What Abuse Does To Your Brain

Abuse, whether physical, emotional, or psychological, leaves scars that go far beyond the surface. It doesn’t just hurt in the moment—it rewires the way your brain functions, impacting how you think, feel, and relate to others. In this video, we break down the science behind how abuse affects the brain and what it means for survivors.

From emotional blunting to memory challenges and decision-making struggles, understanding these effects can help us support those who have endured trauma. Remember, healing is possible, and with the right support, the brain can adapt and recover.

**Here’s what we’ll cover:**
- The brain under stress (0:18)
- Memory, learning, and trauma (1:04)
- Emotional blunting and its impact (1:54)
- Emotion dysregulation and impulsive decisions (2:33)
- Links to depression, anxiety, and long-term mental health (3:15)

**Key Takeaways:**
🌱 Abuse over-activates the amygdala, shrinking the hippocampus and impairing the prefrontal cortex, making survivors feel anxious, numb, or emotionally unstable.
🌱 Survivors often struggle with memory, decision-making, and emotional regulation, but this is not their fault—it’s the brain’s response to protect itself.
🌱 The good news? The brain is adaptable, and with the right support, healing is possible.

If you or someone you know is a survivor of abuse, please remember: it’s not your fault, and you are not alone. Seeking help from loved ones or a professional can be a crucial step toward healing.

Let’s raise awareness together—if this video resonates with you, share it with others who might need to hear these truths. Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more content on mental health and personal growth.

**More videos you might find helpful:**
- *4 Signs It Is Emotional Abuse, Not Tough Love*
- *4 Signs Your Brain Is Breaking Down and How to Fix It*

**References:**
- Plumptre, E. (2021). *Mental Health Effects of Different Types of Abuse.* VeryWell Mind.
- Gowin, J. (2012). *The Damaging Impact of Abuse on Brain Development.* Psychology Today.
- Telloian, C. (2022). *What Are the Effects of Emotional Abuse?* Psych Central.
- Saeed, K. (2017). *Long-Term Narcissistic Abuse Can Cause Brain Damage.* Psych Central.
- Gruhn, M. A., & Compas, B. E. (2020). *Effects of Maltreatment on Coping and Emotion Regulation.* Child Abuse & Neglect.

Together, we can create a world of understanding, support, and healing for survivors. 💛

Writer: Chloe Avenasa
Script Editor & Manager: Kelly Soong
Animator: Rebecca Chu
YouTube Manager: Cindy Cheong

[Psychgo]

As November comes to an end, how’s everyone feeling lately?

[magentapyramid]

"If you're the victim of not hesitate to reach out to loved ones...."
I hate to break it to you .... but that's what got me here in the first place.

[OperatorRekohu]

it’s really super strange how it’s always the good/innocent people are the ones who suffer the most abuse……

[sumib]

I was abused emotionally, physically and mentally by my brothers, parents, inlaws and husband. Not to mention teachers and classmates. For over 30 years. I finally learned to stand up for myself.

[AC-nigt]

"The axe forgets but the tree remembers". It's terrifying how abuse can screw you over and leave you in a closed and fixed mindset.

[bluefirephoenix]

Abuse and trauma survivor. I'm always being told that I live in my past cause how it has rewired my brain. They don't understand the impact that it has on someone's brain, and it takes a lifetime to undo

[e.b.]

Unfortunately, for many abused people, the response is neither fight or flight but freeze. It's so overwhelming that people just freeze and remain in an abusive relationship until they become conditioned or 'used' to it for lack of a better word.

[sabrinasabrina-wt]

Dude I wish people didn't abuse each other 😭

[higherlearning]

you can't heal in the same environment that broke you...here's hoping those in need find new places and new faces to support their healing journey ❤

[tinatina]

It stays with you all your life. Affects your relationships to form properly. You don’t trust what people say to you. It stunts your growth. Yo let good people come into your life but don’t let them stay. I know, I’m 67 yrs old and abuse is always coming to the forefront of my mind from events that happened when I was a very young child . I wear a smile on my face like a shield to protect me.

[swordsnorchids]

I really hate how society abuses people carelessly and then blame the victims.. Like what in the hell that pisses me of..

[NarcSurvivor]

Abuse rewires your brain. When you are being abused, your brain becomes like a sponge and you begin to learn things from your abuser. You may even begin to develop similar traits. Because this is being taught to you. Many abusers justify their behaviour. They will make you believe that it is acceptable. Some can be influential or charismatic. So this behaviour may begin to rub off on you. But at your core, you are still you. You just need to unlearn what was taught to you. While they may need to start again from the beginning. Which is why they will learn positive traits from you and mimic them in front of other people. Because they learned the wrong things. Many of them have an arrested development. They’re not fully developed humans.

[PJ-]

I have brain damage from abuse by my mother that started before I could talk. When I was around 2 something happened and I was at the bottom of the basement stairs and my dad thought I was dead. I‘be had seizures ever since. I’m a survivor and my mother was the first person I had to survive. The physical abuse stopped when I was 17 and I hit her back one time and threatened her, but the emotional, mental and psychological abuse never stopped. I have forgiven her, but I will forever have issues due to her abuse.

[elizabethermakova]

Is this why I prefer being alone and would rather not be around people

[MessagesFromJames]

Nothing like a toxic relationship to mess a person up

[Eric-yj]

Hurt people hurt people.
Now you have all the information you need to break the cycle. Go for it.

[mbsanimatesandva]

I cried watching this. For years now I've blamed myself for going through this

[Chickeninmytortilla]

I was a victim of extreme physical, verbal and psychological violence and this video helped me understand more of how my brain may work due to my experiences. Many people in my life make fun of me for many things related to my trauma (fear of relationships, awful memory, having hard time being myself, apologizing a lot and being quiet) which sucks

[america]

My husband was abused as a child and he entrusted in me for guidance. Don’t give up, so many need a shoulder to cry on 💞

[oshifish]

If anyone reading this during the holiday season and struggle with this time of year you are not alone. My ex who was an abuser would turn into a full on demon during the holidays. If you are not in the holiday spirit due to loss or abuse or just not interested you are not weird or alone. I don't find joy in the corny Christmas movies and the same music over and over. I rather just find peace with a handful of good people with no wild festivities. The horrible person is out of my life now yet the scars remain. Luckily, I am past the fight or flight which took YEARS to regain but I got there! You can too! Sending healing wishes to whomever may need to hear! xx