What Affect Does Trauma Have on the Brain?

While most of us have a basic idea of what trauma is and what it might look like, fewer understand the effects it can have on the brain. Trauma isn’t just a mental health issue that comes and goes. Rather, when you experience a traumatic event, the way your brain works changes. 

Specifically, there are three areas of the brain that are directly impacted by trauma — the amygdala, the hippocampus, and the prefrontal cortex. 

Let’s take a closer look at these areas and how experiencing trauma affects them both short- and long-term. 

How Trauma Impacts the Amygdala

The main job of the amygdala is to control your emotions. However, it’s also responsible for causing your “survival instincts” to kick in. You’ve probably heard of the “fight or flight” response, which is triggered by the amygdala. 

The fight or flight response is great for when you’re experiencing real, genuine moments of danger. It’s designed to protect you and keep you safe by helping you decide the best way out of a harmful situation. 

Unfortunately, the amygdala can start working overtime when you’ve been through a traumatic experience. It becomes hyperactive and can make it nearly impossible for you to relax. You might always be “on edge” or be incredibly aware of your surroundings.

That can cause you to isolate yourself and only do things that are well within your comfort zone. You might be hesitant to meet new people or take part in different experiences because you automatically assume they’re dangerous. 

How Trauma Impacts the Hippocampus

The hippocampus is the part of the brain directly connected to memory and learning. People who have experienced trauma often experience high levels of frequent stress, which has been shown to “shrink” the hippocampus. 

When someone has a smaller hippocampus or cells within the structure are destroyed, it can lead to memory issues. Trauma survivors often struggle with vivid memories or flashbacks of what happened to them but might have a hard time remembering other important things. Unfortunately, that can make the feelings of fear and uncertainty much worse.

How Trauma Impacts the Prefrontal Cortex

The prefrontal cortex is responsible for emotional regulation. Kids and teenagers don’t have fully-formed prefrontal cortexes, which is why it’s easy for them to be more impulsive or do something without really thinking things through. 

As a trauma survivor, your prefrontal cortex might not work properly. It is meant to signal the amygdala in every situation to reassure that part of the brain you’re safe. When your prefrontal cortex isn’t working the way it should, you might find yourself in a state of panic and anxiety more often than not. You might have a hard time processing your own emotions or expressing them in healthy ways. 

What Can You Do?

Being a trauma survivor involves so much more than what we see in movies and on television. Trauma directly affects the brain and can create lasting issues that negatively impact your quality of life. 

Thankfully, you don’t have to struggle with those problems forever. With the right help, you can fully process what you went through and begin the healing process. Your trauma doesn’t have to define your life forever, and your brain can shift and change again as you start to overcome those frightening memories. 

Getting professional help is the best thing you can do if you’ve experienced trauma. Together, we’ll go back to the source and work on effective ways to heal and overcome your everyday symptoms and intrusive thoughts. You’re not alone in this journey. Don’t hesitate to contact me for more information or to set up an appointment.