Trauma changes people—not just emotionally, but physically. When a person experiences violence, war, or extreme fear, the brain rewires itself to survive. For women in conflict zones like Iran and Afghanistan, trauma is a constant reality, shaping the way they think, feel, and respond to the world. Understanding what happens to the brain after trauma is the first step toward healing. It is proof that the pain survivors feel is not imagined—it is real, but it can also be repaired.
How Trauma Affects the Brain
The brain is designed to protect us from danger. When trauma occurs, three main parts of the brain are affected:
- The Amygdala – The Fear Center
The amygdala is responsible for detecting threats and triggering the body’s fight-or-flight response. After trauma, the amygdala becomes overactive, making survivors constantly alert, anxious, and fearful—even in safe situations. Women who have experienced war or violence often feel as if danger is always near, even when they are no longer at risk. - The Prefrontal Cortex – The Thinking Brain
The prefrontal cortex helps with reasoning, decision-making, and controlling emotions. Trauma weakens this part of the brain, making it harder to think clearly, stay calm, or make rational decisions. Many trauma survivors struggle with emotional regulation, feeling overwhelmed by anger, sadness, or fear without knowing why. - The Hippocampus – The Memory Keeper
The hippocampus processes memories and helps distinguish past from present. Trauma shrinks this part of the brain, causing problems with memory and making it difficult to tell the difference between real danger and a painful memory. This is why many trauma survivors experience flashbacks, reliving their worst moments as if they are happening again.
Why Trauma Symptoms Persist
After a traumatic event, the brain stays in survival mode, even when the threat is gone. This is why many women in conflict zones suffer from:
- Hypervigilance – Constantly feeling on edge, watching for danger.
- Emotional numbness – Shutting down emotions to avoid pain.
- Sleep problems – Nightmares and difficulty relaxing.
- Difficulty trusting others – Fear of being hurt again.
These symptoms are not signs of weakness; they are the brain’s way of trying to protect itself. However, living in survival mode for too long can lead to anxiety, depression, and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
The Brain Can Heal
The good news is that the brain is not permanently damaged by trauma—it can recover. This process, called neuroplasticity, allows the brain to rewire itself, forming new, healthier connections. Healing takes time, but there are ways to help:
- Therapy and Support Groups – Talking about trauma in a safe space helps reprocess painful memories.
- Mindfulness and Meditation – Calming the nervous system helps reduce fear responses.
- Exercise and Movement – Physical activity releases chemicals that improve mood and brain function.
- Learning New Skills – Engaging the brain in new activities strengthens neural pathways.
Hope After Trauma
Trauma changes the brain, but healing is always possible. Women who have endured the worst can regain control, rebuild their sense of safety, and find joy again. With the right support, the brain can move from survival to strength, proving that even after trauma, hope remains.
