Healing intergenerational trauma

hello • 29 January 2021

R U OK? acknowledges Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities as the traditional custodians of the land on which we live and work and pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging.


You may have heard the term intergenerational trauma and discussion of its effects and impact on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and communities. But what does it mean, how can we begin to heal and what role can we all play in supporting the healing of those affected?

 

What is intergenerational trauma?


Trauma is used to describe situations or experiences that are emotionally painful or distressing and make it difficult for someone to cope. Intergenerational or transgenerational trauma recognises that the effects of trauma can be passed down from generation to generation and the ripple effect can be felt far and wide.


For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people a history of forced removals, policies such as racial assimilation, socially sanctioned racism and violence and grief over the loss of land and culture have all contributed to intergenerational trauma.[1]  If people don’t have the opportunity to heal from past trauma, they may unknowingly pass it on to others. 


This video from the Healing Foundation provides an overview and explanation of what has contributed to intergenerational trauma for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people:


Today we see symptoms of intergenerational trauma in broken relationships, disconnected families, violence, suicide and splintered communities. 


How can we begin to heal?


Connection and belonging are identified as significantly important when supporting someone at risk of suicide.[2] They also form the foundation of healing from intergenerational trauma.


Professor Helen Milroy, a descendant of the Palyku people of the Pilbara region of Western Australia and a Commissioner with the National Mental Health Commission, credits connection to family, culture, where you’re from and identity as being key to healing. 


“What we need to get back to is an emphasis on the strengths and protective factors that have allowed Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to survive − despite the trauma and adversity they have experienced,” said Professor Milroy in this 2009 article. “Factors like extensive kinship systems, cultural and spiritual strengths, traditionally strong child rearing practices and early autonomy and self-reliance.”


R U OK? Community Ambassador Jacob Ridgeway, a proud Worimi and Gamilaroi man, credits cultural connection with helping him heal. 


“The impact of trauma and loss since colonisation are high especially as the core of who we are is centred around land, family, kinship and community,” said Jacob.

“Knowing who you are and where you come from is an essential part of identity, pride and wellbeing for Aboriginal people. When that connection to land or cultural practice is disrupted, it can affect our mental health. 


“Culture is a healer. On a personal level, my practice of connecting to culture is core to my existence. When I’ve gone through periods of healing that connection to country, kin and family has been able to boost my confidence, my self-esteem and it’s given me a push in the right direction.”


Healing through conversation


Jacob believes friends, family and individuals also have a role to play in healing.


“As a person, it’s about understanding other individuals and creating spaces where they can be empowered to own their identity, their voice, their experience, their personal truth.


“As well as being aware of the signs of trauma, it’s understanding the history that has created that trauma. It’s understanding the history of inequalities, disadvantage and social exclusion that have disadvantaged our people. This includes the dispossession of land, removal of children and discrimination that intergenerational trauma is linked to,” he said.

If you’re asking Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people about intergenerational trauma as you educate yourself it’s important to seek their consent. A simple, “Do you mind if I ask you about this” gives them an opportunity to say no if having the conversation may bring up complex emotions. 


In this video from the Healing Foundation, Regina Turner President of the Mura Kosker Society shares how checking in on each other is an important part of healing.


“My healing advice for you is checking in on family. Always making sure that they’re OK. Letting them know that you’re there to support them but also being able to detect any signs of disharmony or if they need help at any stage.”

R U OK?’s ‘Stronger Together’ campaign for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and communities encourages everyone to play a role in increasing people’s sense of connection: connection to family and friends, hope, information and support. The campaign resources include a conversation guide which explores when and how to check in with friends and family who may be struggling and what to do if they need help. Download the resources here.


Useful links:

Healing Foundation - a national Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisation that partners with communities to address the effects of intergenerational trauma: https://healingfoundation.org.au/


Sources:

1. Source: Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet, Trauma, accessed 20 January 2020 { https://healthinfonet.ecu.edu.au/learn/health-topics/healing/trauma/}

2. Source: Joiner, T.E. (2007) Why People Die By Suicide. Harvard University Press. USA.

Caring for yourself and others following traumatic events

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The recent incident in Sydney has left many feeling distressed and overwhelmed, and you may notice the children in your life are struggling too. Below, you’ll find advice from mental health experts on caring for your own wellbeing, and providing meaningful support to others in the days and weeks ahead. Talking to children about traumatic events Children are likely to have seen and heard distressing information about this incident. Ongoing news coverage, images and discussion can intensify feelings of anxiety, sadness and anger. The Child Mind Institute has published a practical guide to help parents and carers talk with children about traumatic events. The guide offers practical age-specific advice and has been developed by experts in child psychology, you can access this guide here . Events involving violence or serious harm can be especially difficult for children to understand or discuss. The guide focuses on helping children feel safe, supported and reassured, and encourages parents, carers or guardians to: Provide comfort and reassurance, including physical affection Remain calm and measured when discussing the event Maintain regular routines to restore a sense of normality Encourage play, connection and time with others Share honest, age-appropriate information from trusted sources Limit children’s exposure to news, especially younger children Listen patiently and validate children’s feelings Recognise that fear, anger, sadness or guilt are all normal reactions Looking after yourself, and supporting others Rachel Clements, R U OK? Advisor, and Director of Psychological Services at Centre for Corporate Health, said strong emotional reactions are normal and healthy for people of all ages following public acts of violence, even among those not directly impacted. “Some reactions that are incredibly normal are concern, shock, horror, disbelief. When that wears off sometimes, people experience stronger feelings, sometimes anger, despair, sadness, anxiety or fear-based behaviour."  Ms Clements advised that connecting with friends, sporting clubs, or workplace networks, and simply asking ‘are you OK?’, can play a key role in supporting people experiencing distress. "This event will disrupt the nervous system. One of the most important things we can do is stay connected, talk to each other and lean into supportive conversations,” Ms Clements said. She suggested starting a genuine conversation by asking questions such as: 'it's been tough watching this information coming to light, how are you feeling about it?’ “Then, all you’ve got to do is listen with empathy, without judgment or interruption, and just allow someone to talk about their experience and how they are feeling. When it is the right time in the conversation, you can then gently guide someone towards supportive actions, like doing some gentle exercise, staying connected with friends and family, or maintaining regular routines.” Ms Clements emphasised the importance of checking in again to ensure people have continued support. If you notice someone’s distress is ongoing for several weeks and begins to affect their work or social life, professional help should be encouraged. If you or the children in your care are experiencing ongoing distress, consider speaking with a doctor or another trusted healthcare provider. Free and professional 24/7counselling services are available, find contact details here . If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 000. Ask R U OK? Any Day.

2025 with R U OK?

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This year, Australians continued to grow their confidence and capability to ask, 'are you OK?' any day of the year - reminding us how real connection and meaningful conversations can happen in the most ordinary, everyday moments. Across every age and stage of life, people helped normalise these important check-ins by looking out for one another, reducing stigma, and driving genuine change. Thanks to our supporters, awareness continues to expand in schools, workplaces, sporting clubs, and communities in every corner of Australia. Thank you to everyone who started conversations, and to everyone who supported the mission and work of R U OK?. Below is a short video which shares a glimpse of the activity made possible through collaboration. *Voice-over by former-CEO, Katherine Newton.

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