What Abuse Does To Your Brain

Psych2Go

What does abuse really do to your brain? Whether it’s emotional abuse, psychological manipulation, or physical violence, trauma doesn’t just hurt in the moment—it can actually rewire your brain. In this video, we dive into the psychology of abuse and explain how it affects your emotions, memory, decision-making, and relationships. From emotional numbness to anxiety and trust issues, we break down what’s really going on inside the brain of someone who’s been through trauma. If you’ve ever struggled with the long-term effects of abuse or want to better understand someone who has, this video is for you.

Researcher/Writer: Chloe Avenasa
Script Director: Kelly Soong
Voice Artist(s): Amanda Silvea
Animator & Storyboarder: Yoki
Animation lead and Voice Director: Cindy Cheong
Project Manager: Tai Khuong
Producer: Yours Truly Psych2Go
Email Contact: [email protected]

References and sources for further readings:
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.

https://youtu.be/set1w_YI6qw?si=iX2pWkl-Mto6m3Jb