You may be familiar with the term “generational trauma“, which refers to the transmission of traumatic experiences from one generation to the next, resulting in lasting psychological and physiological effects on individuals, families, and communities. With the growing knowledge about this phenomenon, experts in a number of capacities can offer pathways to healing that many people are turning to, with the goal of breaking the ongoing patterns.
Nicole Russell-Wharton is no stranger to generational trauma, which she has experienced as a manifestation of health issues passed down through the women in her family, originating from the enslavement of her ancestors. But today, Nicole is undoubtedly her ancestors’ wildest dreams, as a bestselling author, award-winning mental health expert and a Glamour Magazine “Everyday Hero of the Year” in 2013. She is also the founder of the Precious Dreams foundation, which works to equip kids and young adults in the foster care system and among the homeless population with healthy coping techniques, holistic healing and pathways to success and independence.
A passionate advocate for social justice, Nicole has just released her highly anticipated third book, ‘Breaking Generational Silence‘, a powerful memoir that gives readers the tools to identify and tackle generational trauma, by sharing her own experiences.
‘Breaking Generational Silence’ dives deep into the emotional and physical impact slavery had on her family’s health, having survived a near-death experience herself and confronting thoracic endometriosis—a condition passed down silently through generations of women in her lineage. Nicole tackles how unspoken pain affects Black families and continues to perpetuate systemic injustices they face, especially in healthcare.
Today in the United States, Black Women face some of the worst health disparities in the country, including being 3-4 times more likely to die from pregnancy-related complications. Additionally, because of existing medical bias and systemic racism, Black women often experience under-treatment of pain, leading to misdiagnosis and inadequate care for conditions like endometriosis.
With the tools she now has under her belt, Nicole is on a mission to inspire Black women to reclaim their health and build stronger legacies for future generations. Since February is Black History Month, and March is Endometriosis Awareness Month, we were lucky enough to get some one-on-one time with Nicole to learn why bodily autonomy is a non-negotiable, more medical professionals need to be trauma-informed, and the foundational tools that she recommends for anyone beginning their generational healing journey.
With the release of your third book, how are you feeling, and taking care of yourself?
In this moment, I feel grounded and well. I’m trying to give myself permission to celebrate despite all of the chaos in the world and responsibility that I carry through my work and at all. With this release, I’m trying to remind myself that I deserve to experience joy, even on the most hectic and challenging days.
Ok let’s dive into ‘Breaking Generational Silence’ – how did the idea for the book come about, and what are the main themes you address in your book?
This book was inspired by an extremely challenging time in my life as I was desperately seeking both a diagnosis to understand my health challenges and answers from my loved ones about the genes I carry. After receiving a thoracic endometriosis diagnosis, and after my second emergency surgery in under a month, I learned that my issues could’ve been prevented through conversation.
It began as a deep dive into documenting my family history for future generations and evolved into a work that is now part memoir, part guide. I recognized that the healing I found through this process could help others save lives and break cycles of silence. In Breaking Generational Silence, I address a range of topics my family rarely discussed like finances, religion, violence, health, job security, and much more.
The impact of generational trauma is very evident in your story, from enslavement to endometriosis, and even a near-death experience. Why is it important for readers to be aware of generational trauma, when thinking about present-day healing?
One word – epigenetics! I emphasize the importance of understanding generational trauma because our family history matters now and always will. The experiences of our ancestors don’t die with the life that experienced it. Their traumas leave a lasting imprint on our families, behaviors, and even our biology. With epigenetics, science has shown us how trauma can alter gene expression, meaning the effects of stress, violence, and systemic oppression can be passed down. And it’s not just about emotional inheritance; it’s about how these factual histories play a part in shaping our physical and mental health today.
When readers learn about their generational trauma, they can start to recognize patterns in their own lives, behaviors and struggles. The truth can set people up for success, or at least give them a fair start by providing the knowledge needed to understand and confront the things about themselves that they wish to improve or heal. Acknowledging these truths is the first step toward breaking cycles of silence and dysfunction. It empowers us to take control of our healing, not just for ourselves, but for those that will come after us.
As February is Black History Month, and March is Women’s History Month, we can’t not talk about the numerous health disparities that Black women in America face even to this day. Having experienced health issues yourself, can you talk about the need to address systemic racism if we ever truly hope to have better healthcare in the United States?
I think the most important thing that every American must accept is that we’re not all treated the same. We wish to be but we’re not and it’s an unfortunate truth that until we all acknowledge and address, we can’t make true progress. The studies show time and time again that women and Black people in America do not receive equal care in healthcare. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Black women are approximately three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than White women and studies have shown that women are more likely to have their symptoms dismissed or underestimated by healthcare providers.
