Doctor Gabor Mate: I Regret My Interview With Prince Harry! The Shocking Link Between Kindness & Illness! | The Diary Of A CEO with Steven Bartlett

Intro

In this episode of “The Diary Of A CEO with Steven Bartlett,” Steven interviews Dr. Gabor Mate, a renowned physician and bestselling author. They discuss the shocking link between kindness and illness, the impact of childhood trauma on mental and physical health, and the importance of authenticity and vulnerability in relationships.

Main Takeaways

Impact of Childhood Trauma

• Childhood distress rates are increasing worldwide.
• Repression of healthy anger has huge implications for your health.
• Emotional repression is one of the impacts of childhood trauma.
• Children can be traumatized by not having their needs met, not being seen, heard, or held.
• Childhood trauma can have lasting impacts on mental and physical health.

Connection Between Kindness and Illness

• The body says no when people don’t know how to say no, leading to illness.
• Repressing emotions can have a negative impact on mental health.
• Repression of healthy anger disturbs the immune system, leading to illness.
• Emotional repression has huge physiological implications, as seen in a study on emotionally repressed patients who were more likely to get lung cancer.
• Repressing emotions can lead to increased risk of illnesses like cancer and autoimmune diseases.

Authenticity and Relationships

• Being seen for who you truly are is important, not just having your ideas viewed.
• Trauma can affect anyone, regardless of privilege or social status.
• Emotional trauma can affect marriages and cause unhealthy dynamics.
• Repressing the ability to say no can lead to the body expressing it in the form of multiple sclerosis or ALS.
• Unhealthy anger is when the rage keeps building on itself and recruits more brain circuits, leading to fits of anger and rage.

Summary

Impact of Childhood Trauma

Childhood trauma, including distress and unmet needs, can have long-lasting effects on mental and physical health. Repressing healthy anger and emotions can lead to negative impacts on overall well-being. It is crucial to address childhood trauma and provide support to individuals who have experienced it.

Connection Between Kindness and Illness

Repressing emotions, especially healthy anger, can disturb the immune system and increase the risk of illnesses like cancer and autoimmune diseases. Emotional repression has significant physiological implications, as seen in studies linking emotional repression to lung cancer. Learning to express emotions and say no when necessary is essential for maintaining good health.

Authenticity and Relationships

Being seen and accepted for who we truly are is vital for healthy relationships. Trauma can affect anyone, regardless of their social status, and can impact marriages and create unhealthy dynamics. Repressing the ability to say no can manifest in physical illnesses like multiple sclerosis or ALS. Understanding and managing anger in a healthy way is crucial for personal growth and maintaining healthy relationships.

Conclusion

This episode highlights the importance of addressing childhood trauma, expressing emotions, and being authentic in relationships. The shocking link between kindness and illness emphasizes the need for emotional well-being and self-care. By understanding the impact of trauma and practicing vulnerability, individuals can lead healthier and more fulfilling lives.