Stress, a reality of modern life, confronts us all with areas ranging from small fluctuations in daily life to major traumatic events. However, stress and trauma are not just an emotional state; they are a profound neuropsychological phenomenon that changes our mental state, that our brain is present and can change. How trauma and chronic stress are kept in the mind and care of the person is monitored, but coping with the effects is the first step.
Neurobiological Basis of Stress
Stress is a biological thing that activates the brain’s defense mechanisms. In this process, the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) software is activated and the stress hormone cortisol is secreted. In short-term stress situations, cortisol prepares life for danger. However, chronic stress, this constant state of alertness, damages the nerves in the brain and can cause the shrinkage of critical areas such as the hippocampus (the region responsible for memory and learning) (McEwen, 2000).
The prefrontal cortex (the region responsible for thinking, decision-making, and planning) is responsible for stress. Chronic stress causes the synaptic terminals in this region to weaken, negatively affecting attention, focus, and problem-solving skills. On the other hand, the amygdala region, which is responsible for neural emotional reactions, becomes overactive, which can trigger anxiety and anger outbursts in individuals.
Cognitive and Emotional Traces of Trauma
Trauma reveals the effects of the brain’s defense system at a deeper level. Traumatic experiences, especially during childhood, can lead to permanent neurobiological changes in the brain’s development process (Teicher and Samson, 2016).
- Hippocampus: A decrease in hippocampus volume is often observed in traumatic failures. In this case, it causes difficulty in organizing the memories they will experience and the boundaries between the past and the present to widen.
- Amygdala: Trauma causes the amygdala, the brain’s threat perception system, to be overstimulated. This leads to a constant feeling of alertness and an increase in threat perception.
- Prefrontal Cortex: The prefrontal cortex can dissolve in individuals after trauma. This can manifest as difficulties with difficulties, difficulty in decision making, and emotional regulation problems (Bremner et al., 1995).
Neuroplasticity: Recovery Potential
The brain has an extreme regenerative structure despite the negativities experienced. Neuroplasticity refers to the brain changing itself again. If this means that the effects of stress and trauma can be completely reversed, it is promising that the brain can heal with the right interventions.
- Psychotherapy: Methods such as trauma-focused treatment therapy (CBT) and EMDR in particular can be effective in restarting trauma treatment in the brain.
- Internet Activity: Exercise can increase the neurotrophic increase that supports nerve cells in the brain and it is possible to relieve stress.
- Emotional Support and Social Bonds: Strong social relationships act as a buffer against the effects of stress and trauma.
The Importance of a Social Approach
The effects of stress and trauma affect not only the individual but also the families and their effects. Therefore, it is important from a social perspective as much as individual support. Preventing childhood abuse, creating support systems for trauma damage, and organizing trainings on stress management methods play a key role in increasing social well-being.
Stress and trauma leave visible but strong marks on our brains. However, it is possible to cope with these effects and continue the healing process. The brain’s neuroplasticity feature promises hope in these journeys. Healing is not just a process; it is a story rewritten with permanence and hope.
References
- Bremner, J. D., Randall, P., Scott, T. M., Bronen, R. A., Seibyl, J. P., Southwick, S. M., … & Charney, D. S. (1995). MRI-based measurement of hippocampal volume in patients with combat-related posttraumatic stress disorder. American Journal of Psychiatry, 152(7), 973–981.
- McEwen, B. S. (2000). Effects of stress on the brain. Annual Review of Neuroscience, 22(1), 105–122.
- Teicher, M. H., & Samson, J. A. (2016). Annual Review of Research: Enduring neurobiological effects of childhood abuse and neglect. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 57(3), 241–266.
- van der Kolk, B. A. (2014). The body keeps score: Brain, mind, and body in healing fromtrauma. Penguin Books.