Description

THE INSTANT SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER OVER ONE MILLION COPIES SOLD We tend to believe that normality equals health. Yet what is the norm in the Western world Mental illness and chronic disease are on an unstoppable rise. How did we get here And what lies ahead for us ‘It all starts with waking up… to what our bodies are expressing and our minds are suppressing.’ In this life-affirming book, Gabor Mate connects the dots between our personal suffering and the relentless pressures of modern life – showing that ill health is a natural reflection of our disconnection from our true selves. Drawing on four decades of clinical experience, and stories of people transforming their bodies and minds, Dr Mate offers a hopeful pathway to reconnection and healing.

The Myth of Normal: Trauma, Illness, and Healing in a Toxic Culture (2022) is a groundbreaking book by Dr. Gabor Maté, co-written with his son, Daniel Maté. It challenges the conventional idea of “normal” health and explores how modern society contributes to widespread chronic illness, mental health struggles, and emotional suffering.

Maté argues that many physical and psychological conditions are not just genetic or random but deeply influenced by societal pressures, childhood trauma, and emotional repression. He highlights how Western culture prioritizes productivity, competition, and individualism at the cost of genuine human connection and well-being. Drawing from scientific research, personal anecdotes, and case studies, he demonstrates how stress, suppressed emotions, and adverse childhood experiences shape long-term health outcomes.

A key theme in the book is the mind-body connection—how unresolved emotional pain manifests in physical illness. Maté also critiques the medical system for focusing on symptoms rather than root causes and emphasizes the need for compassion-based healing approaches.

With its blend of medical insight and social commentary, The Myth of Normal encourages readers to rethink health, prioritize self-awareness, and foster a more supportive, trauma-informed society. The book resonates deeply with those seeking holistic well-being and personal transformation.