Dr. Gabor Maté | This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von

Tour Announcement and Guest Introduction

• Upcoming tour dates are announced for locations including Colorado Springs, Casper, Billings, Missoula, Bloomington, Columbus, Champaign, Grand Rapids, Lafayette, and Bont. Tickets are available on theovon.com. (0s)
• The guest is Dr. Gabor Maté, a physician and author whose work focuses on stress, trauma, addiction, and developmental psychology. He has a new book titled "The Myth of Normal: Trauma, Illness, and Healing in a Toxic Culture." (32s)

Discussion on Addiction and Trauma

• Dr. Maté discusses an interview with Donald Trump, noting a segment about Trump's brother's alcoholism where Trump appeared unusually tender and vulnerable. Dr. Maté mentions that he writes about Trump's childhood trauma in his book. (1m25s)
• The conversation touches on the nature of addiction, emphasizing that it is not simply a matter of willpower but involves deeper issues. There is a reflection on the challenges of engaging in meaningful conversations about such topics. (2m39s)

Societal Illness and Statistics

• Dr. Maté argues that the culture is sick, citing statistics such as 70% of American adults being on at least one medication, 40% on two or more, and increasing rates of mental health issues among children, including ADHD, anxiety, depression, and suicide. (3m52s)
• He highlights that annually, twice as many people die from overdoses in the U.S. as those who died in the Iraq, Vietnam, and Afghan Wars combined, and notes a decrease in life expectancy, particularly among white men. (4m27s)
• There is a growing prevalence of illness and dysfunction in society, with increasing rates of suicide, drug overdoses, and autoimmune diseases. These issues have significant ripple effects on families and communities. (4m50s)

Trauma and Addiction in Vancouver

• In Vancouver, British Columbia, a concentrated area of drug use highlights the connection between severe childhood trauma and addiction. Many individuals in this area, including a disproportionate number of indigenous people, use drugs as a means to cope with immense emotional pain. (5m36s)

Understanding Trauma

• Trauma, derived from the Greek word for wound, refers to emotional wounds that remain unhealed, often originating in childhood. These unprocessed traumas can lead to physiological issues, such as inflammation and stress on organs, and drive individuals to seek escape through addictions or other harmful behaviors. (7m1s)
• Trauma can cause individuals to disconnect from their emotions, leading to various mental and physical illnesses. It is also linked to a lack of being seen and known, which are essential emotional needs for children, alongside physical care. (8m22s)

The Impact of Unseen Children

• Many parents struggle to truly see their children due to stress and their own unresolved trauma, which can impact the children even if the parents are devoted and loving. (8m54s)
• Individuals who grow up feeling unseen may develop talents or pursue careers, such as comedy, as a way to gain attention and feel valued. This is a common theme among comedians, as seen in the biographies of Robin Williams and Gilda Radner, who used humor to gain attention from their mothers. (10m9s)
• The pursuit of attention and validation can lead individuals to question whether their career choices were driven by genuine passion or a need to be seen. This can lead to a dilemma about one's true identity and potential paths in life. (11m2s)
• Childhood experiences and the need to be accepted and valued by the world can lead individuals to create identities that may not align with their true selves. This can result in a continuous need to prove one's importance and value, which should inherently be a birthright. (11m46s)

Identity and the Pursuit of Attention

• Indigenous and tribal people rear their children by giving them a deep sense of acceptance, holding them, and carrying them everywhere, which is how humans evolved to nurture their young (12m59s).
• This approach is in contrast to modern society, where parental stress and the need for both parents to work often lead to children being separated from their parents and sent to daycare or school at a young age (13m59s).
• As a result, children are often forced to "fit in" and conform to societal norms, rather than being accepted and nurtured for who they are, leading to disconnection from themselves and others (14m42s).

Modern Parenting and Societal Norms

• Schools prioritize behavior and academic learning over play and freedom, despite play being essential for brain development and a natural part of mammalian behavior (15m37s).
• This approach can lead to children being stuffed with knowledge and behavioral control, rather than being allowed to develop naturally and learn through curiosity and interest (16m9s).
• The emphasis on academic learning and behavioral control in schools can be detrimental to healthy brain development and may be a result of society's misguided priorities (16m27s).
• The current state of society and education may be a result of a series of directions that have led humans away from their natural evolution and needs (16m42s).

