The Myth of Normal: Trauma, Illness, and Healing in a Toxic Culture
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The instant New York Times bestseller
By the acclaimed author of In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts, a groundbreaking investigation into the causes of illness, a bracing critique of how our society breeds disease, and a pathway to health and healing.
In this revolutionary book, renowned physician Gabor Maté eloquently dissects how in Western countries that pride themselves on their healthcare systems, chronic illness and general ill health are on the rise. Nearly 70 percent of Americans are on at least one prescription drug; more than half take two. In Canada, every fifth person has high blood pressure. In Europe, hypertension is diagnosed in more than 30 percent of the population. And everywhere, adolescent mental illness is on the rise. So what is really “normal” when it comes to health?
Over four decades of clinical experience, Maté has come to recognize the prevailing understanding of “normal” as false, neglecting the roles that trauma and stress, and the pressures of modern-day living, exert on our bodies and our minds at the expense of good health. For all our expertise and technological sophistication, Western medicine often fails to treat the whole person, ignoring how today’s culture stresses the body, burdens the immune system, and undermines emotional balance. Now Maté brings his perspective to the great untangling of common myths about what makes us sick, connects the dots between the maladies of individuals and the declining soundness of society—and offers a compassionate guide for health and healing. Cowritten with his son Daniel, The Myth of Normal is Maté’s most ambitious and urgent book yet.
Customers say
Customers find the book informative and thought-provoking. They describe it as a brilliant, masterful read that truly speaks to the root. The perspectives are authentic and meaningful for them. Readers appreciate the compassionate examination of deep emotions and the author’s empathy. Many consider the book a good value for money. Opinions differ on the writing quality – some find it brilliant and talented, while others say it is not an easy read and needs to be read with discernment.
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The instant New York Times bestseller
By the acclaimed author of In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts, a groundbreaking investigation into the causes of illness, a bracing critique of how our society breeds disease, and a pathway to health and healing.
In this revolutionary book, renowned physician Gabor Maté eloquently dissects how in Western countries that pride themselves on their healthcare systems, chronic illness and general ill health are on the rise. Nearly 70 percent of Americans are on at least one prescription drug; more than half take two. In Canada, every fifth person has high blood pressure. In Europe, hypertension is diagnosed in more than 30 percent of the population. And everywhere, adolescent mental illness is on the rise. So what is really “normal” when it comes to health?
Over four decades of clinical experience, Maté has come to recognize the prevailing understanding of “normal” as false, neglecting the roles that trauma and stress, and the pressures of modern-day living, exert on our bodies and our minds at the expense of good health. For all our expertise and technological sophistication, Western medicine often fails to treat the whole person, ignoring how today’s culture stresses the body, burdens the immune system, and undermines emotional balance. Now Maté brings his perspective to the great untangling of common myths about what makes us sick, connects the dots between the maladies of individuals and the declining soundness of society—and offers a compassionate guide for health and healing. Cowritten with his son Daniel, The Myth of Normal is Maté’s most ambitious and urgent book yet.
by Tucker Mackenzie
Exceptionally Comprehensive, Thought-Provoking and Revelatory
As Dr. Gabor Maté so eloquently explains in The Myth of Normal, trauma strikes just about everyone in life, in ways seen and unseen. And, as he states early in the work, we know we’ve personally experienced it when we find ourselves forever changed by it. Sometimes, all it takes to make a book stand out is just one aspect that suddenly opens up a world of understanding. For me, this one simple definition of trauma — its telltale sign — was nothing short of revelatory. I found it so meaningful that, had it been the only insight I gleaned from this exhaustive work, I would have been completely satisfied with my purchase. But, as I read on, this one insight became a wealth of insights. In both breadth and depth, this book is truly exceptional.For those who’ve experienced significant trauma, beware. Like Bessel van der Kolk’s seminal bestseller, The Body Keeps the Score, The Myth of Normal is not a comforting read, particularly in its early chapters when Maté explains how traumatic events can lead to disease, personality disorders, and addictions in its victims years, even decades, later. It’s sobering to learn just how much power primary caregivers unwittingly have over their children’s mental, emotional and physical health well into adulthood. That’s why this book should be a must-read for anyone raising or planning to raise a child.Maté makes it clear, however, that parents are not the sole influence of their children’s health and well-being. In fact, much of the book deals with what he considers toxicities inherent in today’s society that present challenges for even the best of parents. These toxicities are staggering in scope and pertain to everything from pop culture to race, gender, class, politics and even our late-stage capitalism. Maté leaves virtually no stone unturned in showing us just how much in our world today can traumatize us without our even realizing it. It’s a lot to digest, but his writing remains consistently compelling and thought-provoking. If you choose this one for a book group, be prepared for an all-night discussion about cultural toxicities alone.Of course, no book on trauma would be complete without suggestions for healing. In the book’s final chapters, Maté offers what he calls “pathways to wholeness,” clarifying at the outset that his definition of healing is not an “end state” but a “movement towards” wellness. This distinction spares us the false hope of a magic cure because, again, as Maté makes clear, trauma’s telltale sign is its imprint on us forever. The sheer tenacity of its effects is no doubt why Maté’s pathways include the holistic approaches of curiosity, understanding, self-compassion, and acceptance, among others.Maté also touches on the use of psychedelics in treating trauma, adding a fascinating account of his personal “communion with God” in a Peruvian rain forest which, to his surprise, suffused him with profound insights that he brought to this work. He makes it clear, though, that his focus is not on finding or endorsing a magic medicinal cure, but rather on society and our need to recognize how it’s hurting us. It all starts, he says, with “shedding the toxic myths” of what we’ve come to accept as normal. It all comes down to “waking up.”Well, this book not only woke me up but kept me reading well into the night. I’ll read it again. It’s really that deserving.
by Amazon Customer
this book is fantastic!
