The Effects of Trauma on the Brain

What is trauma?

 The Center for Health Care Strategies defines trauma as a pervasive problem resulting from exposure to an incident or series of events that are emotionally disturbing or life-threatening.

 Trauma can have long-lasting effects on an individual.  Neuroscientists have even recorded physical changes in the brains of trauma survivors.  Luckily, as we learned in the previous section on neuroplasticity, our brains have an amazing ability to heal.  Learning to recognize those effects can help us to recognize our own triggers, develop coping strategies, and support others.

 Neuroscientist Bessel Van Der Kolk is the author of the book The Body Keeps the Score.  View the video to the right for a summary of his research, then view the video below from Therapy in a Nutshell to see the specific effects trauma can have and how individuals can build resiliency.

Task 1

Review the infographic to the left from Prevent Child Abuse Utah.  Write, create a short video response, or share aloud with your mentor which of the strategies you find the most helpful when you are feeling stressed or overwhelmed (for whatever reason).

Is there anything else you would like us to know that would help us to support you better in your educational journey?