Not all trauma comes from direct experience. Sometimes, it builds slowly from holding space for others, from advocacy, from caring so deeply it drains you. In this honest and eye-opening episode, Lyndsay Soprano sits down with Elizabeth Gaines to unpack the emotional toll of showing up for survivors—while trying to stay afloat.

Elizabeth opens up about her work in the nonprofit space, the burnout that followed, and how functional diagnostic testing helped her uncover the hidden stressors wreaking havoc on her health. Together, they talk about the blind spots in conventional medicine, the necessity of rest, and why survivors and supporters alike deserve agency in their healing.

This conversation is a reminder that being strong doesn't mean being self-sacrificing. That healing requires boundaries, support, and the courage to choose yourself, even when you're used to choosing everyone else.

Tune in if you’ve ever felt stretched thin by caring too much, and are ready to reclaim your energy—without guilt.

Content Warning: This episode includes discussion of human trafficking and exploitation.

Episode Highlights:
(00:00) Introduction to Chronic Pain and Trauma
(02:52) The Impact of Trauma on Individuals and Communities
(05:30) Working in Nonprofit Trauma Recovery
(08:34) Challenges Faced by Nonprofit Workers
(11:15) The Journey to Functional Medicine
(13:53) Understanding Functional Diagnostic Testing
(16:35) The Role of Lifestyle in Health
(19:46) The Importance of Rest and Recovery
(22:20) Navigating the Healthcare System
(25:33) The Need for Comprehensive Health Solutions
(28:11) Finding the Right Health Practitioner
(31:15) The Importance of Community and Support
(33:50) Conclusion and Call to Action

Find Elizabeth Gaines Online Here:
Website: www.functionaldiagnosticnutrition.com
Instagram: @fdntraining
LinkedIn: Functional Diagnostic Nutrition
YouTube: FDN | Functional Lab Training Program
Podcast: The Health Detective Podcast

Find The Pain Game Podcast Online Here:
Website: thepaingamepodcast.com
Instagram: @thepaingamepodcast
Facebook: The Pain Game Podcast
LinkedIn: Lyndsay Soprano
YouTube: The Pain Game Podcast

Subscribe on YouTube | Merch Shop is OPEN!! | COMING SOON: The Pain Hub - A Women's Healing Community. Subscribe Now!

Unfiltered convos. Dark humor. Real healing. 
This is where pain meets purpose — and you’re not doing it alone.

++

Want to be a guest on Giving Pain Purpose with Lyndsay Soprano? Send her a message on PodMatch, here: 

Be a Guest on The Show