Understanding the Effects of Trauma on the Brain
Trauma does not just live in your memories — it can change how your brain and body respond to the world around you. If you sometimes feel stuck in survival mode, overly alert, or disconnected from yourself, you may be experiencing the effects of trauma on the brain.
How Trauma Impacts the Brain
Trauma can affect key areas of the brain, including:
- Amygdala: becomes hyperactive, increasing fear and anxiety
- Hippocampus: struggles to organize memories, making it hard to feel safe in the present
- Prefrontal cortex: has difficulty regulating emotions and making decisions
These changes can leave you feeling “on edge,” reactive, or numb, even long after the traumatic event.
Signs You May Be Experiencing Trauma’s Effects
- Nightmares, flashbacks, or intrusive memories
- Difficulty calming down after stressful moments
- Feeling emotionally numb or disconnected
- Trouble concentrating or making decisions
- Strong reactions to reminders of past experiences
How Healing Happens
The brain is adaptable. With the right support, you can calm an overactive nervous system and create new pathways for safety and resilience. Therapy helps by:
- Teaching grounding and self-soothing techniques
- Reframing traumatic memories in a safe space
- Building a stronger connection between body and mind
Finding Support
At Anchor Health, we use trauma-informed approaches to help clients heal from the lasting effects of trauma on the brain. You do not have to face it alone.