It Didn't Start with You: How Inherited Family Trauma Shapes Who We Are and How to End the Cycle

the DNA responsible for transmitting physical traits, such as the color of our hair, eyes, and skin—surprisingly makes up less than 2 percent of our total DNA.14 The other 98 percent consists of what is called noncoding DNA (ncDNA), and is responsible for many of the emotional, behavioral, and personality traits we inherit.

if I just worried hard enough, I could insulate myself from what I feared most.

I wondered why I gave my thoughts such power.

was sinking into sludge.

Who looks outside dreams; who looks inside awakes.

major depression or another mood or anxiety disorder

produced less cortisol, a characteristic they can pass on to their children

stress is associated with high cortisol levels

low cortisol levels in people who experience an acute traumatic event

depression, anxiety, numbness, insomnia, nightmares, frightening thoughts, and being easily startled or “on edge.