Defining and Understanding Trauma

• A traumatic event is distinguished from other stressful events by the lasting wound it leaves, which can result in increased fear, suspicion, and discomfort with oneself and others. Not every stressful event is traumatic, but if it leaves a wound, it is considered traumatic. (16m53s)
• Traumatic wounds can manifest in two ways: as open wounds that remain sensitive and painful when touched, or as scar tissue that becomes hardened and insensitive. This can lead to individuals becoming either extremely sensitive or very hardened, or both. (18m2s)

Emotional Isolation and Loneliness

• Emotional isolation is a significant factor in nurturing unprocessed trauma. Individuals who have been hurt in childhood may struggle to trust others, leading to feelings of loneliness even in social settings. (19m50s)
• Loneliness is identified as an epidemic in the United States, with more people reporting feelings of loneliness compared to 20 or 40 years ago. It is a risk factor for physiological illness, comparable to smoking 15 cigarettes a day, and is both a manifestation of trauma and a cause of significant stress that affects mental and physical health. (20m32s)
• Loneliness is both an outcome of trauma, where a traumatic event wasn't processed properly, leading to feelings of loneliness and isolation, even when surrounded by others (21m8s).

The Regret of Not Being Authentic

• A study in Australia found that the top regret of dying people was not having the courage to be themselves, and the third top regret was not having the courage to express their emotions (21m50s).
• People often pretend to be happy when they're not, and this can lead to feelings of loneliness and disconnection from others (22m11s).
• The fear of being rejected can prevent people from being authentic and expressing their true emotions (22m27s).
• Unprocessed trauma can lead to ongoing wounds and a new trauma of unprocessed trauma, making it difficult for people to process their emotions and be authentic (23m12s).
• In extreme cases, such as child abuse, the only way for the child to survive is to disconnect from themselves, which can lead to a lifelong fear of being authentic (24m1s).

Neuroscience and Free Will

• This disconnection can be wired into the nervous system and brain, making it difficult for people to be themselves without feeling scared or anxious (24m5s).
• Neuroscientist Robert Sapolsky suggests that there's no such thing as free will, as people are conditioned by their biology, culture, and early experiences, which can influence their behavior and decision-making (24m56s).
• Individuals are influenced by subconscious patterns that are established even before birth, and it is a lifelong challenge to break free from these patterns to live in the present moment as a connected adult. (25m19s)

Personal Growth and Unresolved Trauma

• Personal growth often involves recognizing and processing past experiences that continue to affect one's life, as unresolved issues can hinder the ability to form relationships and evolve. (26m7s)
• The metaphor of being a puppet is used to describe the lack of awareness and autonomy people experience when they are controlled by these subconscious patterns, similar to the story of Pinocchio becoming a real boy. (26m59s)

Sponsors and Personal Journey

• The discussion includes a mention of Liquid IV, a hydration product that offers immune support and enhanced hydration with a mango passion fruit flavor, providing five times the daily value of vitamin C and three times the electrolytes of leading sports drinks. (27m24s)
• ShipStation is introduced as a solution for e-commerce businesses seeking improved shipping efficiency, offering integration with over 180 e-commerce platforms and features for better customer service and carrier rate optimization. (28m40s)
• A person's journey to understanding their trauma began in adulthood, despite being a successful and well-respected family doctor, due to feelings of unhappiness and unfulfilled potential (29m55s).
• Their marriage had difficulties, and their children faced challenges, with the kids even being afraid of their parent's sudden outbursts of anger (30m25s).
• The person's son, Daniel, described the home environment as unpredictable, saying "the floor was never the floor" due to the parent's eruptions of drama (30m53s).
• This created a lack of trust and security for the children, despite the parents' love and best efforts (31m22s).

Childhood Trauma and its Manifestation

• The person began to question what was happening and looked into their own childhood experiences, realizing they had been traumatized (31m36s).
• As a child, the person was smart, rebellious, and had a tendency to agitate their classmates in communist Hungary (31m53s).
• They also experienced early childhood trauma, including being a Jewish infant born under Nazi occupation and being separated from their mother for six weeks (32m26s).
• A psychologist told their mother that the only problem the child had was bedwetting, but the person later realized they had many unseen issues (32m47s).
• Despite being highly functioning, the person had unprocessed trauma that erupted later in life, with the effects not becoming apparent until their 30s (33m23s).
• This unprocessed trauma is likened to a fire that starts when you're young, but the smoke doesn't appear until later, requiring the person to go back and look at their past experiences (33m32s).

