1 day Ago By VOGUE India
When my nani passed away on this day last year, I felt engulfed by sadness and met a side of depression I had never experienced before. I wasn’t just mourning her passing—I was mourning the end of a story with no closure. It felt like I was no longer sharing her pain, but carrying it on entirely.
My family left Srinagar in the ’90s, at a time when Kashmiris were (and still are) particularly vulnerable to high levels of depression and PTSD , and I feel fortunate to come from a family that takes mental health seriously. I remember explaining therapy to my father by asking him, “How blessed am I to be the first in so many generations to step out of survival mode? To be able to catch my breath and process not only what has happened to us, but also to our lineage?” Intergenerational trauma impacts families across South Asia and has gained increasing recognition in recent years—particularly as we grapple with the long-lasting effects of collective historical suffering in a post-colonial world. It refers to the transmission of trauma across generations, affecting not only the survivors of traumatic events but their descendants as well.
Aisha Saeed, a licensed clinical social worker with expertise in trauma, describes it as “the emotional and psychological injury carried by future generations,” a legacy of pain, fear and unresolved suffering. For many, the effects are far-reaching, shaping our current-day behaviours, relationships and even physical health. Understanding the science behind intergenerational trauma To truly understand how trauma can be inherited, we need to look at both the psychological and biological dimensions.
Saeed explains that while we often think of trauma as a mental or emotional burden, it also has a physiological impact. “Trauma lives in our bodies ,” she says. “It’s not just about how we think but also about how we feel , and the two need to be brought together for healing.
” Research in the field of epigenetics—the study of heritable traits—has shed light on how trauma can leave biochemical marks on our genes. These marks, in turn, may affect how genes are expressed in immediate oncoming generations, like one’s children and grandchildren. This scientific foundation suggests that trauma can be passed down even when subsequent generations don’t directly experience the original event, like Partition.
The changes in gene expression can influence stress responses, emotional regulation and overall health, making the transmission of trauma a real, biological phenomenon. Unaddressed trauma can create a cycle that’s difficult to break, but it’s not impossible. If the next generation makes even small changes—such as altering their environment, improving nutrition or choosing healthy partners—these shifts can influence how trauma is expressed.
The right adjustments may help mitigate the impact of the trauma experienced by the previous generation, shaping how it affects the generation that follows. South Asians and intergenerational trauma In the context of South Asian communities, intergenerational trauma takes on unique characteristics. Saeed highlights how the historical experiences of migration, colonisation and Partition continue to echo in the lives of South Asian people even today.
“Our ancestors went through a lot, and we get to be the ones to show them that their sacrifices or struggles don’t mean that we’re all imprinted for life,” she notes. This framing is crucial; it recognises the legacy of hardship as well as the opportunity for healing within South Asian communities, both at home and in the diaspora. The physical epigenetic impacts of colonialism, political instability and the economic drain of wealth are easy to trace.
South Asians are predisposed to diabetes, high cholesterol and heart disease as the after-effects of famines, and are therefore more likely to store body fat around their stomach as a biological protection from these conditions. The psychological impacts are harder to pinpoint, and Saeed explains that the compounded effects of trauma, stress and historical suffering can exacerbate these physical issues. Is there a way to heal intergenerational trauma? Healing intergenerational trauma is not a linear process, nor is it a one-size-fits-all approach.
Saeed advocates for a dual approach—addressing both the mind and the body. “We can’t just work with thoughts; we need to engage the body as well,” she says. While Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a valuable tool in many cases, the social worker notes its limitations when it comes to healing trauma.
“CBT works within the thought, but trauma lives in the body. Without engaging the body, we’re missing a key part of the process.” Saeed sees yoga as an indigenous healing method rooted in South Asian heritage.
“It’s our ancestors who developed these practices and these body-based practices are in our DNA too,” she explains, urging us to reconnect with these traditions passed down through generations. In a world dictated by the West which dismisses the impact of such healing methods, reclaiming yoga—and other cultural practices like Ayurveda—can be a powerful form of resistance and recuperation. When to opt for therapy as a solution If someone has never been attuned to their body, Saeed might start with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help them name their feelings and understand their emotional patterns.
“But eventually, we move toward body-based work: somatic work, parts work or Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR),” she explains. These methods help individuals reconnect with their bodies, release pent-up emotions and find a sense of safety in their own skin. Somatic work focuses on helping individuals become more aware of physical sensations in their bodies and connecting those sensations to emotional states.
“It helps us track feelings in the body and understand what they’re trying to tell us,” Saeed says, noting that trauma survivors often disconnect from their bodies. Parts work, in turn, draws from Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy and involves identifying different aspects of the self, such as wounded or protective parts, that can be healing or holding onto trauma. “It helps guide the client to connect with their ‘self,’ the calm, wise and confident part of themselves, rather than letting their trauma-driven parts take charge,” the social worker explains.
Finally, EMDR helps individuals process trauma by using rapid eye movements (or tapping) to reconnect fragmented memories and reshape negative beliefs. “It goes into our physiological systems and reprocesses memory patterns,” she says, adding that this method integrates both mind and body, which leads to more lasting change. But it’s not just about formal therapy.
Saeed recommends simple, accessible practices for anyone seeking to heal. “Start with joyful movement,” she suggests. Whether it’s dancing, yoga or a walk in nature, engaging in physical activities that bring joy can be incredibly grounding and restorative.
“Don’t do movements you don’t enjoy,” she advises. “If running isn’t your thing, don’t force yourself to run. Do what feels good.
” Saeed also encourages individuals to explore their emotions through writing or creative expression, a practice that can create a safe space to process difficult feelings. Additionally, “talking about it” is one of the most powerful tools in breaking the silence and shame surrounding trauma. By sharing openly with trusted individuals, we can begin to dismantle the secrecy that often keeps intergenerational trauma alive.
Resources for further exploration For those seeking to dive deeper into healing trauma, Saeed recommends three insightful books. The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk is a foundational text that explores how trauma is stored in the body and offers a comprehensive approach to healing, integrating neuroscience, psychology and personal stories. In addition, My Grandmother’s Hands by Resmaa Menakem provides body-based practices for trauma healing, particularly for people of colour, while But What Will People Say? by Sahaj Kaur Kohli offers a poignant exploration of the unique struggles faced by children of immigrants, along with practical guidance for healing.
These books not only illuminate the nature of trauma but also provide valuable tools and action items you can do from the comfort of your own home. Ultimately, Saeed believes that by acknowledging the pain we carry and integrating both mind and body in the healing process, we can break the cycles of trauma that have persisted for generations, paving the way for future generations to lead lives where both their minds and bodies feel at ease. “We get to be the ones who heal, we have agency in writing our own story,” she says.
Also read: How an Indian immigrant holds on to her memories of home through Jabakusum oil I travelled across borders in search of antique bridal wear and found stories of migration The success stories of New York’s immigrant “eyebrow ladies”.
