How Trauma Impacts Brain Chemistry and Ways to Recover

A traumatic experience or an ongoing series of events can be so debilitating that it impacts the brain. It’s normal for those who have gone through trauma to feel as if they’re constantly on edge.

This is oftentimes a result of a deregulated brain — the amygdala is overactive, the hippocampus is reduced, and the prefrontal cortex is off balance. The result is a flight-or-fight response in which the individual constantly feels the need to either flee or act out.

On top of this, chronic stress is also to blame. No matter what the trauma was or when it occurred, an individual may feel as if it’s overwhelming their life to the point that they’re experiencing overwhelming stress or anxiety.

Elevated cortisol levels can put anyone on edge, let alone someone who is already dealing with a lot of emotional thoughts and feelings.

Because the brain isn’t something that you can see, it’s difficult to fully comprehend how to fix or heal it. Read on for a list of symptoms related to trauma-related brain changes, as well as places to go to seek treatment and support.

What Are the Symptoms of Trauma-Related Brain Changes?

Everyone experiences trauma differently. Some people resort to drugs and substance abuse. Others become depressed, removing themselves from social situations and loved ones. And still others try to ignore the trauma altogether, hiding their emotions and feelings.

That said, there are true signs that an individual’s brain has changed as a result of trauma. Here are just a few common symptoms:

• Rise in anxiety levels, including a new level of fear
• Numbness or difficulty regulating emotions altogether
• Nightmares and insomnia
• Harder time focusing or paying attention to regular tasks
• Difficulty with memory
• Flashbacks

Of course, this is not a definite list. If you or someone you love believes that they’re a victim of brain changes as a result of trauma, it’s best to seek professional help.

What Help is Available for Trauma-Related Brain Changes?

There are various treatment and therapy options available to those seeking help. The type of help or treatment will depend on the type of trauma and how long ago it occurred. Someone reliving a trauma-induced incident during childhood may need different help than someone who has just experienced trauma, and the incident is fresh in their mind.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Therapy is a widely available service that can be extremely beneficial to those overcoming grief, sadness, loss, or hurt as a result of trauma. A therapist can work with an individual regularly to come up with a path that works best for the trauma victim.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Trauma

Cognitive Behavior Therapy is used to help individuals process trauma by changing negative thought patterns. It can help reduce symptoms such as anxiety, depression, and even PTSD.

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing is another type of therapy that can help the brain process negative thoughts and emotions. With EMDR, there’s the belief that the trauma memories are stuck in the brain, causing waves of upsetting emotions for the individual.

In this physiotherapy practice, the patient will focus on a specific trauma-induced memory while performing different eye movements. After consistent sessions, EMDR can help someone cope with the memories and help develop more positive thoughts and feelings.

Rehab

For individuals needing long-term, ongoing support, mental health rehab might be the best choice. Rehab can include many of the methods mentioned earlier, like CBT and EMDR. A care counselor will work with you throughout your healing process to develop different strategies to assist you.

A residential rehab program allows you to focus entirely on your well-being, meaning you can set aside daily worries and concentrate on your mental health. For those with persistent symptoms or who require 24/7 support, considering a rehab facility can be beneficial.

Mental Health Rehab

Lifestyle Adaptations

Certain lifestyle adaptations may also be used in conjunction with professional therapy treatment. Regular physical activity can help with mood regulation and reduce anxiety and stress.

Over time, it can improve neuroplasticity by increasing the size of the hippocampus, creating new neural connections in the brain. Something as simple as a walk around the park or neighborhood can do wonders, as it helps calm the nervous system and allows an individual to process different experiences.

Another act of self-care with proven benefits for the brain is eating a nourishing diet. Although eating sugary, overly processed foods may feel good in the moment, it won’t necessarily help with long-term recovery.

A diet full of rich, vibrant foods, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and fish, can reduce inflammation in the body, which can be elevated as a result of trauma. Also, foods rich in antioxidants like blueberries, kale, and green tea can protect the brain from further damage while supporting cognitive function too.

Lastly, incorporating mindfulness practices within your daily routine can help calm the amygdala – a small structure located in the brain known to help control emotions. Writing down a few things you’re grateful for each day or picking up a consistent journaling practice is a great place to start. Doing a few deep breaths while listening to soothing music or meditating for a few minutes every morning is great too.

Exercising daily, eating healthy, and practicing mindfulness won’t cure or fix the brain-related trauma; however, these practices certainly can’t hurt. A therapist or rehab center facilitator will likely encourage these types of intentional acts to improve your mood and regulate emotions.