ABSTRACT
To understand what’s happening to a brain in distress, we first need to have a baseline understanding of some of the brain’s main structures that are involved; namely the hippocampus, amygdala, prefrontal cortex, and the hormones cortisol and oxytocin. This chapter gives a basic overview of these structures and how they operate when not threatened or overly stressed. The hippocampus is probably best known for its role in memory formation. The amygdala is the main part of the brain responsible for fear and is also involved in imprinting memories with emotion. The prefrontal cortex houses aspects of general thinking and cognition, our sense of self, and personal values. Cortisol is one of several hormones responsible for establishing and maintaining activation to respond to the demands of life, whether this means our usual routine or facing exceptional circumstances. Oxytocin enhances the brain’s ability to change when stressed, and promotes the production of new brain cells which also facilitates healing.
