Why You Feel Lost in Life: Dr. Gabor Maté on Trauma & How to Heal

If you feel lost or stuck in life, today’s episode will help you understand the root cause of trauma and how childhood experiences shape you throughout your life. 

Understanding your trauma is the key to healing. 

Your past doesn’t define you—but it does shape you. And today, world-renowned physician and bestselling author Dr. Gabor Maté is here to break it all down. 

Dr. Maté, a leading expert on trauma, shares insights on this topic unlike anything you have heard before. 

In this powerful conversation, he reveals how childhood experiences—whether you realize it or not—impact your relationships, self-worth, and the way you navigate life. 

You’ll learn why trauma, stress, addiction, and people-pleasing aren’t just personality traits but survival patterns formed in your early years. 

And most importantly, you’ll discover that while what happened to you isn’t your fault, healing is your responsibility. 

This conversation will challenge the way you see yourself—and give you the tools to take control of your future. 

If you enjoyed this episode with Dr. Gabor Maté, listen to his first appearance, where he dives deep into the connection between trauma, ADHD, and autoimmune disease: Dr. Gabor Maté: The Shocking Link Between ADHD, Addiction, Autoimmune Diseases, & Trauma 

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In this episode:

• 01:06: Dr. Gabor Maté's Personal Journey with Trauma
• 14:28: The Formation of Trauma in Childhood.
• 33:13 Birth Trauma and Postpartum Depression.
• 43:50 The Relationship Between Stress and Trauma.
• 50:43: Identifying and Healing Childhood Trauma.
• 01:05:48 The Importance of Play and Joy in Adult Life.

‍Featured Expert: Dr. Gabor Maté, PhD

• Check out Dr. Maté’s website
• Order his books, The Myth of Normal & Scattered Minds
• Follow him on Instagram
• Listen to his TEDx Talk
• Dr. Maté’s ADHD research & resources

‍Additional Resources:

• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration: Understanding Child Trauma 
• The National Child Traumatic Stress Network: About Child Trauma
• National Center for PTSD: Common Reactions After Trauma
• Indiana University Health: Generational Trauma: Breaking the Cycle of Adverse Childhood Experiences
• Administration for Children & Families: What is Historical Trauma?
• The Washington Post: How does trauma spill from one generation to the next?
• American Psychological Association: The legacy of trauma
• Journal of Depression and Anxiety: Childhood Social Environment, Emotional Reactivity to Stress and Mood and Anxiety Disorders across the Life Course
• Harvard University Center on the Developing Child: Early Childhood Mental Health
• Mental Health America: Understanding Trauma and PTSD
• Verywell Mind: How Does Your Environment Affect Your Mental Health?
• Scientific American: The Scientific Underpinnings and Impacts of Shame
• National Institute for Play: Making Play Part of Adult Life
• NPR: Play Doesn't End With Childhood: Why Adults Need Recess Too
• Texas A&M University: Why Adults Need Play Time