Suppressed Emotions and Unhealthy Relationships

• Many individuals suppress emotions such as rage, pain, and isolation from childhood, which can lead to functioning in society in ways that are respected and rewarded, despite having miserable inner lives. This is evident in numerous successful public figures. (33m55s)
• People often seek in the world what they lacked in childhood, which can lead to detrimental outcomes, such as unhealthy relationships. This is because they repeatedly look for validation from those who are unable to provide it, hoping for a different outcome. (34m45s)
• There is a tendency to seek acceptance and validation, particularly in relationships, which can stem from a desire to be mothered or accepted, leading to complications in male-female relationships. This dynamic can create impossible situations for partners. (35m48s)
• Personal experiences with plant medicine retreats have revealed that difficulties in forming relationships may be linked to an unresolved desire for a perfect maternal relationship. This realization is not about blaming one's mother but understanding the lingering impact of childhood experiences. (37m22s)
• There is a discussion about a deep sense of longing and emptiness that some individuals experience, which can lead them to seek fulfillment from others without realizing it. This feeling can create a precarious foundation in one's life, even if everything seems okay on the surface. (37m58s)

Plant Medicine and Healing

• A book on addiction titled "In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts" was published in 2009, which argues that addiction is not a genetic disease but a response to trauma affecting the brain and psyche. (38m32s)
• After the book's publication, there was curiosity about the healing of addiction with ayahuasca, a plant-based psychedelic. The author had no initial knowledge of it but later experienced it in Vancouver with a Peruvian shaman. (38m49s)
• During the ayahuasca experience, the author felt pure love for the first time, which opened their heart and made them realize how closed it had been due to early bruising and protection mechanisms. This experience led to the belief that ayahuasca could help people with addiction. (39m16s)
• It is emphasized that psychedelics, including ayahuasca, are not for everyone and are not a cure-all. They can be beneficial in the right context with proper guidance and preparation, helping individuals access parts of themselves they were unaware of. (40m1s)
• There is a risk of people becoming addicted to the heightened experiences provided by psychedelics if they fail to integrate the insights gained into their everyday lives. The importance of integration after the psychedelic experience is highlighted as crucial for personal growth. (40m42s)

Integration and the Quick Fix

• People often learn new information but fail to integrate it into their lives, instead just acknowledging the fact without taking the time to apply it and make meaningful changes (41m47s).
• In the past, society was less frenetic, allowing people more time to reflect on and integrate new information into their lives (42m43s).
• The United States is addicted to the Quick Fix, seeking instant solutions rather than taking the time to properly address issues (42m52s).
• Work addiction, also known as workaholism, can be a major issue, driven by a need to prove one's importance and gain respect from others (43m9s).
• This type of addiction can stem from underlying trauma and low self-esteem, rather than a passion for the work itself (43m30s).

Trauma, Addiction, and Internalized Messages

• Trauma is not just the event that occurs, but also the internalized message that results from it, such as feeling unlovable or unimportant (44m7s).
• The internalized trauma can drive addiction, as seen in the example of work addiction being used to compensate for feelings of low self-worth (44m17s).
• Another example of addiction is compulsive shopping, such as spending large amounts of money on items like classical music CDs, driven by a need for more rather than a genuine interest in the item (44m24s).
• This type of addiction can lead to negative consequences, such as lying to loved ones, neglecting responsibilities, and prioritizing the addiction over important events (44m53s).
• The key distinction is between a passion for something and a drivenness to acquire more, with the latter being a sign of addiction (45m18s).

The Root of Addiction: Pain and Escape

• The discussion highlights the similarities between various addictions, such as heroin, cocaine, pornography, and excessive working out, emphasizing that many people use these behaviors as a form of chronic escape from themselves. (45m23s)
• It is suggested that instead of asking why someone is addicted, one should ask why they are in pain, as understanding the pain can provide insights into the addiction. The focus should be on the individual's life experiences rather than genetic factors. (47m1s)
• Addiction is defined as any behavior that provides temporary relief or pleasure, leads to negative consequences, and is difficult to give up. This definition applies to a wide range of activities beyond drug use. (47m29s)

Dopamine and Addictive Behaviors

• The conversation touches on personal experiences with addiction, such as using pornography as a way to feel good temporarily, highlighting the role of dopamine, a chemical in the brain associated with motivation and vitality, in addictive behaviors. (48m18s)
• Dopamine is a crucial chemical in the brain that motivates exploration, seeking food, and finding sexual partners. It is essential for survival, as demonstrated by experiments where mice without dopamine receptors lack motivation to eat even when hungry. (49m17s)
• Substances like cocaine, caffeine, nicotine, and crystal meth provide a direct hit of dopamine, as does pornography. The addiction is not to the substance or activity itself but to the dopamine spikes they cause in the brain. (49m44s)
• All addictions, including shopping, are driven by the pursuit of dopamine. Personal experiences, such as being focused and present in a record store due to dopamine flow, illustrate this point. (50m3s)

