For many, trauma is an unavoidable part of life—whether it’s the loss of a loved one, exposure to violence, or surviving a natural disaster.
But what happens when trauma isn’t just a singular event, but something passed down through generations?
Dr. Inger Burnett-Zeigler, a clinical psychologist and author of Nobody Knows the Trouble I’ve Seen: The Emotional Lives of Black Women, recently spoke with journalist Ali Rogin about the profound effects of generational trauma and how it disproportionately impacts Black women in the United States.
What Is Generational Trauma?
According to Dr. Burnett-Zeigler, generational trauma occurs when the effects of trauma are transmitted from one generation to the next. This can happen in multiple ways:
- Biologically: Trauma leaves an imprint on genes, making future generations more vulnerable to mental health challenges.
- Emotionally and behaviorally: Parents who have experienced unresolved trauma may unknowingly pass down symptoms such as anger, depression, and anxiety to their children.
- Circumstantially: Exposure to poverty, community violence, and unhealthy relationships increases the risk of experiencing further trauma, perpetuating a cycle of suffering.
The Cycle of Trauma in Black Women’s Lives
The statistics paint a stark picture: While 7 in 10 people in the U.S. will experience trauma at some point, 8 in 10 Black women will. Black girls are also more likely to endure childhood abuse, neglect, and sexual violence, while Black women face higher rates of intimate partner violence and sexual assault.
Poverty plays a significant role in this cycle. Women who experience trauma at a young age may leave home early to escape an abusive environment, only to find themselves in unsafe relationships or struggling to meet their basic needs. If a child is born into this situation, the trauma continues into the next generation.
Why Black Women Are Less Likely to Receive Mental Health Care
Despite experiencing trauma at higher rates, Black women are less likely to receive treatment for PTSD and other mental health conditions. Burnett-Zeigler identifies several barriers:
- Lack of awareness: Many Black women don’t recognize how trauma manifests in their lives. Symptoms like anger, irritability, and insomnia may be seen as personal failings rather than signs of PTSD.
- Stigma: Mental health struggles are often dismissed or misunderstood in Black communities, making individuals hesitant to seek help.
- Healthcare access: Systemic barriers, including economic inequality and discrimination in medical settings, make it more difficult for Black women to receive quality mental health care.
Breaking the Cycle
Burnett-Zeigler spoke about the importance of education and early intervention to help Black women recognize trauma and access the care they need. She encourages open conversations about mental health, reducing stigma, and ensuring that culturally competent providers are available.
“Recognizing when individuals have been exposed to trauma, understanding how those symptoms show up, and making a warm handoff to treatment providers is essential,” she says.
By addressing these issues, communities can break the cycle of generational trauma and help Black women reclaim their mental well-being.
