How Trauma Affects the Brain and Body

At its core, trauma is a wound. There are physical wounds, such as a head injury, and there are emotional wounds, such as deep feelings of abandonment or betrayal. When we go through extreme hardships like abuse, loss, or neglect, these experiences can leave a lasting imprint on us if they are not acknowledged and worked through.

Many people know that trauma affects their emotions. They may notice overwhelming thoughts, trouble focusing, sadness, anxiety, or depression. What many do not realize is that trauma also affects the brain and the physical body.

Research has shown that trauma-related conditions, such as PTSD and complex PTSD, can change the way the brain is structured and how it functions. This can affect how the nervous system responds and may lead to challenges like hypervigilance, dissociation, difficulty concentrating, and emotional instability. These changes often keep the body in a survival state, with higher stress levels and ongoing nervous system activation.

Our brain is a very unique and complex organ. It has many parts and serves as the main operating center for the body. While trauma can affect many regions, three key areas are often impacted the most: the amygdala, the prefrontal cortex, and the hippocampus.

The amygdala

This is an almond-shaped area that acts as the emotional center of the brain. It helps us detect danger and process fear. When it is overactivated by trauma, we may feel unsafe even when we are physically safe.

The prefrontal cortex

This area sits right behind the forehead. It helps with decision-making, planning, problem-solving, self-control, and daily life tasks. When trauma affects this area, it can become harder to focus, make decisions, stay organized, or take care of responsibilities, even when we want to.

The hippocampus

This area is located in the inner part of the brain near the region of the ears. It helps organize and store memory, especially by turning short-term memories into long-term memories. When trauma affects the hippocampus, it can be hard to tell the difference between something that happened in the past and what is happening in the present.

This can lead to triggers. A sound, smell, or situation in the present may remind the brain of a past painful event. The body then reacts as if the past event is happening again, even when the present moment is actually safe.

When these areas are affected by trauma, you might notice things like:

• feeling fearful and unable to feel safe

• struggling to stay focused on tasks

• feeling mentally overwhelmed and exhausted

• having very little energy for daily activities

• finding even simple tasks such as cleaning or working hard to start or finish

You might assume these things are just “your personality,” but in many cases they can be signs that the brain and body are holding unprocessed pain and are stuck in survival mode.

The good news is that it is not always that something is wrong with you. Often it is the trauma and painful memories inside that are leading your responses. In many cases, the brain is trying to protect you from being hurt again, even if you are not fully aware of it.

Some subtle signs that trauma may be affecting your brain and body include, but are not limited to:

• always feeling anxious or on edge without a clear reason or present threat

• constant overthinking, mental fogginess, or an inner voice that feels critical and afraid

• frequent low moods that resemble anxiety or depression

• difficulty relaxing, with a mind that races, especially at night when you try to sleep

• feeling disconnected from your body, feeling numb, or daydreaming to escape reality

• being emotionally reactive or easily startled, with irritability, outbursts, or emotions that feel too big to handle

• difficulty trusting others, withdrawing or isolating to feel safe

• forgetfulness and trouble knowing what you feel, where it hurts, or what you need

This list is not exhaustive, but it is a starting point. You may recognize one, several, or many of these patterns in your own life, especially if you have experienced deep pain or trauma and never had language or support for what you were feeling.

It matters to know these things. First, it helps release shame and guilt for being in survival mode. It also reminds you that you are not weak, broken, or incapable. Your brain has adapted to pain in the best way it knew how in that season.

The hopeful truth is that with education, support, and healing, the nervous system can change.

Your mind can be renewed.

Your spirit can be restored.

Your body can begin to reset.

One step at a time.

So, the next time you notice deep disruption in your life, before blaming yourself, consider whether trauma may be affecting some part of your brain and body. It may be a response connected to the amygdala, the hippocampus, or the prefrontal cortex. It may be your body responding to fear based on past experiences.

This does not mean that you are wrong or dysfunctional. It means your brain and body are trying to protect you and are signaling that they need care.

And with God’s help, that care is possible. With His guidance, you can move from survival toward healing.

With love and grace,

Kingdom Daughter, Shyteria 

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If this article blessed you and you believe it may help another kingdom daughter heal, please share it with her.

Shyteria Smith, M.Ed.

Faith & Trauma Recovery Coach

Trauma-Informed Educator

Founder, Kingdom Daughters Healing

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If you’re beginning your healing journey, my Faith & Trauma Recovery Guide is available on the homepage. It’s a gentle roadmap to help you start restoring your mind, body, and spirit.