Endorphins and Connection

• Dopamine is sought after in various activities, including pornography, which can provide a sense of interaction and comfort for those who feel nervous around real-life interactions. (51m0s)
• Another chemical involved in many addictions is related to opiates, such as heroin and fentanyl, which work in the brain because humans have receptors for them. These receptors are for internal opiates called endorphins. (51m37s)
• Endorphins, or endogenous opiates, are produced by the body and serve several functions: they relieve physical and emotional pain, provide pleasure and reward, and are sought after in activities like bungee jumping for the high they provide. (52m10s)
• Endorphins play a crucial role in forming connections between individuals, particularly between parents and children, by acting as natural opiates. This connection is vital for survival, as demonstrated by experiments where mice without endorphin receptors do not cry for their mothers, which would lead to their death in the wild. (53m10s)
• Heroin and opiate addicts often seek the warmth and connection that they lacked in early life, as described by a sex trade worker who likened her first experience with heroin to a "warm soft hug." This highlights the human need for connection and the tendency to seek it through substances when it is absent. (53m53s)

Trauma, Isolation, and Processing

• Jamie Lee Curtis, a well-known recovery advocate, has openly discussed her addiction and recovery journey, emphasizing the warmth and connection opiates provided her, which she believes is a universal human pursuit. (54m14s)
• Trauma is exacerbated when individuals, especially children, are isolated and unable to share their suffering. A case is mentioned of Kimberly Shannon Murphy, a Hollywood stuntwoman who was sexually abused by her grandfather and was unable to speak out due to family denial, leading to her trauma. (55m27s)
• Processing trauma requires a safe and compassionate environment where individuals can express their experiences. Support groups, such as 12-step programs, can provide this environment, although there is a critique that they may not focus enough on addressing trauma. (56m47s)
• Discussions about emotional disorders and traumas are not about victimizing oneself, but rather about learning and growing from the experiences (57m22s).

Self-Pity and Avoiding Responsibility

• The realization that one was addicted to self-pity can be a turning point, as it allows individuals to acknowledge that they were seeing themselves as less than others and trying to make themselves better, but never feeling enough (58m5s).
• Self-pity can be an addiction that takes away responsibility from individuals, making it easier to avoid taking responsibility for their actions and lives (58m54s).
• Being in a state of self-pity can be a way to avoid the challenge of growth, as it allows individuals to maintain a sense of not being enough and therefore not having to take responsibility for their lives (59m38s).
• Emotional growth can be painful, and avoiding growth can be a way to avoid the growing pains that come with it (59m56s).
• Having an excuse, such as an addiction or a habit, can be a way to avoid taking responsibility for other areas of one's life (1h0m12s).

Shame and its Impact

• BlueChew is an online service that delivers the same active ingredients as Viagra, Cialis, and Levitra, but at a fraction of the cost and in a chewable form (1h0m41s).
• Trauma can foster a shame-based view of the self, where individuals feel ashamed of who they are, their appearance, and their background (1h3m1s).
• Shame can manifest as a deeply ingrained belief, rather than a surface-level feeling, and can be difficult to access and overcome (1h4m20s).
• Growing up in Hungary, Gabor Maté experienced anti-Semitism and felt ashamed of being Jewish, which led to feelings of shame about his appearance and identity (1h4m46s).
• Maté's experiences with anti-Semitism and body shaming have had a lasting impact, and he still struggles with body shame to this day (1h5m41s).
• Maté's mother gave him to someone else to save him when he was 11 months old, and he almost died as an infant, which may have contributed to his feelings of shame and low self-worth (1h5m0s).
• Shame can be a pervasive and deeply ingrained emotion that affects many aspects of a person's life, including their relationships and self-perception (1h3m39s).