We need to be a nation that wants to do better by every American and we have to hold people accountable for their bias and discriminatory actions. We need to hold space in healthcare training for medical professionals to understand the power they have in shifting this narrative if they do the work and confront their biases, listen to marginalized voices, and implement equitable practices in patient care.
You also talk about reclaiming health, and empowering especially Black women to take control of their healthcare futures. What does this look like?
In ‘Breaking Generational Silence’, I share tips and ways all people can improve their approach and communication with their healthcare providers. We need to come prepared for appointments with questions, documented symptoms, and know as much about our personal and family health history as possible. Advocating for yourself is a must, whether that means asking for clarification, requesting additional tests, or seeking a second opinion when something doesn’t feel right.
In unfortunate circumstances, we must be willing to speak up and demand proper care, even when it feels uncomfortable. Our health depends on it, and being proactive can make all the difference in receiving the quality care we deserve. No matter what health issues I face, I will do my part to fight them to the best of my ability, and I’ll leave the rest to the professionals.
Why should more medical professionals have trauma-informed training, and how can it lead to better healthcare outcomes, based on your own work and experiences?
As humans, we all have different triggers and require unique approaches based on our cultural backgrounds and upbringings. In my work providing mental health services to youth in foster care and homeless shelters, I noticed a significant shift in my ability to connect with and understand each person’s sensitivities and needs after receiving trauma-informed training. There were things I would’ve never understood without that training, signs and symptoms of trauma that might have otherwise been overlooked.
I wish every healthcare professional could receive trauma-informed training, particularly to better recognize non-verbal cues and support individuals who are feeling anxious, mistrustful, or overwhelmed. If more medical professionals had this training, we would see better patient outcomes, stronger provider-patient relationships, and a reduction in healthcare disparities.
You are also a bestselling author! How has writing become a source of healing for you, and become a vital ingredient to your work in mental health?
Writing is where I break my silence time and time again. It’s my tool for processing my thoughts, preparing for conversations, or building connections with others. Being an author is something that came organically to me because I wanted to use my work to build community and inspire hope for others. It’s always been my way of reaching and helping people I’ll never meet or share space with.
Can you explain why bodily autonomy, and knowing what is best for your own body, can help each of us be our own best advocates?
Bodily autonomy is a right that every child and adult should have, no matter how confident they may feel about their choices. Some people search their entire lives to find themselves yet and still no one will ever know you better than you know yourself. I wrote this book so we can build our confidence in what we know not just about our families but ourselves.
We can’t expect others to understand our position or read our minds without having a good grasp on our needs. This pertains to both romantic relationships and our experiences with healthcare professionals. Your doctor can only diagnose you based on what you share, so we need to be attuned to our bodies, we need to be aware of our symptoms and changes.
When I was pregnant with my son, Cash, I continuously advocated for myself, even in the final hours and minutes before I began to push. Despite never having experienced labor before, I knew what I needed, and no one could convince me otherwise, no matter how much data or experience they had in labor and delivery. My body was telling me what it needed.
What are some foundational tools you can share with someone looking to break their own family’s generational silence, and begin a healing journey?
Start slow and give your family grace. Breaking generational silence is a complex process, and it’s important to recognize that everyone processes pain, trauma, and change differently. I believe that patience and respect are the key to creating safe space, even if it’s not initially mutual. If you want to confront a family issue or uncomfortable topic, you’ll need to facilitate conversations without expectation and a sense of calm that will allow others to let their guards down in the moment or at a later time when they’re ready.
When you’re determined to grow or heal through a situation or on a specific topic with your family, you’ll set the tone and invite people in, invite them into a space of vulnerability and understanding, but you can’t demand an immediate outcome. It’s not about forcing change or the truth, it’s about encouraging your loved ones to see that healing can happen and that you’re invested in building a stronger bond or learning about their experiences.
Finally I would also say, look within and ask yourself if you have any triggers or unresolved trauma that you need to work through with a therapist or mental health professional before unpacking with others. If you’re not emotionally prepared, these conversations can throw off your own healing journey and feel overwhelming or counterproductive. Taking time to process your own feelings and experiences first.
The book is filled with conversation starters, self-reflection questions and even questions for others. I would suggest using it as a tool, but remember that every person is different, and you’ll need to tailor your approach to each individual’s capacity, willingness, and unique experiences.
Purchase a copy of ‘Breaking Generational Silence‘, out NOW! Follow Nicole Russell-Wharton on Instagram to keep up with all her work.
