Intergenerational trauma in Indian Mauritians: A case for support

Indian Mauritians, a unique subset of the South Asian diaspora, often find themselves left out of broader conversations about South Asian identity. The South Asian diaspora encompasses individuals of South Asian origin who reside outside their ancestral homelands, including regions like the Caribbean, Africa and Europe. Indian Mauritians represent a unique subset of this diaspora, shaped by the dual migration from India to Mauritius and later to the UK. This layered migration history adds complexity to their cultural identity and mental health experiences. 

With a history of migration spanning multiple generations - from India to Mauritius during the partition, and later to the UK - this community carries a distinctive blend of cultural and psychological challenges. The layered experiences of being "twice removed" from their ancestral land create complex mental health needs that demand greater understanding and support.

The legacy of intergenerational trauma

Intergenerational trauma occurs when the psychological impact of trauma experienced by one generation is passed down to subsequent generations. For Indian Mauritians, this trauma stems from colonial displacement, forced cultural adaptations and the ongoing pressures of acculturation in the UK. These factors result in a dual-layered identity: tied to their Indian roots yet shaped by a diverse Mauritian culture, all while trying to navigate life in Britain. This chronic stress has been linked to cognitive health risks, including a higher prevalence of dementia among migrant populations. 

The stress arising from cultural dissonance and identity struggles significantly increases the risk of dementia. This highlights the crucial importance of providing mental health support to Indian Mauritians at every stage of life, rather than waiting until later stages when intergenerational trauma is compounded by personal life challenges.

The role of cultural context

Unlike other South Asians originating directly from India, Indian Mauritians have had to reconstruct their identity in ways that do not fully align with mainstream South Asian cultural norms. This divergence often leads to feelings of exclusion. The collectivistic values of Indian Mauritians - centred on family, tradition and resilience - are nuanced by Mauritian history and culture, further differentiating them from other South Asians. However, this collectivism can also perpetuate enmeshment trauma, where personal boundaries are blurred and individuality is suppressed in favour of family obligations. This also occurs with a longing to belong to a community and where they may not be perceived to belong to other related communities e.g. versus South Asians directly originating from India. The lack of emotional attunement within families - where emotions are acknowledged and validated - is a recurring issue. Indian Mauritians, deeply invested in survival and material success, often neglect their emotional well-being, exacerbating intergenerational trauma.

The importance of emotional attunement

Emotional attunement - the ability to recognise, understand and respond to another’s emotional state - is crucial for everyone’s mental health. In Indian Mauritian families, the focus on achieving success often overshadows emotional connection. This misalignment can create cycles of misunderstanding, unmet emotional needs and unresolved trauma across generations. Breaking this cycle requires prioritising mental health. Emotional attunement nurtures resilience, strengthens family bonds and addresses deep-seated traumas. Indian Mauritians must recognise that success is not solely defined by financial stability but also by their emotional well-being.

How intergenerational trauma manifests in thoughts, behaviours and language

Intergenerational trauma is not just a psychological phenomenon but a cultural one, woven into the very fabric of a community’s daily life, including thoughts, feelings, behaviours and language. For Indian Mauritians, the legacy of migration, colonisation and slavery has deeply influenced how they perceive and express themselves.

Thoughts: Internalised critical narratives

Indian Mauritians may inherit critical or harsh self-narratives, a psychological reflection of generations that endured survival under colonial rule. This can manifest as perfectionism, self-doubt or a relentless drive to succeed at all costs, often accompanied by feelings of low self-esteem, low self-confidence, low self-worth which all add to feeling inadequate. These patterns are rooted in a history where survival depended on conforming to colonial or societal expectations, and any deviation was met with severe consequences.

Behaviours: The drive for survival and emotional suppression

The trauma of displacement and enslavement often translates into a focus on survival over emotional well-being. This manifests in a strong work ethic but also in a tendency to suppress emotions, prioritise material success, and avoid vulnerability. Family dynamics may reflect enmeshment, where personal boundaries are blurred, and individual needs are sacrificed for collective goals.

Language: A legacy of trauma and resilience

Language serves as both a vehicle for trauma and a testament to resilience. Indian Mauritians predominantly speak Mauritian Creole, a language born during the slavery era. Creole emerged as a means of covert communication among enslaved people, crafted to evade the understanding of French colonisers. As a result, the language is often characterised by directness, bluntness and a lack of elaborate politeness - a reflection of the harsh conditions under which it evolved.

For instance, the critical tone often found in Creole reflects the survival-driven mindset of its origin. Over generations, this linguistic directness has become normalised, perpetuating cycles of harsh self-talk and critical family communications. Similarly, the use of Bhojpuri, a simplified version of Hindi and Tamil reflects the Indian heritage preserved by indentured labourers during the British Empire rule. These languages, too, carry remnants of displacement and adaptation, creating a layered linguistic identity.

Healing through awareness

Understanding how language reflects trauma is crucial for breaking the cycle. By nurturing emotional attunement and encouraging compassionate communication, families can begin to heal. Psychotherapy that incorporates an understanding of linguistic and cultural history can help Indian Mauritians reconnect with their heritage while addressing the impacts of trauma.

Navigating tensions between Indian Mauritians and Indians

One of the unique challenges Indian Mauritians face is the tension between their community and Indians who directly originate from India. This friction often stems from perceptions of cultural differences. Indian families are traditionally known for their structured familial hierarchy and collective expectations, which can sometimes contrast with the relatively freer familial structures observed within Indian Mauritian communities.

Indian Mauritians often exhibit traits that Indians may misinterpret as a loss of "authenticity" in adhering to traditional South Asian values. This perception is compounded by:

• Language barriers: Indian Mauritians predominantly speak Creole, Bhojpuri or Tamil, whereas many Indians may only be familiar with Hindi or other Indian regional languages, creating a communication gap.
• Perceived individuality: Indian Mauritians may prioritise individuality and independence, a possible result of their historical experience of dual migrations, which Indians might view as contrary to collectivistic values.
• Judgemental attitudes: This misalignment can manifest in subtle or overt judgements about each other’s cultural practices, dress and social behaviours.

Addressing the divide through understanding and therapy

Psychotherapy can play a crucial role in helping Indian Mauritians:

• Unpack and process rejection: Psychotherapy provides a safe space to address the hurt caused by feeling judged or excluded.
• Redefine belonging: Exploring ways to affirm one’s identity without the need for external validation fosters resilience and self-acceptance.
• Bridge the gap: Encouraging dialogue and understanding between these communities can help reduce prejudice and promote empathy.

Ultimately, Indian Mauritians can hold true to their unique identity while remaining open to relationships with others in the diaspora. It’s essential to emphasise that Indian Mauritians’ perceived freedom isn’t a deficiency but a testament to their adaptability and resilience. Rather than viewing differences as divisive, they can serve as a reminder of the diversity within South Asian identities, enriching the collective experience.

Why psychotherapy helps intergenerational trauma

Indian Mauritians face unique mental health challenges shaped by their history, culture and migration experiences. These challenges demand urgent attention. By addressing intergenerational trauma and nurturing emotional attunement, Indian Mauritians can reclaim their emotional well-being and build a more resilient future through the awareness of their ancestral history. Mental health is not just an individual responsibility but a collective journey toward healing and growth.