How Trauma Affects the Brain and Behavior Over Time
- Tonya London
- Sep 12
- 3 min read
Even though we have all the good moments, the bad moments can leave a deep impression. Being the witness of a traumatic event is one of those harsh experiences.
It may be one event or a long-term stress, and its effects are much more than the initial shock.
The type of trauma can silently change our way of thinking, our personal feelings and interactions with the world.
The initial step to healing and having a way forward involves understanding this connection. At MESEPP, we can help.
The Brain's Response to Trauma
When you face a dangerous situation, the survival system of your brain is switched on. It is normal and healthy, and it is supposed to protect you.
The Amygdala and Prefrontal Cortex
The amygdala is meant to sense danger and create an alarm to provoke a fight, flight, or freeze.
The prefrontal cortex helps you to think rationally and to put off the alarm after the threat is over.
Following a traumatic event, the amygdala may overwork, perceiving danger here and there.
At the same time, the activity of the prefrontal cortex may decrease, and your emotional responses can no longer be controlled.
Such an imbalance can leave you in a state of constant anxiety, apprehension or complete irritation.
How Unresolved Trauma Shapes Behavior
The constant presence of the alarm system in the brain is bound to have an impact on your day-to-day life and actions.
The changes are not an indicator of weakness, but rather an effort by the brain to adapt and shield you against further damage.
Common Behavioral Changes
You may find yourself avoiding individuals, places or activities that remind you of the trauma. This is a defense mechanism. Other behavioral changes may include:
Startle Response Increased. Leaping at the sound of strong objects or startling motions
Problem with Relationships. Having trouble trusting others or being out of touch
Emotional Dysregulation. Being highly moody, irritable, or angry
Alterations in Sleep. Experiencing nightmares or difficulty sleeping or maintaining sleep
These are all indications that your nervous system is in a state of trying to regain its balance.
Finding Support and Healing at MESEPP
At MESEPP Community, Inc., we strive to assist people and families in finding their way to recovery.
Our philosophy lies in the process of restoring behavioral, emotional, and mental health so that you can live your best life.
Our team of caring providers provides our mental and behavioral health services, counseling, and addiction services.
We realize how complicated the effects of a trauma are on the life of a person.
We will do everything in our power to ensure that you are provided with a safe and welcoming environment in which to recover.
We trust that we can help you break down the walls that are keeping you back and find your purpose.
You do not have to work through the lingering effects of trauma on your own.
Contact MESEPP today to find out how our services can help you and your family.
FAQs
What are the long-term consequences of trauma?
The chronic impact can be:
Anxiety
Depression
Relationship issues
Substance abuse
Physical health issues
Can your brain go back to normal after trauma?
And, the brain has an extraordinary healing capacity, which is neuroplasticity.
The brain can learn to develop new brain structures through proper treatment and care, mitigating the hyperactivity of the fear system and bringing emotional balance!
How long does it take to recover from trauma?
Trauma consequences might involve the amygdala (the brain's fear center) and the prefrontal cortex (reasoning centre of the brain) being overactive or underactive. They thus will lead to being over-vigilant and having difficulty regulating emotions.
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