The Development of Shame

• Therapy can be an effective way to address and overcome shame, by helping individuals to accept and understand their emotions and develop a more compassionate relationship with themselves (1h2m30s).
• Shame is not an inherent trait in infants; it develops when children are not seen or are mistreated, leading them to believe there is something wrong with them that they need to fix. This belief can provide a sense of hope, as it suggests there is something they can do to improve their situation. (1h6m2s)
• Children are naturally self-centered, interpreting their environment as a reflection of themselves. If they grow up in a loving and accepting atmosphere, they feel good about themselves. Conversely, if their environment is stressful or traumatic, they may internalize these experiences as personal failings. (1h7m33s)

Trauma in Children: Palestine and Gaza

• A study conducted 21 years ago on Palestinian children revealed that 95% exhibited traumatic symptoms, such as bedwetting, aggression, panic attacks, and anxiety. This was before the recent conflicts, indicating the severe impact of ongoing violence on children's mental health. (1h8m44s)
• The long-term effects of trauma on children, such as those in Gaza experiencing daily bombings, are concerning. Many children have been orphaned, not just losing parents but entire extended families, raising questions about their future well-being and development. (1h10m1s)
• The situation in Israel and Palestine is described as heartbreaking, with a sense of ongoing genocide, and there is a recognition of the political complexities involved. (1h10m21s)
• There is a mention of visiting Palestine to work with Palestinian women who were tortured in Israeli jails and suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder. (1h10m46s)
• Ta-Nehisi Coates, a black American writer, has written a new book discussing his visit to Palestine, emphasizing that once you witness the situation there, it is unforgettable. (1h11m0s)
• The media is criticized for not covering the situation in Israel and Palestine fairly, and there is a call for compassion towards children affected by the conflict on both sides. (1h11m19s)
• The suffering in Gaza is described as unprecedented, and there is a discussion about not comparing traumas but acknowledging the scale of suffering. (1h11m58s)

The Persistence of Trauma

• A personal anecdote is shared about the long-lasting effects of trauma, using the example of a startle response developed during infancy due to bombings in Budapest during World War II. (1h12m15s)
• The persistence of trauma is explained as being locked into one's cells and chromosomes, highlighting its enduring impact. (1h12m59s)
• There is a reflection on the inability of humanity to live peacefully despite the vastness of the planet, with a reference to spiritual teachings addressing this issue for thousands of years. (1h13m37s)

Self-Compassion and the Tyranny of the Past

• A person in Seattle appreciated a book that showed trauma as one of the potential outcomes of trauma, but still blamed themselves for their addiction, lacking self-compassion and understanding that they were just a hurt human being (1h14m11s).
• Lack of self-compassion is a common issue, often seen in workshops and therapy sessions, where people struggle to notice and acknowledge their own lack of compassion for themselves (1h15m9s).
• It's hard to notice when one is stuck in a shame circle, and it can manifest in different ways, such as self-pity, which can be a result of trying to constantly help oneself and focusing on not being good enough (1h15m32s).
• People often talk to themselves in ways they would never talk to others, and it's essential to give oneself some grace and compassion (1h16m10s).
• Childhood trauma can have lasting effects, and it's possible to correlate certain characteristics or actualities in one's life to side effects of childhood trauma (1h16m25s).
• Being "triggered" means having a reaction that's out of proportion to the actual stimulus, and it can be a result of unresolved trauma, making one more prone to explosive reactions (1h16m40s).
• Unresolved trauma can lead to difficulties in relationships, such as struggling to believe one is loved and accepted, and tendencies to blame others for one's own reactions (1h17m21s).
• Addictive behaviors, workaholism, and difficulty seeing others' positive qualities can also be outcomes of early stress and trauma (1h17m44s).

Trauma and Relationships

• Not believing that people love us can be a significant issue, and it's essential to understand why this happens and how it affects our relationships (1h18m18s).
• Trauma is described as the "tyranny of the past," where individuals react to past experiences in the present moment. (1h18m42s)
• A personal story is shared about a mother who, due to stress and fear, could not provide calm and loving attention to her child, leading the child to feel rejected and unlovable. This unprocessed trauma results in the belief that one is not lovable, affecting future relationships. (1h19m9s)

Parenting, Blame, and Responsibility

• The concept of not blaming parents is discussed, emphasizing that parents often act out of love and instinctual care, even if their actions do not always convey love to the child. (1h20m23s)
• It is explained that while parents may love their children, the child perceives love through the quality of the parent's presence, which can be affected by stress, depression, or other factors. (1h21m21s)
• The challenges of parenting in modern society are highlighted, noting economic insecurity, stress, and the lack of communal support that was present in ancestral environments where children were raised by groups of nurturing adults. (1h22m20s)
• The discussion highlights that blaming parents for abusive behavior is inappropriate and unscientific, as such behavior is often multigenerational, stemming from the parents' own experiences of abuse. (1h22m54s)
• It is emphasized that while early childhood experiences and trauma can lead to addiction, there is no one to blame. Instead, each generation should focus on taking responsibility to prevent passing on these issues. (1h24m17s)

