Blog Posts

Hi everyone, and welcome back to this weeks blog!  This week, I want to talk more about Trauma; more specifically what it does to our brain and overall brain function.

Trauma isn’t just a life event; it’s an experience that can fundamentally alter how our brain functions. Whether it’s from an accident, abuse, loss, or witnessing something horrific, the impact of trauma can be profound and long-lasting. In this post, we’ll explore how trauma affects various aspects of brain function, why it’s crucial to understand these changes, and what steps can be taken towards healing.

The Brain’s Response to Trauma

When we encounter a traumatic event, our brain’s immediate response is survival-focused. The brain “just does this” as it is its natural organic response. Here’s what happens:

Amygdala Activation: The amygdala, our brain’s alarm system, goes into overdrive. It literally sends out an “Amber Alert” to other parts of the brain (and body).  It heightens our sense of fear and anxiety, preparing us to fight, flee, or freeze. Chronic activation can lead to an oversensitive response to perceived threats even after the initial danger has passed. In other words, the more it is activated (perhaps daily) it becomes stuck and your body is on “overdrive” all day long.

Hippocampus Impact: The hippocampus, crucial for memory and context, can shrink in response to chronic stress or trauma. This can result in memory issues, particularly with recalling the timeline or details of traumatic events, contributing to flashbacks or dissociation.

Prefrontal Cortex Changes: The part of the brain responsible for decision-making, emotional regulation, and cognitive flexibility, the prefrontal cortex, can become less active. This explains the difficulties in planning, maintaining focus, or regulating emotions post-trauma. If you are unable to utilize this crucial brain function, how do you expect yourself (or others) to function at your best? Simply put, you can’t. 

Neurotransmitters and Hormones: Levels of neurotransmitters like serotonin (which affects mood) and hormones like cortisol (stress hormone) can become dysregulated, leading to mood swings, depression, or anxiety.

Long-Term Effects on Brain Function

The brain has an amazing ability to heal itself and adapt with plasticity.  However, the brain’s plasticity means it can adapt, but in the case of trauma, this adaptation can sometimes lead to:

Hyper-arousal: A state of constant vigilance, leading to insomnia, irritability, or an exaggerated startle response.  Do you realize how much energy it takes to be “on alert” status all day long?  Imagine what your brain (and body) is doing each day this continues to happen?  Ever heard of emotional and physical burnout? At a deeper level, certain levels of brainwave activity (Beta) is hightened and can take over the other brainwave activity that is used to help calm yourself (Alpha or Theta). 

Hypo-arousal:  The opposite of hyperarousal, this is your brain shutting down and you becoming less aware of yourself and your environment.  

Avoidance Behaviors:  As part of our brain attempting to “survive”, we will see ourselves tending to avoid anything reminiscent of the trauma, which can isolate individuals or prevent them from engaging in once-enjoyed activities.  The avoidance is your brains coping mechanism trying to protect itself from further exposure to something it deems as dangerous (emotional, physical, mental, etc.). Whether it’s a person, place or thing…you will see avoidance taking place.

Negative Alterations in Cognitions and Mood: Persistent negative beliefs about oneself or the world, feelings of guilt, shame, or decreased interest in life.  Remember, the Prefrontal Cortex is vital in the function of emotional regulation.  If it’s not working properly, you will not be able to regulate strong emotions, thoughts, etc. 

Dissociation: A disconnection between thoughts, identity, consciousness, and memory, as a way to cope with overwhelming stress. I’ve seen clients that had such a significant level of trauma that they were psychotic, unaware of their surroundings and unable to function at all.  This is the brains complete shutdown mode or what I term as it “short-circuiting.” 

Healing and Recovery

Understanding that these are brain responses to trauma can be the first step in healing:

Therapy:  Types of therapy that I feel are the most effective include Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Neurofeedback and other trauma-focused therapies can help rewire neural pathways, fostering new, healthier responses. Some people try what I consider nothing other than “talk therapy.”  I am okay with this, if it is working and you begin to feel better quickly.  Many clients come to me having tried this for years – with no results.  Remember, trauma impacts your brain.  If talking isn’t helping you, then please adjust your approach to try something different quickly. 

Mindfulness and Meditation: These practices can enhance the function of the prefrontal cortex, helping with emotion regulation and stress reduction.  Some find it extremely difficulty to be mindful.  Yes, this take practice.

Physical Activity: Exercise can promote memory and mood stabilization.  Necessary chemicals are released into the body that helps us feel better.  Having physical strength will absolutely impact your mental health!

Social Support: Connecting with others can combat isolation, providing emotional support and a sense of safety.

Education: Learning about trauma’s effects can reduce self-blame and increase understanding and patience towards one’s recovery process.

Nutrition:  One of the most powerful things we can do to help with trauma, is ensuring our nutrition is good!  We NEED vital minerals and vitamins to ensure our brain (and body) is functioning.  Gut health is VITAL to your mental health!  If you are not putting the “fuel” into your body that it needs, how do you expect to have the energy to get better and improve functioning?  Make sure you have enough protein, sugars, carbs, etc. and enough water!  

In the End

Trauma is real.  Trauma literally and physically impacts your brain and its overall function.  Trauma reshapes our brain, but with the right support and interventions, it’s possible to rebuild and heal. It’s important to approach recovery with patience and self-compassion, recognizing that each person’s journey is unique. If you or someone you know is navigating the aftermath of trauma, seeking professional help is a vital step. Remember, healing is not about returning to who you were before the trauma but about growing into someone stronger through understanding and care for your mental health.

Until next time, be kind and loving to yourself.

Aaron Nicolaides, Ph.D., LCSW

Therapeuo Health – “Tackling physical and emotional health”