Dr. Gabor Maté On How Trauma Fuels Disease

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Sep 5, 2022

Dr. Gabor Maté, a renowned speaker and bestselling author, dives into the complex relationship between trauma and health. He reveals how societal and cultural factors contribute to addiction and illness, challenging the traditional focus on genetics. Maté discusses the paradox of increased loneliness in our digitally connected age and emphasizes the importance of recognizing unhealed trauma for personal and collective recovery. He advocates for a shift towards compassionate, trauma-informed approaches in treatment, especially in parenting and societal systems.

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INSIGHT

Toxic Culture

Societal issues like ADHD and addiction increases indicate a toxic culture.
Dr. Gabor Maté argues that cultural values and societal norms can hinder healthy development.

INSIGHT

Types of Trauma

Trauma is not just caused by major events (Big T Trauma) but also unmet needs (Small T Trauma).
Unmet emotional needs, like secure attachment and free play, can wound a child like physical abuse.

ANECDOTE

Airport Anger

Dr. Maté recounts getting angry at his wife for not picking him up, mirroring childhood abandonment.
This illustrates how unhealed trauma can resurface in adulthood, bypassing rational thought.

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