Sixty percent of adults report difficult childhood experiences, including drawn-out divorces, violence and abuse. The effects of trauma are long-lasting, ranging from anxiety to post-traumatic stress disorder and physical illness.

According to Dr Gabor Maté, focusing solely on the role of family in childhood trauma misses the bigger picture. What if trauma also results from a shortcoming on the part of society to support families in thriving? If society helped informed teachers and parents meet children's basic needs for attachment and connection, would we produce fewer traumatised adults?

In this interview, Maté discusses the 'Myth of Normal', what leads to trauma in society, and what we can do (as a society and as individuals).

- Read 'Why are so many adults haunted by trauma'

About Dr Gabor Maté

Dr Gabor Maté is adjunct professor in the Faculty of Criminology at Simon Fraser University, and is a highly sought after speaker with an expertise on a range of topics from addiction to mind-body wellness. He is also a bestselling author with his works including: In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts: Close Encounters with addiction, When the Body Says No: The Cost of Hidden Stress, and Scattered Minds: A New Look at the Origins and Healing of Attention Deficit Disorder.

- Watch 'When the Body Says No -- Caring for ourselves while caring for others'