The Quiet Cost of Trauma and How to Heal

pillarhealthsystems
Jul 29
2 min read

We’re back with Part 2 of a powerful conversation on the Life’s Deceit Podcast, hosted by Jen Simpson, featuring internationally recognized wellness expert Dr. Evelyn Higgins.

This week, we move beyond awareness into action—unpacking how emotional trauma, both large and small, directly shapes our biology, and what it takes to truly begin healing at the root.

Big 'T' Trauma vs. Little 't' Trauma

In her conversation with Jen, Dr. Higgins breaks down the different ways trauma shows up— and stays — in the body.

Big ‘T’ Trauma includes major, life-disrupting events: abuse, loss, violence, or disasters.
Little ‘t’ trauma is more chronic and subtle: emotional neglect, lack of validation, or growing up in unpredictable environments.

We often downplay the smaller wounds, but over time, they can shape how our bodies function just as profoundly.

What Trauma Responses Look Like in Real Life

Many people don’t realize they’re still responding to old pain — they just know they feel tired, anxious, stuck, or unwell. Common trauma responses include:

Overworking or perfectionism

Emotional shutdown in high-stress situations

People-pleasing to avoid disconnection

Chronic self-doubt

Hyper-independence and fear of vulnerability

Digestive issues, insomnia, or autoimmune flare-ups with no clear trigger

These patterns are often adaptive, not defective—survival strategies that once kept you safe but may now be limiting your health and potential.

Healing From the Inside -- Out

Dr. Higgins is a pioneer in making the invisible visible. Through the lens of functional health data, she helps people trace their physical symptoms—like inflammation, hormonal imbalance, and neurotransmitter disruption—back to emotional origins.

“Your body is a map. When you know how to read it, you stop blaming yourself and start healing with clarity and confidence.”

— Dr. Evelyn Higgins

Resources for Healing at the Root

Dr. Higgins and her team have created three specialized resources to support your journey toward healing—biologically, emotionally, and behaviorally.

Wired BioHealth

Focused on uncovering the biological impact of stress and trauma through advanced testing.

Wired BioHealth helps you understand your unique health data—cortisol, neurotransmitters, nutrient levels, inflammation—and builds a personalized plan for healing from the inside out.

Learn more →

Wired for Addiction

Built for individuals and families affected by substance use, compulsive behaviors, or mental health challenges.

Wired for Addiction bridges neuroscience, mental health, and biology—helping clients identify the root causes behind patterns of addiction and emotional dysregulation.

Learn more →

WBH Counseling

A comprehensive support hub for counseling, coaching, and emotional healing.

Whether you’re addressing trauma, navigating change, or seeking clarity in your personal or professional life, WBH Counseling offers licensed professionals and coaches who meet you where you are. You don’t have to guess, self-diagnose, or walk the path alone.

Explore services →

Try This: Gentle Self Reflection

Take a few moments this week to reflect:

What coping mechanism might be a trauma response in disguise?

What has it protected me from?

Am I ready to try something different—something rooted in safety and self-trust?

Awareness is the first step. Support makes the rest possible.

Your body holds the story. Your data tells the truth. And healing is never out of reach, especially with the right tools, the right people, and the right support. We’re here when you’re ready.