It Didnt Start with You (Mark Wolynn)

£4.00

It Didn't Start with You by Mark Wolynn explores the idea that anxiety, depression, and other emotional struggles can be rooted in inherited family trauma. Drawing on research in epigenetics and family systems theory, Wolynn argues that unresolved trauma from previous generations can influence behaviour and mental health. The book offers practical tools and reflective exercises to help readers identify inherited patterns, process unresolved pain, and break cycles that may not have originated in their own lifetime.

It Didn't Start with You by Mark Wolynn explores the idea that anxiety, depression, and other emotional struggles can be rooted in inherited family trauma. Drawing on research in epigenetics and family systems theory, Wolynn argues that unresolved trauma from previous generations can influence behaviour and mental health. The book offers practical tools and reflective exercises to help readers identify inherited patterns, process unresolved pain, and break cycles that may not have originated in their own lifetime.

  • From a GLAS Method perspective, It Didn’t Start with You deeply strengthens Emotions / Awareness, Relationships / Connection, and Growth / Learning by helping individuals uncover hidden drivers of behaviour that often derail alignment between intention and action. GLAS emphasises noticing internal states before they drive reactive or compensatory patterns — and Wolynn’s work shows that many such patterns aren’t random, but inherited. Awareness of ancestral influence allows individuals to differentiate inherited responses from authentic needs, reducing internal conflict and emotional noise that drain energy.

    The book also impacts Relationships / Connection by reframing personal struggles within a relational, multigenerational context. Understanding how familial narratives and emotional legacies shape present interactions fosters compassion both for self and others. This relational insight supports deeper empathy, reduces projection and blame cycles, and enhances psychological safety — all of which make communication more authentic and connection more resilient, core GLAS aspirations.

    Finally, It Didn’t Start with You reinforces Growth / Learning and Purpose / Meaning by translating unconscious patterns into narratives that can be understood, reassessed, and integrated. This narrative clarity empowers individuals to make intentional choices rather than repeat inherited reaction patterns. In GLAS terms, such clarity helps people align behaviour with values rather than unconscious survival responses, preserving emotional energy and strengthening coherence across elements such as vitality, joy, and fulfilment.