Black History Month

Black History Month is a time for celebration, as we recognize the adversity and resilience that Black people in America experience.

As a white counselor, I approach this topic with humility and recognition of my limited understanding. I lack the lived experience to fully grasp the depth and complexity of this trauma. However, it is crucial for all of us to engage with these issues, acknowledging the historical injustices that continue to impact Black communities today. By doing so, we can work towards a more compassionate and equitable society that attunes to the needs of all people. 

Let’s look further into what scholars have to say, what multigenerational trauma looks like, and how we can foster resilience.

As we observe this month, it feels necessary to acknowledge the immense impact of historical trauma on the Black community. Dr. Joy DeGruy is a social worker and scholar who has studied this legacy of trauma and in 2005 published the theory of Post Traumatic Slave Syndrome (PTSS) (Degruy 2005). This syndrome highlights the multigenerational effects of slavery, racism, and oppression of Black people.

Multigenerational trauma refers to the transmission of traumatic experiences from one generation to the next. This phenomenon manifests not only through its psychological impacts, but it also involves biological and epigenetic changes. Epigenetic research suggests that stress and trauma can alter gene expression related to stress and soothing, potentially affecting the health and well-being of future generations (Yehuda & Lehrner 2018). Research in mice indicates this epigenetic change to impact four future generations (Van Steenweck et. al 2018). While the scientific community continues to explore these mechanisms, the concept underscores the enduring nature of the historical trauma of Black Americans and subsequently, the necessary mental health attention to the impacts of racism and adversity that Black folks experience.

Dr. DeGruy's work on PTSS provides a framework for understanding how centuries of oppression have shaped the experiences of Black Americans. Her theory outlines key behavioral patterns resulting from this trauma, including damaged self-esteem, a propensity for coping through anger and violence, and internalized racism. These patterns are not only psychological but also deeply intertwined with developing social and cultural factors which provide or limit access to mental-healthcare and resources.

 Studies show that about 62% of Black males have directly experienced a traumatic event, 72% have witnessed a traumatic event, and 59% have learned of a traumatic event involving a friend or family member (Afful et al., 2010; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2016; Davis et al., 2008; Fein, Wade, & Cronholm, 2013; Kilpatrick et al., 2013; Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 2014; Tolin & Breslau, 2007). The lifetime prevalence of PTSD is also higher among Black individuals, with a rate of 8.7% compared to 7.4% for Whites and 7.0% for Hispanics (Cambridge University Press). Black individuals are also at a higher risk of developing PTSD after trauma exposure (Clear Behavioral Health). These statistics indicate the unique mental health struggles that Black people experience.

            Despite the ongoing challenges posed by historical trauma, Black communities have consistently demonstrated remarkable resilience, pride, and access to joy. This resilience is rooted in cultural strengths, community support, as well as individual coping strategies. Here is a reminder of some ways to foster resilience:

●      Community Support: Engaging with supportive networks and community organizations can provide a sense of belonging and shared understanding. This can include participating in cultural events, joining community groups, or seeking out mentorship programs.

●      Cultural Pride and Identity: Embracing cultural heritage and celebrating Black pride can help counteract any impacts of internalized racism. This involves recognizing and honoring the achievements and contributions of Black individuals throughout history!

●      Mindfulness and Self-Care: Practicing mindfulness, meditation, and other self-care activities can help manage tension and stress and promote emotional well-being. These practices can be particularly beneficial in coping with the ongoing effects of trauma.

●      Seeking Professional Help: Mental health counseling can provide a safe space to process trauma and develop coping strategies. Therapists can help individuals and families navigate the complex emotional landscape of historical trauma.

●      Advocacy and Activism: Engaging in advocacy and activism can empower individuals to address systemic injustices and work towards creating a more equitable society. This can involve supporting policy changes, participating in community organizing, or educating others about the impacts of historical trauma.

Healing from multigenerational trauma requires a multifaceted approach that includes acknowledging the past, creating safe spaces for dialogue, and advocating for systemic change. It involves recognizing the strengths and resilience that have allowed Black communities to survive and thrive despite centuries of adversity. As we honor Black History Month, let us commit to ongoing education, empathy, and compassionate action towards healing and justice.

For continued reading, note these works by Black authors:

●     The Unapologetic Guide to Black Mental Health by Rheeda Walker

●     The Body Is Not an Apology by Sonya Renee Taylor

●     Bipolar Faith: A Black Woman's Journey with Depression and Faith by Monica A. Coleman

●     Decolonizing Therapy By Jennifer Mullan

●     Post Traumatic Slave Syndrome by Joy DeGruy

References

Afful, S. E., Strickland, J. C., & Cottler, L. B. (2010). Trauma and substance abuse in African American men. Journal of Traumatic Stress, 23(5), 555–563. doi: 10.1002/jts.20557

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2016). Homicide rates among persons aged 10–24 years—United States, 2006–2010. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm6502a1.htm

Fein, J. A., Wade, R., & Cronholm, P. F. (2013). The effects of violence on children. Pediatric Clinics of North America, 60(5), 1055–1067. doi: 10.1016/j.pcl.2013.06.005

Kilpatrick, D. G., Resnick, H. S., Milanak, M. E., Miller, M. W., Keyes, K. M., & Friedman, M.

J. (2013). National estimates of exposure to traumatic events and PTSD prevalence using DSM-IV and DSM-5 criteria. Journal of Traumatic Stress, 26(5), 537–547. doi: 10.1002/jts.21848

McLean Hospital. (2025). Understanding Mental Health in Black Communities. Retrieved from https://www.mcleanhospital.org/essential/black-mental-health

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). (2024). Black/African American.

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2014). Trauma-informed care in behavioral health services.

Tolin, D. F., & Breslau, N. (2007). Sex differences in risk and resilience for posttraumatic stress disorder. Psychological Trauma: Theory, Research, Practice, and Policy, S(1), 25–33. doi: 10.1037/1942-9681.S.1.25

Van Steenwyk G, Roszkowski M, Manuella F, Franklin TB, Mansuy IM. Transgenerational inheritance of behavioral and metabolic effects of paternal exposure to traumatic stress in early postnatal life: evidence in the 4th generation. Environ Epigenet. 2018 Oct 16;4(2):dvy023. doi: 10.1093/eep/dvy023. PMID: 30349741; PMCID: PMC6190267.

Yehuda, R., & Lehrner, A. (2018). Intergenerational transmission of trauma effects: Putative role of epigenetic mechanisms. World Psychiatry, 17(3), 260–273. doi: 10.1002/wps.20535