Anger, Blame, and Laughter

• The distinction between anger and blame is discussed, noting that it is possible to feel and own anger without assigning blame. Responsibility should be acknowledged without resorting to blame. (1h24m52s)
• Laughter and humor are important aspects of life, with personal anecdotes shared about finding humor in one's own ridiculousness and the absurdity of life. Laughter is a key part of a long-lasting relationship, as exemplified by a 55-year marriage filled with shared laughter. (1h25m50s)
• A favorite comedic film mentioned is "A Fish Called Wanda," which is noted for its humor and the enjoyment it brings. (1h26m49s)

Literature and the Human Condition

• The discussion includes a preference for classic literature, with mentions of reading works like "The Iliad" by Homer and "The Brothers Karamazov" by Fyodor Dostoevsky, which are appreciated for their deep understanding of the human soul. (1h27m16s)
• "Catch-22" by Joseph Heller is highlighted as a humorous book, though it is noted that some parts are considered sexist, misogynist, and racist by modern standards. The book is praised for its commentary on the absurdity of war and the self-importance of people. (1h28m2s)
• "Demon Copperhead" by Barbara Kingsolver is discussed as a modern take on Charles Dickens' "David Copperfield," set in Appalachia. The book addresses regional stereotypes and includes a critique of J.D. Vance's representation of Appalachians. (1h29m21s)

Impostor Syndrome and Manipulation

• The concept of impostor syndrome is explored, described as a belief stemming from childhood experiences where one felt the need to pretend, leading to feelings of inauthenticity even when performing genuine acts. It is suggested that this belief can be challenged and addressed with kindness towards oneself. (1h30m37s)
• A discussion explores the concept of manipulation, suggesting that fear of manipulation can stem from a lack of self-compassion and trust in others' ability to care for themselves. It is noted that manipulation often arises from a desire to obtain something indirectly due to fear of vulnerability. (1h31m15s)
• The conversation touches on childhood experiences, highlighting that children may resort to manipulation out of a sense of weakness when they feel they cannot obtain what they need otherwise. (1h32m45s)

The Mind-Body Connection in Western Medicine

• The discussion critiques Western medicine for often failing to consider the interconnectedness of the body and mind, likening it to focusing on a single part of a car rather than the whole vehicle. This perspective suggests that medical practice should integrate a more holistic view of health. (1h33m1s)
• It is emphasized that Western science and medical practice are not synonymous, and there is a need to recognize the unity of the mind and body. Emotional states are shown to have physiological effects, as evidenced by various studies linking stress and emotional trauma to physical health issues. (1h33m42s)
• Examples are provided to illustrate the mind-body connection, such as children of stressed parents being more likely to develop asthma, and studies showing increased health risks like asthma and cancer in individuals experiencing racism, PTSD, or grief. (1h34m20s)
• Studies have shown the physical and physiological impact of stress, trauma, and loss on the body, which can manifest as disease or contribute to the onset of disease (1h35m22s).
• Cancer can be present in the body for a long time before it becomes apparent, and stress can turn off genes that protect against cancer and turn on genes that can cause cancer (1h35m48s).
• Repressing healthy anger can suppress the immune system, and this has been studied extensively by clinicians (1h36m9s).
• The Greek philosopher Socrates recognized 2400 years ago that doctors were separating the mind from the body, which is not a holistic approach to health (1h36m32s).
• Many medical pioneers have pointed out that the mind and body cannot be separated, and that humans are biopsychosocial creatures, meaning that biology is inseparable from the psyche and social relationships (1h36m50s).
• Medical practice often does not recognize this oneness, and doctors may not ask about trauma and stress when treating physical conditions like arthritis or multiple sclerosis, despite evidence of their role in these diseases (1h37m11s).
• Indigenous medicine, such as the medicine wheel, recognizes the importance of balance between the physical, mental, social, and spiritual quadrants for overall health (1h38m16s).
• Unfortunately, this holistic approach is often ignored in medical training, and the medical industry has been compromised by commercial interests (1h38m52s).

