Imprisoned in a Web of Trauma

Explore the cycle of intergenerational trauma and its impact on substance abuse, addiction, mental health disorders, and criminal behavior in this 18-minute TEDx talk. Discover how toxic stress exposure in childhood can lead to severe emotional and cognitive problems, affecting relationship formation and potentially resulting in depression, anxiety, or PTSD. Learn about the progression from childhood trauma to adolescent risk-taking behaviors and adult perpetuation of violence. Gain insights into breaking this cycle through increased access to mental health and substance abuse treatment, education, and community awareness. Presented by Jennifer Karapetian, Supervising Deputy District Attorney for the Vulnerable Victim's Unit of the Santa Barbara County District Attorney's Office, drawing from her extensive experience prosecuting cases involving child abuse, domestic violence, and human trafficking.