How Trauma Affects the Brain—and What You Can Do to Heal

Experiencing a traumatic event can have lasting effects on both the mind and body. While the emotional pain of traumatic experiences is well understood, fewer people realize the significant ways trauma actually affects the brain’s functioning. Whether the trauma is caused by a single event, such as an accident or assault, or a prolonged experience, like childhood neglect, its impact on brain function can be profound and long term. Understanding how trauma affects different brain-areas can help make sense of emotional and physical reactions to stress and put it all into a tangible context. More importantly, recognizing changes that are felt and experienced is the first step toward healing.

The Brain’s Response to Trauma

When we experience something deeply distressing, our body’s stress response system is activated. This is commonly known as the fight- or- flight response—our body’s evolutionarily-informed way of preparing to face danger or escape it. While this response is meant to protect us in the moment, repeated or extreme stress can have lasting consequences on the brain and the body’s internal organ systems, too. Several key areas of the brain are affected by trauma, and each plays a role in how we process and respond to distressing events.

1. The Amygdala: The Brain’s Alarm System

The amygdala is the part of the brain responsible for detecting threats and generating emotional responses like fear and anxiety. When a traumatic event occurs, the amygdala becomes hyperactive, making it more likely to perceive danger—even in situations that are actually safe. This can lead to symptoms commonly associated with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), such as an exaggerated startle response, emotional reactivity, and persistent feelings of fear. Over time, an overactive amygdala can make it difficult to regulate emotions, leading to heightened anxiety and distress.

2. The Prefrontal Cortex: Regulating Rational Thought

The prefrontal cortex, located in the front of the brain, is responsible for logical thinking, decision-making, and impulse control. This part of the brain helps regulate the emotional signals sent by the amygdala, allowing us to assess whether something is truly a threat. However, trauma can weaken the prefrontal cortex, making it harder to regulate emotions, manage stress, and think clearly under pressure. This can result in heightened emotional responses, difficulty concentrating, and an increased likelihood of feeling overwhelmed by daily life.

3. The Hippocampus: Storing and Processing Memories

The hippocampus plays a crucial role in memory formation and distinguishing between past and present experiences. When trauma occurs, the hippocampus may shrink or become less active, making it difficult to process memories properly. This can lead to flashbacks, intrusive thoughts, and difficulty differentiating between a real threat and a memory of past trauma. For individuals with PTSD, the brain often fails to recognize that a traumatic memory is from the past, triggering an intense emotional response as if the event is happening again, in the immediate present.

The Long-Term Effects of Trauma on Brain Function

When trauma is unresolved, its effects can persist for years, influencing both mental and physical health. Some of the long-term consequences include:

• Heightened Stress Response: The body remains in a constant state of alertness, making relaxation and recovery difficult.
• Difficulty Regulating Emotions: Trauma survivors may struggle with intense emotional reactions, mood swings, or numbness.
• Increased Risk of Mental Health Issues: Anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder are common in individuals who have experienced trauma.
• Physical Health Problems: Chronic stress related to trauma can lead to digestive issues, heart problems, and a weakened immune system.

The severity of these effects often depends on the age of the person when the trauma occurred, the nature of the traumatic event, and whether they received support in processing their experiences.

How to Heal from Trauma

The good news is that while trauma can significantly impact brain function, healing is possible. With the right support, the brain can adapt and create new pathways for emotional regulation and resilience.

1. Therapy and Professional Support

Seeking help from a therapist trained in trauma-informed recovery can make a significant difference. Several evidence-based approaches are particularly effective in helping individuals process and heal from trauma:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Helps individuals recognize and reframe negative thought patterns associated with trauma.
• Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR): A therapy that helps process distressing memories so they no longer trigger intense emotional reactions.
• Somatic Therapy: Focuses on how trauma is stored in the body and teaches techniques to release physical tension and restore balance.

Reaching out to a mental health professional who specializes in trauma recovery can provide the guidance needed to process emotional trauma in a safe and supportive environment.

2. Rebuilding a Sense of Safety

One of the most important aspects of healing from trauma is creating a sense of security. This can include:

• Setting boundaries to protect mental and emotional well-being.
• Practicing mindfulness to stay grounded in the present moment.
• Engaging in self-care activities that promote relaxation and emotional balance.

By gradually rebuilding trust in oneself and others, trauma survivors can regain a sense of control and safety.

3. Strengthening Mind-Body Connection

Because trauma affects both mental and physical health, incorporating practices that engage the body can be a powerful part of healing. Activities like yoga, meditation, deep breathing, and physical exercise help regulate the stress response system and improve emotional resilience.

4. Seeking Support from Others

Connecting with trusted friends, family members, or support groups can provide comfort and encouragement throughout the healing process. Trauma often creates a sense of isolation, but reaching out for support can be a powerful step toward recovery.

Take the Next Step Toward Healing

If you’re struggling with the effects of trauma, know that help is available. At Wellington Counseling Group, our experienced therapists specialize in trauma recovery, offering compassionate support to help individuals regain balance and resilience. We provide evidence-based therapies tailored to your unique needs, whether you’re dealing with PTSD, emotional trauma, or long-term stress responses. We proudly serve Chicago neighborhoods, including River North, Lakeview and Lincoln Park as well as surrounding suburbs, such as Northbrook and the North Shore. If you’re ready to take the first step toward healing, contact us today to schedule a therapy session.