The impact of trauma on the brain is complex but here are some important things to know:
The amygdala is a part of the brain that scans for threat. It’s like our brain’s fire alarm. The traumatized brain has an overactive amygdala. The fire alarm keeps going off even if there is no smoke or fire.
One of the roles of the hippocampus is memory formation. Due to trauma, the hippocampus’ functioning is impacted, leading to difficulties in forming and consolidating memories. This can result in fragmented or distorted recollections of the traumatic event.
Our prefrontal cortex is responsible for executive functioning skills, like weighing decisions, planning, and problem-solving. When something is assessed as dangerous or a threat, our prefrontal cortex isn’t working as much. Trauma disrupts the prefrontal cortex, leading to difficulties in regulating emotions, making rational decisions, and controlling impulsive behavior.
The good news in all of this is that our brains are resilient and can be rewired and changed to restore better functioning in these areas of the brain. Interested in how?
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This information is not a replacement for professional help.
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