The profound impact of intergenerational trauma on parenting cannot be overstated. The legacy of unresolved trauma resonates through families, shaping not only how parents relate to their children but also how children perceive themselves and the world around them. Yet, this deeply rooted issue often goes unrecognized.
Addressing mental health in parenting is essential for creating healthier family dynamics and, ultimately, breaking cycles of pain that have persisted for generations.
Understanding Trauma: More Common Than We Think
Trauma is often misunderstood. Many associate it with catastrophic events, natural disasters, violence, or war. But trauma can also stem from chronic stress, emotional neglect, or seemingly minor experiences that slowly erode a person’s sense of safety and self-worth.
These experiences leave emotional imprints that can carry forward into adulthood, often without conscious awareness.
What Is Intergenerational Trauma?
Intergenerational trauma refers to the transmission of trauma effects from one generation to the next. For example, a parent who grew up in a household where emotions were ignored or belittled may find it difficult to validate their own child’s emotional needs.
This can show up in a variety of ways, such as:
Anxiety or depression
Emotional distance in parent-child relationships
Difficulty forming secure attachments
A parent may deeply love their child but struggle to connect emotionally, often because their own emotional needs were never met. Without intervention, this cycle continues.
Awareness: The First Step Toward Healing
Many parents don't realize how much their upbringing influences their parenting style. When patterns repeat, despite their best intentions, it can lead to feelings of guilt or frustration.
Recognizing that mental health is a critical part of parenting is the first, courageous step. Just like physical health, emotional well-being deserves attention, care, and support.
The Reality of Mental Health Access in Illinois
Unfortunately, getting mental health support isn’t always easy.
In Illinois:
1 in 5 adults experiences mental illness
Only 43% receive treatment
Barriers include:
A shortage of mental health professionals
Financial limitations or lack of insurance
Stigma around seeking mental health care
A lack of services in rural areas
These challenges leave many families without the support they desperately need.
Bridging the Gap Through Community Support
To address these disparities, local initiatives are stepping up. Community outreach, educational workshops, and partnerships are helping to:
Raise awareness about mental health
Provide parenting support tools
Connect families to local resources
Programs focusing on support groups and trauma-informed care empower parents to prioritize their mental health and better support their children.
Why Therapy Matters
Therapy can be a transformative tool for healing generational trauma. With professional guidance, parents can:
Explore how their past affects their present
Learn healthy coping strategies
Develop more secure and connected relationships with their children
More than personal healing, this work sets a powerful example for children, teaching them emotional resilience, self-awareness, and the value of seeking help.
The Role of Communication
Open, honest communication is vital in fostering mental well-being within families. When children are encouraged to express their emotions and are met with empathy, they develop stronger emotional intelligence and resilience.
A supportive home environment, where feelings are acknowledged rather than dismissed, creates a foundation for long-term mental wellness.
Breaking the Cycle: Creating a New Legacy
When parents take the time to address their own mental health, they do more than just heal themselves. They lay the groundwork for a new family legacy, one rooted in love, empathy, and understanding.
By:
Acknowledging the impact of intergenerational trauma
Seeking support and resources
Creating safe spaces for emotional expression
Parents can give their children the tools they may never have had themselves. Healing generational wounds is not an overnight process. It requires courage, patience, and often, outside support. But every step a parent takes toward healing helps create a brighter, healthier future for the next generation.
Prioritizing mental health in parenting isn't just about breaking cycles; it's about building new ones that promote resilience, compassion, and emotional well-being.
Resources for Illinoisans
If you or someone you know is in need of mental health support, here are some trusted resources available to Illinois residents:
Mental Health Support & Services
Call4Calm
Text “TALK” to 552020 (or “HABLAR” for Spanish)
A free, anonymous text line where you’ll be connected with a mental health professional in your area for support.
Illinois Warm Line
1-866-359-7953 (Monday–Saturday, 8am–8pm)
Peer support for those living with mental health or substance use challenges. Offers non-crisis support, coping tools, and referrals.
A comprehensive database of free or low-cost services, including mental health, food, housing, and more.
Therapy & Professional Support
Offers free education, support groups, and advocacy for individuals and families affected by mental illness.
NAMI Helpline: 1-800-950-NAMI (6264)
Family & Parenting Support
Mental health consultation services for parents of young children, especially in early learning environments.
Offers resources for family engagement, trauma-informed care, and parenting support.
A hub for family-driven support in behavioral health, offering training, peer support, and connection to local services.
About the Author
Andrea S. Fanta is a statewide mental health extension specialist with the Integrated Health Disparities (IHD) program. She holds a master’s degree in occupational therapy and is currently a doctoral fellow in Human Development and Family Studies at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
Andrea brings years of experience working with families and is dedicated to increasing social justice in mental health. Through her work with national and local coalitions, she helps strengthen communities by addressing health disparities through integrated approaches that encompass physical, mental, and community health.