A trauma-captured mind has trouble making decisions and thinking clearly. The areas of the brain that do those things is where trauma captures us.

Trauma impacts the prefrontal cortex of the brain, causing difficulty regulating emotions, making decisions, and using our thinking (cognitions) to help ourselves or challenge what we see as injustice. Instead, it’s like trauma gives us a kick in the brain leading to high anxiety. And when our brain is overanxious, we need to watch for impulsive behavior, mood swings (like depression, despair), and trouble with concentration and attention. ‘I have to keep reading the page over and over—I can’t remember what I just read,’ is common with trouble concentrating. Or ‘What did you say?’ Over and over. 

I have talked with many people whose minds are captured by trauma—some do not listen to the news or watch social media. They tell me, ‘I can’t sleep if I hear about programs disappearing, and people, too. I am afraid.’ Fear and terror powerfully drive us into hiding.