Trauma is a lasting emotional response to a deeply distressing or disturbing event. Just like physical injuries require time and care to heal, so does emotional trauma. Avoiding or ignoring the pain often delays recovery and can even worsen symptoms.
After a traumatic experience, the brain can remain on high alert, keeping your nervous system ready to respond to perceived threats. In some cases, people may even suppress or forget traumatic events, only to recall them years later.
Two key areas of the brain are involved:
- Amygdala: This is your brain’s alarm system, constantly scanning for danger. Trauma can make it hyperactive, causing overreactions even when no real threat is present.
- Hippocampus: Responsible for memory, this part of the brain may confuse past and present, making trauma feel like it’s happening in real time.
This disconnect explains why certain triggers—like loud noises or smells—can provoke anxiety or panic, even if the danger is long gone. Traumatic memories can manifest as flashbacks, panic attacks, or depression. In more complex cases, prolonged trauma may lead to C-PTSD (complex post-traumatic stress disorder).
The first step in healing is acknowledging the experience and recognizing it as trauma. It’s not a sign of weakness or something you should simply “get over.” It’s a serious mental health concern deserving compassion and support.