The Biology of Trauma: How the Body Holds Fear, Pain, and Overwhelm, and How to Heal It

Sep 27, 2025

Ask episode

Chapters

Transcript

Episode notes

Dr. Amy Apigian on the fascinating and often overlooked—biology of trauma.

[00:00] Introduction and shared connection around trauma, resilience, and Armenian heritage.
[05:00] Story of becoming a foster parent during medical training and first encounter with childhood trauma.
[15:00] Struggles of supporting traumatized children without adequate tools or professional guidance.
[25:00] Personal health breakdown leading to chronic fatigue, autoimmunity, and a deeper look into trauma biology.
[35:00] Discovery that therapy alone wasn't enough — biology and physiology also play key roles in trauma.
[45:00] Explanation of stress at the cellular level, mitochondria changes, and the "cell danger response."
[55:00] Distinction between stress, overwhelm, trauma, and how burnout develops.
[01:05:00] How trauma is stored in memory and physiology, with a personal story illustrating hidden trauma.
[01:20:00] Exploration of chronic pain, sleep issues, IBS, and how they relate to a dysregulated nervous system.
[01:35:00] Survival mode shuts down detoxification and accumulates toxins over years, leading to illness.
[01:45:00] Why nervous system regulation is the essential first step in healing — but not the full solution.
[01:55:00] Introduction of cellular repair to address oxidative stress, DNA damage, and generational trauma.
[02:10:00] A holistic framework for healing: mind, body, and biology working together ("small hinges move big doors").
[02:25:00] Guidance on where to start: choosing manageable steps that build momentum and confidence.
[02:35:00] Closing reflections on living more fully alive, plus resources, book, and social links.

LINKS AND RESOURCES

Podcast Production by Aminur: https://www.upwork.com/freelancers/~019855d91718719d11