459: How to understand & heal your trauma | Gabor Maté, M.D.

Trauma is not merely the occurrence of negative events but the internal wounding that persists and shapes adult health and behavior. Physician and author Gabor Maté explains that childhood adversity—ranging from severe trauma to the subtle failure to meet a child’s essential emotional needs—often manifests later as chronic illness, including autoimmune conditions and mental health struggles. Modern society exacerbates this by fostering disconnection, isolation, and an over-reliance on peer groups, which disrupts the natural attachment between children and parents. Healing requires moving beyond mere stress management to resolve these deep-seated wounds, often by reclaiming the capacity to say "no" and fostering authentic, supportive relationships. Ultimately, individual well-being is inextricably linked to the broader social environment, necessitating a shift in how medicine and society address the root causes of pathology.