Generational Trauma, Race and Mental Health

When people talk about the well-established link between trauma and depression and other mental-health challenges, they tend to think of traumatic events experienced directly by the people themselves. But Generational trauma (also known as intergenerational trauma) can impact the children, grandchildren and other descendants of the directly-impacted individuals as well.

Beliefs, fears, attitudes toward one’s self and others, as well as unhealthy coping mechanisms are just some of the ways inherited trauma can affect future generations.

Mark Powless, Oneida Nation General Manager, talks about how the many injustices suffered by Native Americans have impacted his community and family.