How Trauma Affects the Nervous System: Understanding Triggers & Healing

Trauma leaves a physiological imprint on the nervous system, influencing thoughts, emotions, and
bodily states.

How Trauma Rewires the Brain

• Amygdala hyperactivation increases threat perception.
• Hippocampal disruption affects memory and context.
• Prefrontal cortex suppression reduces emotional regulation.

1. Why Triggers Occur

Triggers activate involuntary survival responses — increased heart rate, fear, dissociation, or emotional
flooding.

2. Trauma Stored in the Body

Symptoms include chronic tension, shallow breathing, digestive issues, and disrupted sleep.

3. Evidence-Based Healing Approaches

Trauma-focused CBT, EMDR, somatic therapies, grounding, and compassion-based therapy support
long-term recovery.

4. When to Seek Help

Flashbacks, nightmares, emotional numbness, avoidance patterns, or impaired functioning indicate the
need for trauma-focused therapy