some people are genetically predisposed to disorders, they can be heightened by ancestral trauma.

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Finite - It’s important to know that ‘inheritance’ doesn’t mean that children will always exhibit the same signs of trauma as their ancestors. In fact, the cherry blossom scent study conducted on the mice showed that the trauma lasted for about five generations of mice before the trauma started to diminish.

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Reversing epigenetic changes -

If you’re worried about how trauma can affect genetics, studies have shown that it might be possible to reverse some epigenetic changes, although it requires extensive support and effort. The first step is to ensure that traumatized people live in enriched and comfortable environments.

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Therapy -

Therapeutic interventions for trauma must consider genetic factors. There are various approaches (like trauma-focused cognitive-behavioral therapy and mindfulness-based therapies) that can help mitigate the effects of inherited trauma on gene expression.

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Parental influence -

As much as parents may love and care for their children, they are sometimes unable to control the traumatic genetic expressions that their children inherit. It is crucial that parents are supported in addressing their trauma for their own benefit, but also so that their children are positively impacted.

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Genetic counseling -

Genetic counseling is a recommended course of action for anyone looking to have children, since it involves receiving advice about potential genetic disorders that can be passed to later generations.

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Medication -

Although it isn’t always the go-to option for many traumatized individuals, there are quite a few benefits to receiving medicine that specifically targets the body’s trauma response. In fact, research is currently underway in trying to find a medicine that would directly remove the epigenetic changes that people experience with trauma.

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Exercise -

Some studies have shown that even exercise has the opportunity of influencing a person’s epigenome. While exercise in itself is good, it can have the added benefit of diminishing inherited trauma markers in your genes.

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Mind-body connection -

The mind-body connection is crucial in understanding trauma's genetic transmission. Practices like yoga and meditation can help regulate your stress responses and potentially mitigate the effects of inherited trauma.

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Historical trauma -

Historical trauma, such as genocide and slavery, has a profound genetic impact. Governments and institutions have a duty to recognize and address this trauma through reparative justice and supportive policies so that future generations are not continuously affected.

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Policy changes -

Governments should also consider changes in policy that would help address the root causes of trauma, such as poverty and discrimination. Ultimately, these supportive policies can create environments that promote healing in the community.

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Future -

One of the most important aspects to remember is that people who have experienced multi-generational trauma are not intrinsically damaged and incapable of doing anything about it. Epigenetics shows that trauma does sometimes exist in our genes, but we are also able to actively enforce changes that will benefit future generations.

Sources: (National Geographic) (Arkansas Advocate) (BBC) (HealthCentral)

See also: 30 of the best ways to improve your mental health

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