How Trauma Affects the Brain and Body
Introduction
When people talk about trauma, they often describe memories, emotions, or events that were painful. But trauma is not only something that lives in your mind — it also changes your brain and your body. These changes can explain why trauma feels so overwhelming and why it can take time to heal.
In this article, we’ll break down how trauma affects the brain and body, what happens in the moment of danger, and how those effects can last long after the event is over.
The Brain’s Alarm System
The human brain has a built-in alarm system. When something scary happens, the amygdala (the part of the brain that processes fear) sends out an emergency signal.
This activates the fight, flight, or freeze response:
Fight: You prepare to defend yourself.
Flight: You try to escape the danger.
Freeze: Your body shuts down and becomes still.
During trauma, this system works on overdrive. While it’s designed to protect you in the moment, the brain can sometimes stay “stuck” in alarm mode, even after the threat has passed.
Memory and the Hippocampus
Another part of the brain, the hippocampus, helps store memories and make sense of time. When trauma happens, the hippocampus can become overwhelmed.
Memories may feel jumbled or unclear.
Flashbacks may replay as if the event is happening right now.
Everyday reminders (sounds, smells, or places) can trigger strong reactions.
This is why trauma memories often feel different than regular memories — they aren’t fully processed or filed away.
The Body’s Stress Response
Trauma doesn’t just affect the brain; it also shows up in the body. When the alarm system is triggered, the body releases stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol.
Short-term, this can cause:
Rapid heartbeat
Sweating
Shallow breathing
Muscle tension
If trauma is unresolved, the body can stay in this heightened state. Over time, this may lead to:
Chronic pain
Digestive issues
Sleep problems
Weakened immune system
This is why trauma survivors often say, “I feel it in my body.”
Long-Term Impact of Trauma
When trauma changes the brain and body, it can affect daily life. People may experience:
Anxiety or panic attacks
Depression or sadness
Difficulty concentrating
Emotional numbness
Relationship struggles
The good news: the brain is flexible. With therapy, support, and healthy coping tools, the brain and body can rewire and recover.
Healing After Trauma
Understanding how trauma affects the brain and body is the first step. The next step is healing. Approaches like EMDR, CBT, and somatic therapy help people calm the nervous system, process memories, and feel safe again.
At Golden Roots Therapy, we specialize in guiding clients through this process — combining compassion with proven tools that support both the brain and body.