Depression and Holistic Treatment

• Depression is another condition that can be treated more holistically, taking into account the individual's life experiences and stressors, rather than just prescribing medication (1h39m23s).
• Depression is described as the act of pushing down or holding back feelings, which often begins in childhood when a child's emotions are not validated or accepted by adults. This can lead to the child suppressing their emotions, resulting in depression later in life. (1h39m41s)
• The process of prescribing antidepressants is quick, but understanding the underlying reasons for depression, such as past experiences that led to suppressed emotions, requires more time and is often overlooked in the medical field. (1h41m42s)
• The current medical model tends to focus on treating symptoms with medication rather than addressing the root causes of depression, which involves understanding the patient's life experiences and emotional history. (1h42m8s)
• In contrast to modern practices, traditional communities would address illness through communal healing rituals, recognizing the individual's illness as a reflection of a larger imbalance within the community. This approach emphasizes the interconnectedness of individual and communal well-being. (1h42m57s)
• The separation of mind and body in modern medicine is criticized, as it often reduces depression to a mere brain problem, ignoring the broader life context and experiences that contribute to mental health issues. (1h43m43s)

Frustration, Longing, and Societal Issues

• There is a widespread sense of frustration and longing in society, which is often expressed culturally, as seen in the movie "Network" where a character famously yells, "I'm mad as hell and I'm not going to be able to take this anymore." This frustration is attributed to unmet needs. (1h45m15s)
• This feeling of frustration is universal, as evidenced by a recent tour across Europe where many people expressed similar sentiments. However, some individuals escape these feelings through distractions provided by mass media, sports, and consumption. (1h45m29s)
• Sensitivity plays a role in how people experience these frustrations. Some individuals are genetically more sensitive, meaning they feel negative experiences more intensely than others. This heightened sensitivity is particularly noted among comedians. (1h46m12s)
• Despite the pervasive sense of having gone "off the path," there is an inherent part of individuals that remains undamaged and intact. The challenge lies in reconnecting with this inner self, as society and culture do not facilitate this connection. It is suggested that individuals must take the initiative to reconnect with this part of themselves. (1h47m4s)

Inherent Goodness and the Emotional Revolution

• Humans have the capacity for both good and evil, but the essential goodness and desire to connect, belong, and celebrate life is inherent in people, and this goodness never totally disappears, even if it's covered over in some individuals (1h48m43s).
• The potential for humans to be monsters or angels exists, but most people are capable of getting in touch with their goodness once they decide to (1h49m53s).
• A sense of community and shared experiences can be a source of support, as seen in groups like AA, where individuals can be vulnerably open and find support in sharing their experiences (1h48m3s).

The Importance of Feelings and the Present Moment

• Humans are born as feeling creatures, with the ability to feel present before the thinking apparatus develops, and a scaffolding of healthy feelings is necessary for thinking to be aligned with reality (1h51m8s).
• The feeling apparatus is essential for survival, as seen in animals that feel but don't necessarily think, and humans have it backwards when they think they can get by solely with thinking (1h51m50s).
• The present moment is necessary for humans to reflect, recognize, and think, but the culture has created many distractions that can prevent people from taking the time to think or feel (1h50m5s).
• Technology, while helpful in some ways, can also be a distraction that prevents people from truly thinking or feeling, and at some point, it may not be beneficial if it's not helping humans (1h52m14s).
• There is a concern about the impact of technology and automation on jobs, as having a job provides people with a sense of purpose and meaning. The loss of jobs can lead to a loss of meaning in life. (1h52m26s)

The Impact of Technology and Automation

• The diminishing lifespan of white American men is linked to a loss of meaning, which has been exacerbated by the outsourcing of jobs from the industrial heartland of America. This economic shift, driven by profit motives, has deprived many people of their sense of purpose. (1h53m27s)
• The concept of work has changed, with people no longer having a direct connection to the products they create, unlike in the past when individuals took pride in their work and its tangible results. (1h54m11s)
• The focus on profit maximization often leads companies to prioritize profits over human values, resulting in job losses and a lack of concern for the well-being of workers. (1h54m45s)

Work, Meaning, and Indigenous Perspectives

• A book titled "The Continuum Concept" describes how a tribe in the Venezuelan jungle raises their children without punishment, leading to happy and comfortable individuals. This tribe does not have a word for "work" but instead has specific terms for activities like cutting wood or fishing, indicating a lack of alienation from their tasks. (1h55m16s)
• The idea of "work-life balance" suggests a separation between work and life, implying that they are distinct and not integrated, unlike the approach observed in the tribe mentioned in "The Continuum Concept." (1h56m11s)
• Modern society creates significant stress and discomfort by placing individuals in environments that are not natural to them, similar to how a zebra behaves differently in a zoo compared to its natural habitat. This analogy suggests that humans have distanced themselves from their natural evolutionary environment, leading to various societal issues. (1h56m26s)
• Human civilization represents a very small fraction of the entire existence of the human species, with civilization being less than 5% of our existence as a species and less than 1% of the time of the human genus. Historically, human groups valued hospitality, sharing, generosity, and reciprocal exchange, which were essential for mutual survival and connection. (1h57m58s)

