Complex trauma does not just affect emotions and memories — it can fundamentally reshape the nervous system. When the brain and body are exposed to prolonged stress, abuse, neglect, or instability, the nervous system can remain in a constant state of survival mode. This may lead to chronic hypervigilance, anxiety, emotional numbness, sleep disruption, difficulty trusting others, and physical symptoms such as fatigue, pain, or gastrointestinal distress. Trauma lives not only i