This book is a wealth of information! Gabor Matte is a master!
by Nicole DePauw
Very cool book
I am loving this read. It’s science-y but very easy to understand and comprehend. I love Mate’s insight on childhood experiences and how they shape us as humans. Definitely recommend.
by K. Ab
A Must Read
This book is a gift from Dr. Gabor for everyone. I appreciate all the time, research, interviews, and personal stories that author has shared. It teaches you to understand your life. What I thought good or bad before, now has different definition.Such a humble and yet touching way to talk about deepest emotions that one might hide. Explaining reasoning behind so much that consciously we don’t have answers.It is 562 pages. There are parts that will resonate with one and the book becomes not an easy read.I loved the last 100 pages where he talks about how to navigate and gives steps.What I struggled with the book is I had to look up definitions of some words. Maybe, its my own vocabulary issue. I have to mention, this was not an issue in any away to convey the message. I enjoyed the book tremendously.
by C
How does modern society/culture affect our overall health?
This book is divided into five parts, with 33 chapters, and a total of about 497 pages, not including the Acknowledgements/Notes/Index.In the Introduction, Maté gives a summary of his reasons for writing the book, and he explains his basic premise: âIt is my contention that by its very nature our social and economic culture generates chronic stressors that undermine well-being in the most serious of ways,â.In Part 1 â âOur Interconnected Natureâ, Maté begins by discussing trauma, and the lasting effects of traumatic experiences, even ones from infancy. He also explores the body-mind connection, with the contention that our physical wellbeing is even more linked to our thoughts than most people realize. Maté cites various research studies and examples from his professional life to further illustrate his points. He quotes various neuroscientists and geneticists, and he explains how outside influences even affect our immune systems.In Part 2, Maté discusses early life and the developmental needs of children. He covers the effects of stress, even in the womb before the child is born. He gives some perspective on childbirth, early stages of development, parenting styles, the effects of screentime, and cultural norms.In Part 3 Maté gives his thoughts about diseases and addictions potentially being adaptations to the environment. He discusses various types of addictions, and some myths and misconceptions about mental illnesses.Part 4 shifts the focus to society as a whole, and the ways that modern societies can be a source of stressors that lead to illness. Maté covers economic stress, dislocation and loneliness, neuromarketing, Big Food and Big Pharma, inequalities of race, class, and gender, and political division.In Part 5 Maté wraps up by offering some ideas about healing and wholeness. He talks about the four Aâs: Authenticity, Agency, Anger and Acceptance. He offers his thoughts about compassion, and how to learn from modern diseases. He discusses how to improve self-awareness, and how to learn to say âNoâ. Maté also talks about psychedelics and spirituality, before giving a few final words about the path to a healthier future society.Overall, I liked this book. I was intrigued by Matéâs take on these lesser-studied large scale issues, and I thought that he made some very good points. This topic is difficult to write a very scientific book on though, because there are so many vague concepts and multi-faceted issues, that it becomes almost impossible to prove some of his assertions. I think that there is some good advice here towards the end of the book, and many parts really encouraged me to think more deeply; but also, the general concept of society/culture contributing to illness is such a broad topic that it is hard to really feel like there are great solutions. Still, I donât regret reading this one.
by Dr. Robert Arrese
Truly a comprehensive holistic medical healing book
As a practitioner working with trauma release work this is an essential body of work from the heart.
by Jim Altfeld
Enlightening!!
The book was suggested to me by a good friend who also happens to be a Psychologist. Knowing I’m inquisitive by nature, she felt the book would provide a new perspective on a great many things. She was correct! Much like Cracker Jack, there’s a surprise in every chapter. Well worth the read.
by stephen downey
Game changing book
Very eye opening book. Everyone should read it, youâll understand yourself, others and the world around us a whole lot better.
by Shelly Gloeden
An excellent book that explains the connection between the mind and body as well as trauma.
by alana pezzotti
Me encanta leer a Gabor Maté porque es un Dr. de mente abierta. En este libro reta las ideas pre-establecidas acerca del origen de ciertos trastornos y adicciones adentrándose a como es que se genera el trauma y presentando nuevas maneras de abordar nuestro camino de sanación explorando un camino intermedio entre los métodos clásico y alopáticos y las medicinas y tratamiento alternativos.
by Bella
Einfach nur Hammer. Gabor Maté ist zu 100% zu empfehlen. Habe alles von ihm gelesen
by cristina laird
I am a psychotherapist and astrologer and the compassion and wisdom that Gabor Maté shows in this book about the fragility and vulnerability of childhood is extraordinary.
by Pravin kumar sharma
What a great read, hats off.