THUNAIWhile it is well known that symptoms of trauma can appear both behaviourally and psychologically, it also changes the brain in predictable ways.
To begin, there are 3 basic areas of the brain that are involved:
The prefrontal cortex (PFC), known as the “Thinking Center” - When this area of the brain is working well, we are able to think clearly, make good decisions, and be aware of ourselves and others.
The anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), known as the “Emotion Regulation Center” - When this region is functioning well, we are able to manage difficult thoughts and emotions without being totally overwhelmed by them.
The Amygdala, known as the “Fear Center”- its primary job is to receive everything you see, hear, touch, smell, and taste – and answer one question: “Is this a threat?”. If it detects that a dangerous threat is present, we feel afraid, reactive, and vigilant.
How does a traumatized brain look different?
The Thinking Center is under activated, - This appears as difficulties with concentration and attention. Sometimes there is a “brain fog” or “brain fade” under stress or even normal circumstances.
The Emotion Regulation Center is under activated – This appears as a hard time “just letting go” of minor annoyances, or finding it difficult to calm down even after the danger has passed.
The Fear Center is overactivated. – This means you may experience chronic stress, vigilance, fear, and irritation, and find it difficult to feel safe or sleep peacefully.
The functional connectivity between these regions also is impaired. The Thinking Center doesn't kick into action when the Fear Center is making you do things that are not healthy for you (such as smoking or drinking alcohol or even over-eating).
What You Can Do Now?
If you feel ready for the journey, changing the brain takes effort, repetition, and time. The most important thing to do in your recovery journey is to seek therapy. Visit “What to look for in a Therapist” for more information on how to get started.
Outside of therapy, you can also practice a number of self-care skills. Please see our Get Help section and build a routine of self care practices that you can do at your comfort. The recommendation is to practice these techniques, or similar ones, for short periods of time multiple times per day. Remember, practice makes progress.
Brain in Trauma Recovery:
Over a period of time, the PFC and ACC are able to gain better communication with the Amygdala as the connectivity improves. The Thinking and Emotional Processing centers are more active and allow you to process scarry emotions without over-reacting. MRI scans show this improvement in subjects with long therapy and meditation (or other self-care) experience.
You will feel empowered knowing that you will not be overrun by emotions, you can direct your behaviour intentionally. Depressive, sad thoughts will lift and self-destructive behaviour will give way to self nurturing behaviour.