Amygdala is a small part of the brain that helps us feel emotions, especially fear and stress. Here's how it works with trauma: Hyperactivation: The amygdala becomes very active when something scary happens. This makes us feel scared and ready to fight or run away. Persistent Fear: In CPTSD, the amygdala stays very active even after the scary event is over. This makes people feel like they are always in danger. Memory and Emotion: The amygdala helps us remember emotional events. Traumatic memories can be very clear and come back quickly, causing flashbacks and intrusive thoughts. Interference with Thinking: The amygdala can interfere with the part of the brain that helps us think clearly and control our emotions. This makes it hard to manage feelings and stay calm. Chronic Stress: Long-term trauma keeps the body's stress response system always on. This can change the brain and make it hard to feel safe even when there is no danger. Understanding these mechanisms highlights the importance of addressing both the psychological and physiological aspects of CPTSD in treatment.