Trauma and the nervous system

Trauma isn't just something that happens in your mind; it reaches deep into your body, especially affecting your nervous system. When you go through something truly overwhelming, your body's natural "fight or flight" response kicks in. This sets off a complex chain reaction that can throw off the delicate balance of how your nerves and brain normally work.

Over time, this constant stress from trauma can mess up your body's automatic systems—the ones that control your heart rate, breathing, and energy levels—and change how your brain functions. This can leave people feeling constantly on edge and anxious, or sometimes, completely numb and shut down. These changes aren't just for a little while; they can actually reshape parts of your brain and alter how brain chemicals communicate. Your nervous system can lose its ability to regulate itself and bounce back properly. Understanding this deep connection between trauma and your nervous system is crucial. It helps us see the full picture of how trauma affects people and guides us toward healing approaches that care for both the mind and the body.