Ep. 78: Trauma, the Nervous System, and Chronic Illness

What if your body isn’t broken — but responding exactly as it was designed to?

In this episode of The SpoonFull Show, Rachel is joined by Dana Hargis, a trauma-informed therapist and educator who helps people understand the deep connection between trauma, the nervous system, and chronic illness. Together, they explore why so many spoonies feel stuck in survival mode — and why rest, safety, and slowing down can feel so uncomfortable, even when our bodies desperately need it.

This conversation dives into how trauma lives in the nervous system, how chronic illness can amplify nervous system dysregulation, and why symptoms are often signals rather than failures. Dana shares compassionate insight into how our bodies are constantly trying to protect us, even when it feels like they’re working against us.

In this episode, Rachel and Dana discuss:

• How trauma impacts the nervous system over time
  

• Why rest can feel unsafe for people with chronic illness
  

• The link between emotional overwhelm and physical symptoms
  

• What nervous system regulation actually looks like (and what it doesn’t)
  

• Gentle ways to begin rebuilding trust with your body
  

Dana brings both clinical expertise and deep compassion to this conversation, offering a trauma-informed lens that validates the lived experience of chronic illness without pushing “fixing” or toxic positivity.

To learn more about Dana’s work, visit Restore of Ada at RestoreofAda.com. Restore of Ada is a trauma-informed therapy practice dedicated to helping individuals reconnect with their bodies, regulate their nervous systems, and heal in a way that feels safe, compassionate, and sustainable.

If you’ve ever felt frustrated with your body, confused by your symptoms, or guilty for needing rest — this episode is for you. Healing doesn’t mean pushing harder. Sometimes, it starts with understanding what your nervous system has been carrying all along.

You can find this podcast on Spotify, Apple, Amazon Music, IHeart Radio and YouTube

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