Systems-Generated Trauma: What We Can Learn From Recent Research.
- louisehenderson307
- Nov 24
- 3 min read
A new report from Cerebra (Systems Generated Trauma - Cerebra 18 November 2025) explores something many parent-carers and families have experienced but struggled to name: systems-generated trauma. Rather than focusing solely on day-to-day caregiving the research highlights the impact of interacting with complex systems; healthcare, education and social services that aren’t always designed with families’ realities in mind.
The Cerebra report on systems-generated trauma (Nov 2025) surveyed over 1,200 parent-carers and revealed the widespread impact of navigating complex systems. The majority reported that dealing with healthcare, education and social services caused more stress than other major life events. Around 70% of families noted negative effects on their mental and physical health, while 65% experienced financial strain linked to system interactions. Over 50% reported disruptions to their children’s education including school exclusions and nearly 60% expressed a loss of trust in public services, feeling misunderstood, blamed or unfairly challenged. The report emphasises that these challenges are systemic rather than isolated, highlighting the urgent need for trauma-informed approaches and advocacy support for families.
The findings open a broader conversation: what does it mean when the systems meant to support us can also contribute to stress, anxiety and exhaustion? And how can we approach this in a way that’s constructive, informed and compassionate for both carers and the professionals working within these systems?
My Lived Experience
Speaking from my own experience as a parent-carer to two neurodivergent children, I know first hand how exhausting it can be to navigate multiple systems at once. The constant meetings, appointments, assessments and need to explain my children repeatedly can feel like the never-ending story and doesn't always result their needs being correctly identified or even met. It’s not just the practical challenges of caregiving it’s the emotional toll of feeling unheard, invalidated, misunderstood or judged while trying to access the right support for your child.
Sharing this openly is important because it reflects the reality many families live every day.
Key Themes From a Counselling Perspective
From a counselling and trauma-informed lens there are a few points worth considering:
1. Validation and recognition: Feeling stressed or frustrated when navigating systems does not mean you’re failing. Acknowledging these experiences can reduce overwhelm and self-blame.
2. The role of uncertainty: Waiting, repeated assessments and complex procedures can create chronic stress. Counselling can help families develop strategies to tolerate uncertainty without internalising it.
3. Interpersonal impact: The emotional load of navigating systems often affects family relationships. Counselling can support communication, boundary-setting and emotional regulation within the household.
If you choose to engage with Counselling you can find Counsellors on Psychology Today, BACP Website, NCPS Website, Counselling Directory via your GP and by using a search engine to find one in your area.
Coping Strategies for Navigating Systemic Stress
Even when systems are challenging, there are ways to protect your wellbeing:
1. Micro-boundaries: Set clear, manageable limits around appointments, phone calls and meetings.
Small pauses can reduce cumulative stress.
2. External processing: Journaling or talking with peers allows families to process experiences and identify patterns without internalising frustration or guilt.
3. Community support: Engaging with parent support networks or neurodivergent-led groups can offer perspective, validation, and practical advice, reminding you that your experiences are shared and understood.
Additional Support Strategies:
Seek an advocate: Having an advocate for yourself and your child can help navigate complex systems, ensuring your voice is heard and reducing stress during meetings and assessments.
Connect with local organisations: Linking with local charities, support groups, and community services can provide practical guidance, resources, and emotional support.
An Invitation to Reflect
This research raises questions for all of us:
How can systems better support families without adding extra pressure?
How do we balance accountability and care without generating trauma?
And how can parent-carers advocate for themselves while managing the ongoing responsibilities of caregiving?
If you’re a parent-carer feeling the weight of systemic stress you’re not alone. It can help to have spaces to discuss, reflect and experiment with small, practical coping strategies.
Resources like Just Surviving? It's OK to Want More offer gentle approaches to reclaiming small moments of wellbeing without adding extra pressure:
Opening conversations about systemic stress helps end the stigma around the emotional toll of caregiving.
It’s not about blaming anyone—it’s about recognising complexity and supporting families in realistic, sustainable ways.
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