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.

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.

falling asleep must have felt the same

letting go meant death

Every time he felt himself drifting off, the fear would jolt him back into wakefulness.

when brain pathways of remembering are hindered during periods of threat or danger.