The Human Brain

The human brain is a fascinating organ isn’t it? It weighs only 3 pounds but controls every process that regulates the human body. The brain controls everything from intelligence and emotional regulation to basic breath and movement. You are who you are because of your brain. 

The brain can be divided into 3 basic parts. The forebrain, the mid-brain, and the hindbrain. Think of these different parts of your brain as a team of managers working together to keep your body functioning. 

The hindbrain is the section of the brain that connects with your spine. It includes the cerebellum, and brain stem. This part of your brain controls basic functions such as heart rate and breathing. (National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke)

The mid-brain controls your voluntary motions, some reflexes and eye movement. However the forebrain is the most highly developed part of the brain, including the cerebrum. The forebrain controls your personality, likes and dislikes, and controls your memory. This is the part of the brain that is you. (National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke)

In recent times, there has been a movement among health professionals to understand the neurological nature of trauma. Because trauma does impact the brain. Your brain processes pain, both physical and emotional. The brain does not differentiate between physical and emotional pain, therefore words can also cause harm. (Walker)

We know that physical trauma can change the brain. There are documented cases of brain damage from physical injury, however we are only beginning to study the way emotional trauma, fear, or even grief can change the way the brain functions. (Walker) The common stigma around mental illness has prevented the study and understanding of how trauma can lead to these illnesses. Illnesses such as P.T.S.D, Bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder and other common mental illnesses that may be explained, studied, and or treated by doing more to understand how trauma changes the functions of our brains. 

Trauma reshapes the brain. The amygdala, the part of the brain responsible for your fear response becomes overactive causing you to be afraid in situations that may not call for fear. The hippocampus, the part of your brain responsible for your memory shrinks, you can become forgetful or confused. (Walker) The prefrontal cortex, the part of the brain responsible for rational thought is weakened, this may lead to the behaviors we see in patients with mental illness. (“How your brain works”)

In this blog we are going to discuss how trauma impacts the brain, leading not only to mental illness but also to physical changes in how the body functions. We will touch base on topics ranging from mental and physical health, to how the political environment may negatively impact your health. 

Works Cited

“How your brain works.” Mayo Clinic, 2 July 2024, https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/epilepsy/in-depth/brain/art-20546821. Accessed 22 April 2026.

National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. “Brain Basics: Know Your Brain | National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.” National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, 25 February 2025, https://www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/public-education/brain-basics/brain-basics-know-your-brain. Accessed 22 April 2026.

Walker, Jeff. Mental Health Professional. Interview.