Oprah explores 'life-changing question' in treating childhood trauma

For Sunday's "60 Minutes," Oprah Winfrey traveled to Milwaukee, where she grew up, to learn about a revolutionary approach in the city to childhood trauma. She spoke to Dr. Bruce Perry, the world's leading expert on early trauma who has treated survivors of high-profile events like the Columbine shooting. Winfrey joins "CBS This Morning" to discuss why the question should shift from "What's wrong with that child?" to "What happened to that child?"

Delivered by Norah O’Donnell and Gayle King, "CBS This Morning" offers a thoughtful, substantive and insightful source of news and information to a daily audience of 3 million viewers. The Emmy Award-winning broadcast presents a mix of daily news, coverage of developing stories of national and global significance, and interviews with leading figures in politics, business and entertainment. Check local listings for "CBS This Morning" broadcast times.

[JoyKronicles]

It took so long for this is come to light. So many of us are damaged and forced to act normal.

[lacyrussell]

I’m currently in therapy and not returning to work till I can get myself right. I’m tired of feeling broken and I don’t want to be angry all the time.

[hi]

“It’s not an excuse; it’s an explanation.” Empowering quote from Oprah. She walks what she talks.

[ItsKells]

To see this and to see her birth the book “What Happened to You?” Is just brilliant. She really walks the walk!

[adamatova]

Finally - someone is talking about this. Great, now let's make some noise.

[ikchuks]

OPRAH is beyond brilliant she is a genius to shade light on this

[christinemichele]

Trauma informed care is not a new idea. It’s been around for decades. Glad it’s being championed by a main stream icon now because the rest of the world needs to know about it and understand it.

[michelleswanson]

I wish that she had included more about how even with great mental health help, it's not like you can erase all the effects. You can get help and have your symptoms improve, but that doesn't mean all those symptoms go away completely. As an adult survivor of childhood trauma, I acknowledge the effects it still has in my life even with lots of professional help. I wish there was more support and help because it is a handicap, but it's not recognized as one. Instead, it's seen as a direct reflection on my value as a person. If someone hears I suffer with mental health issues due to childhood trauma, they just get uncomfortable and look at me like a pariah. You wouldn't do that to someone who had a physical handicap. Not to mention how expensive getting help is

[loganquinn]

If Oprah ran for president with this topic as her primary agenda, I'd vote for her. I can't agree enough with her that this should be our number one issue we address as a society.

[surdogal]

‘What happened to you ?’ That is a game changer 💖

[veggiebea]

Childhood developmental trauma impacts how our brains and bodies physically develop. In my late twenties I would up having such severe health issues i became legally handicapped, and doctors couldn't figure out why. It wasn't until I saw a specialist gastroenterologist who told me that I was living with debilitating ptsd that was impacting my digestion, nutritional absorption, hormones, sleep, and overall health. I didn't believe it at first bc I was high achieving - how could that be the diagnosis? After reading several books and the research on the topic as well as working with trauma specialists for a couple years, I now know that early childhood trauma takes many forms and can seriously impact how the body develops and functions later in life. Hearing Oprah talk about this gave me all the feels. In case sharing my story in this comment is helpful, there is now a lot of new research on this topic now. I recommend reading about the large ACE study on children with dev trauma, and personally find reading books on complex ptsd by people like Pete Walker or books like 'the body keeps score' Dr Bessel van der kolk helpful. ❤️

[lorrainewest]

Yes, exactly. People need to heal themselves before bringing children into toxic.

[karmafairy]

If anyone deserves to be the first female president of the United States, it would be Oprah!

[NewYork]

This is the one of the reasons a therapist wants to listen your story first before giving you a proper cure.

[zachthebulldog]

I don't know if we're way ahead in Sweden but this is definitely NOT something new. I'm shocked that NOW they will ask "what happened to you" instead of "what's wrong with you".

[lizlorraine]

I hope Oprah reads the books and works of Alice Miller, who coined the term "witness" in a child's life can make the difference to a child of trauma. She fought for no spanking of our children worldwide. One book is called, For Your Own Good. Unfortunately the US still allows corporal punishments in our school systems! And we condone spanking in families. It truly is a violent act that has lasting effects. Thank you Oprah for all that you will do with this info. Trauma IS the beginning of dysfunction, changing our brains very early on. And it is generational as trauma parents then raise children with trauma. Education is the only way out of this cycle, along with much compassion.

[bevo]

Just came across that video Ophra you are absolutely right, god bless

[valeriecady-hudgens]

Oprah, I am a registered nurse, ending my career in mental health. I am a National Council Mental Health First Aid Instructor for Youth. Please don't stop advocating awareness for traumatized children. You will get people's attention because of your reputation, so proud you are once again, using your voice to bring awareness to this topic!

[marshacreary]

True, if done in conjunction with the reformation of dysfunctional systems. When the systems that cause extreme forms of marginalization, abuse, trauma, violence and disenfranchisement are changed, the efforts at philanthropy will be more effective/efficient

[nicolewilliams]

This is making me have chills. Making my purpose even clearer.