How Trauma Impacts Brain Development
When a person experiences trauma—especially early in life—it can change how the brain grows and functions.
Key Brain Areas Affected:
Brain Region | Normal Role | Impact of Trauma |
Amygdala | Detects danger (fight or flight) | Becomes overactive → constant fear or panic |
Hippocampus | Memory and time/context processing | Becomes less active → flashbacks, confusion |
Prefrontal Cortex | Thinking, planning, emotional control | Underdeveloped → poor focus, impulsivity |
HPA Axis | Stress response system | Stays “on” → chronic stress, illness, burnout |
In Children:
Trauma disrupts brain wiring during critical periods of development.
Which can lead to the follow:
Emotional dysregulation
Learning difficulties
Trust and relationship issues
Delays in language and reasoning skills
Long-Term Risks:
PTSD
Anxiety and depression
Poor physical health
Addiction or risky behaviors
Common Trauma Triggers are:
Triggers are things (external or internal) that remind the brain of past trauma and cause a strong emotional or physical reaction even if there’s no current danger.
Types of Triggers:
Sensory: sounds, smells, touch (e.g., loud noise, a certain perfume)
Situational: arguments, being alone, feeling out of control
Emotional: shame, helplessness, rejection
Relational: tone of voice, body language, abandonment cues
Anniversaries: dates or times connected to the trauma
How Triggers Work:
The amygdala senses “danger” → triggers a fight, flight, freeze response
The prefrontal cortex may shut down → person can’t think clearly
The body reacts the similar to as if the trauma is happening again.
