Understanding Trauma’s Impact on the Brain: Why We Should Think Twice Before We Hurt Anyone

September 9, 2024

This is a note to myself. I’m not finger-pointing, but by sharing this, I’m hoping that others will think about it too.

In recent years, we’ve become more informed about the profound effects trauma has on the brain. This knowledge doesn’t just reside in textbooks or scientific studies; it’s something we need to carry into our daily lives, especially in how we treat others. If more of us fully grasped how trauma rewires the brain, we would likely think twice before hurting anyone, intentionally or not.

Trauma is not just about the moment something terrible happens. It’s about how the brain is altered in response to that event. For example, the amygdala, the part of the brain responsible for the fear response, becomes hyperactive in people who have experienced trauma. This makes them more prone to anxiety and fear, even in situations that aren’t inherently threatening. Their body and mind become wired to expect danger, constantly preparing for a threat that might not even be there.

The hippocampus, the brain’s memory center, also takes a hit. Trauma can shrink this part of the brain, making it harder for people to process memories or differentiate between past and present dangers. Imagine constantly living in a state of heightened fear, replaying memories that won’t let you move forward. That’s the reality for many people who live with trauma.

Even the prefrontal cortex, which helps us regulate emotions and make decisions, becomes impaired. This makes it difficult for people to control their impulses or respond rationally when they feel overwhelmed. A simple misunderstanding or conflict can trigger an outsized reaction—not because the person is overreacting, but because their brain has been rewired to respond with survival instincts.

When we understand these things, we realize that hurting someone—whether through words or actions—can do more than cause temporary pain. It can change the way their brain functions, potentially for years to come. The ripple effects of trauma touch every part of a person’s life, from their mental health to their relationships and their ability to cope with everyday life.

We’re all capable of causing harm, sometimes without meaning to. But knowing how deep that harm can go, maybe we’ll all think twice before we hurt anyone, because the damage is rarely just skin deep.

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