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

Order your copy of The Let Them Theory 👉 https://melrob.co/let-them-theory 👈 The #1 Best Selling Book of 2025 🔥 Discover how much power you truly have. It all begins with two simple words. Let Them. — 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. Get Dr. Maté’s book The Myth of Normal: https://drgabormate.com/book/the-myth-of-normal/ For more resources related to today’s episode, click here for the podcast episode page: https://www.melrobbins.com/podcasts/episode-274 Follow The Mel Robbins Podcast on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themelrobbinspodcast I’m just your friend. I am not a licensed therapist, and this podcast is NOT intended as a substitute for the advice of a physician, professional coach, psychotherapist, or other qualified professional. Got it? Good. I’ll see you in the next episode. In this episode: 00:00 Welcome 03:19 Dr. Gabor Maté's Personal Journey with Trauma 09:01 The Formation of Trauma in Childhood 36:01 Birth Trauma and Postpartum Depression 44:40 The Relationship Between Stress and Trauma 51:41 Identifying and Healing Childhood Trauma 01:07:24 The Importance of Play and Joy in Adult Life — Follow Mel: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melrobbins/ TikTok: http://tiktok.com/@melrobbins Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/melrobbins LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melrobbins Website: http://melrobbins.com​ — Sign up for Mel’s newsletter: https://melrob.co/sign-up-newsletter A note from Mel to you, twice a week, sharing simple, practical ways to build the life you want. — Subscribe to Mel’s channel here: https://www.youtube.com/melrobbins​?sub_confirmation=1 — Listen to The Mel Robbins Podcast 🎧 New episodes drop every Monday & Thursday! https://melrob.co/spotify https://melrob.co/applepodcasts https://melrob.co/amazonmusic — Looking for Mel’s books on Amazon? Find them here: The Let Them Theory: https://amzn.to/3IQ21Oe The Let Them Theory Audiobook: https://amzn.to/413SObp The High 5 Habit: https://amzn.to/3fMvfPQ The 5 Second Rule: https://amzn.to/4l54fah