Colonial Trauma and Indigenous Wisdom

• Indigenous cultures, such as those in British Columbia, practiced communal ceremonies like the potlatch, which focused on giving rather than receiving. However, British colonialists outlawed these practices to suppress the spirit of communality. This suppression of indigenous traditions, including chanting and other cultural practices, occurred in various regions, including the United States, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and parts of Africa, as a means to disconnect people from their communal drives. (1h59m0s)
• Darcia Narvaez is mentioned as having the idea that humans have become "species atypical," meaning they have the unique ability to act against their own needs and harm their environment, unlike any other species. (2h0m44s)
• There is a reflection on whether current diseases might be a consequence of historical events, such as the treatment of indigenous cultures, suggesting that nature might be responding to past actions. (2h1m9s)
• Work with indigenous people in Canada is highlighted, focusing on addiction, stress, and trauma, which are seen as results of colonial trauma. Despite these challenges, indigenous communities possess deep wisdom and connection to nature. (2h1m35s)
• A vision is shared of a future where technological and scientific advancements are combined with indigenous wisdom to create a better world. This is seen as a hopeful possibility for society's development. (2h2m42s)

Community, Nature, and Emotional Healing

• Personal anecdotes are shared about the value of community and togetherness, such as during power outages or disasters, where people naturally come together to support each other. (2h3m26s)
• The importance of learning from indigenous people and nature is emphasized, with a reference to Darcia Narvaez's book "The Evolved Nest," which discusses human commonality with other animals. (2h4m13s)
• Dara, a retired professor at the University of Notre Dame, has written a book called "The Evolved Nest" that explores how animals raise their young and what humans can learn from them (2h5m9s).
• The book highlights the importance of touch and community in raising children, citing examples such as penguins, wolves, and elephants (2h5m14s).
• The author believes that humans still have a lot to learn from animals and need to be humble and recognize the importance of emotions and gut feelings in addition to intellect (2h6m5s).

Emotional Development and Early Stress

• An emotional revolution is needed to reconnect humans with their hearts and emotions (2h6m31s).
• Rafi, a children's singer, is mentioned as a friend who has a childlike heart and understands children's needs (2h7m25s).
• Rafi's quote "we discover who we are from the inside" is discussed in the context of human development, which begins with feelings in the uterus and is influenced by the mother's emotions (2h8m6s).
• The author emphasizes that humans develop their sense of self through feelings first, and then intellect, and that this process can be affected by the mother's stress levels during pregnancy (2h8m33s).
• Early stress can disrupt emotional balance, making it difficult for individuals to perceive things clearly. In the United States, 25% of women return to work within two weeks of giving birth, which contrasts with the natural preference for babies to be with their mothers for at least nine months, ideally longer, with support from a nurturing community. (2h8m43s)

Civilization, Community, and Emotional Needs

• Civilization has brought many benefits but also led to a loss of community and connection. It is important to value achievements while remembering and reconnecting with lost aspects of human nature. (2h9m57s)
• Children inherently know how to feel, but they need adults to help them articulate their emotions. It is crucial for caregivers to provide children with words for their feelings, acknowledging their emotions without necessarily giving in to their demands. (2h10m48s)
• Authoritative parenting involves understanding, guiding, and providing children with words for their feelings without suppressing them. It sets limits on behavior while maintaining a trusting relationship, similar to the approach of indigenous communities where children trusted adults for guidance. (2h11m51s)
• Modern learning often occurs through impersonal means like YouTube or pornography, highlighting a need for genuine human connection and community. (2h12m38s)
• There is a societal perception that having emotional needs is a sign of weakness, and the idea is humorously suggested that one day emotions might be displayed in museums as relics of the past. (2h12m53s)

Healing, Recognition, and Hope

• The work being discussed includes contributions from various therapists, scientists, philosophers, and doctors, and aims to promote healing rather than just focusing on negative aspects. The healing section is the longest part of the book. (2h13m26s)
• The book has been on the New York Times bestseller list for 19 weeks, was a Canadian bestseller for a year and a half, and has been published in 41 languages, becoming a bestseller in many countries. This widespread recognition is seen as a source of hope. (2h14m5s)
• As society faces crises, more people are beginning to question and awaken to new ideas, which is viewed positively. (2h14m36s)
• The speaker expresses gratitude for the opportunity to ask questions and acknowledges the admiration and respect many people, including therapists, have for Dr. Gabor Maté. (2h14m48s)