Simone's Story: Epigenetics, Motherhood, and Intergenerational Trauma

In this episode, Danik shares the full story of her great-grandmother Simone, who was institutionalized in the early 1950s in rural French Ontario, and explores how intergenerational trauma can live on in our bodies decades later. Through archival medical records, family history, and lived experience as a mother, Danik weaves together epigenetics, patriarchy, psychiatric violence, and motherhood—revealing how trauma, abandonment wounds, and survival patterns are passed down, and how awareness can become the beginning of healing.

In this episode, we explore:

• Simone’s institutionalization, medical trauma, and the reality of motherhood under 1950s patriarchal systems
• How intergenerational trauma and epigenetics can show up in motherhood, anxiety, and the nervous system
• Why understanding our ancestors’ stories can release long-held emotional and somatic wounds

If this episode resonated, follow Danik on Instagram @danikhelpsmoms where she shares ongoing series on intergenerational trauma, cycle-breaking, and nervous system-informed motherhood. And if you’re beginning your own healing journey, consider what support you need to safely explore your family history—you don’t have to do this alone.

DISCLAIMER:

This podcast is not meant to replace psychotherapy from a licensed mental health professional, does not give medical advice, is not a mental health assessment tool, and does not provide a diagnosis. This podcast is meant for educational and entertainment purposes only.