Independence Day: Healing Intergenerational Trauma

​Every year, millions of South Asians commemorate their countries’ independence days. With immense pride and admiration, South Asians honor and celebrate this joyous day by flag hoisting and singing along to patriotic songs. For nations like Pakistan and India, August 14 and August 15 respectively mark the end of colonial rule and the birth of new sovereign states. However, behind the vibrant and inspiring festivities lies a foundational past of partition, violence, and displacement engraved by colonialism. The collective memory and trauma from these experiences has been passed down through generations, leaving lasting wounds and unknowingly shaping the mental health of future South Asian populations. 

​The Historical Context: Independence and Partition

The midnight of August 14th,1947 marked the end of British rule in the Indian subcontinent, ultimately leading to the separation and creation of two independent states: India and Pakistan. Such separation led to Pakistan celebrating their independence on the 14th and India celebrating on the 15th. Although this divide momentarily sparked a feeling of freedom, it was accompanied by one of the largest and most traumatic mass migrations in history. This agonizing divide resulted in displacement of an estimated 14 million people and about 2 million deaths. These events left deep and scarring psychological wounds, impacting not only South Asians present during the separation, but also subsequent future generations who inherited the trauma in the United States. 

​Intergenerational Trauma: The Impact of History

Intergenerational trauma refers to the transmission of the effects of trauma from one generation to the next. In South Asian countries, trauma from war, partition, religion, and colonial oppression has been passed down through stories, tales, and cultural practices. Flashbacks of violence, loss, and displacement are embedded in the collective consciousness of many, influencing the mental health and social behaviors of following generations. 

Many South Asians can attest to intergenerational trauma; between experiencing a heightened sense of anxiety to difficulty in forming secure attachments, deep-rooted trauma remains prevalent in everyday life. A client at JiVA Mental Health describes their experience of intergenerational trauma:

 "When I began therapy, I didn't realize how much of my pain was connected to my family's past. The stories of struggle and survival I grew up hearing weren't just history—they were alive in me, affecting my relationships and sense of self. Therapy with JiVA has helped me see the connections and start the process of untangling my own identity from the trauma of previous generations."

​Emotional and Mental Resilience through Cultural Practices 

Amongst the emotional and psychological challenges of intergenerational trauma, a silver lining goes unnoticed - the development of resilience and growth despite adversity. Commemorating and celebrating Independence Days with honor, even while acknowledging the associated pain, allows South Asians to honor their ancestors’ sacrifices and bravery. Such rituals of remembrance help communities process their trauma and find new meaning in their experiences, fostering a sense of resilience to engage in a healing process. 

It is important to remember that just as much as we honor the sacrifices and bravery of our ancestors, intergenerational wisdom also teaches us to honor their strengths and rituals that help us manage challenging emotions. At JiVA Mental Health, acknowledging and accepting our scars is a crucial part of finding our inner strength. Through therapy with South Asian professionals at JiVa, you can confide in someone who truly understands your journey, collectively healing wounds and replenishing your soul. Finding solace in others who may be experiencing similar struggles is key to finding peace within yourself. Sharing your journey and receiving unconditional support establishes a trusting community- one where your story can be told in confidence. At JiVa, we do it all- strength, stories, and soul. 

​Building a Resilient Future

Educating younger generations about the history of their countries’ struggles for independence and its shared trauma is crucial in healing generational wounds and building resilience. By acknowledging scars from the past and working to heal them, South Asians can transform their historical trauma into a source of strength, ensuring that future generations are not only survivors of history but are curators of a deep legacy. 

By Ayusha Rajesh, 2024
Ektha Aggarwal, LCSW