The Myth of Normal: Trauma, Illness & Healing in a Toxic Culture

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A book that changes everything - from the legendary Dr Gabor Mate We tend to believe that normality equals health. Yet what is the norm in the Western world Mental illness is on an unstoppable rise. Some 45% of Europeans suffer high blood pressure, and nearly 70% of Americans take at least one prescription drug. Illness and trauma are defining how we live. In his new masterpiece, renowned physician, addiction expert and author Gabor Mate dissects the underlying causes of this malaise - physical and emotional, and connects the dots between our personal suffering and the pressures of modern-day living. Over four decades of clinical experience, Dr Mate has found that the common definition of 'normal' is false- virtually all disease is actually a natural reflection of life in an abnormal culture, as we grow further and further apart from our true selves. But he also shows us the pathway to reconnection and healing. Filled with stories of people in the grip of illness or in the triumphant wake of recovery, this life-affirming book shows how true health is possible - if we are willing to embrace authenticity above social expectations. The Myth of Normal is Gabor Mate's most ambitious, compassionate and urgent book yet.

Reviews

Gabor Mate takes us on an epic journey of discovery about how our emotional well-being, and our social connectivity (in short: how we live), is intimately intertwined with health, disease and addictions ... This riveting and beautifully written tale has profound implications for all of our lives, including the practice of medicine and mental health * Bessel van der Kolk, author of The Body Keeps the Score *
Wise, sophisticated, rigorous and creative: an intellectual and compassionate investigation of who we are and who we may become * Tara Westover, author of Educated *
A book literally everyone will be enriched by - a wise, profound and healing work that is the culmination of Dr Mat's many years of deep and painfully accumulated wisdom * Johann Hari, author of Stolen Focus *
An astonishing achievement, epic in scope and yet profoundly down-to-earth and practical. I will read this book again and again * V (formerly Eve Ensler), author of The Vagina Monologues *
Brilliant, compelling and groundbreaking. Gabor Mat offers us a way to bring clear seeing and a greatness of heart to the crisis of our times * Tara Brach, author of Radical Compassion *
A book in which readers can seek refuge and solace during moments of profound personal and social crisis * Esther Perel, psychotherapist and author of Mating in Captivity *
Gabor Mat's connections - between the intensely personal and the global, the spiritual and the medical, the psychological and the political - are bold, wise and deeply moral. He is a healer to be cherished * Naomi Klein, author of No Logo and The Shock Doctrine *
A compelling book that will challenge your views and help lift the veil of illusion to what is truly happening in your mind and in your body * Sharon Salzberg, author of Lovingkindness and Real Happiness *
Gripping ... a powerful call for change in how we live with, love, understand, treat, and think about each other * Rebecca Solnit, author of Men Explaining Everything To Me *

Author Bio

Gabor Mate (Author) A celebrated speaker, and bestselling author, Dr Gabor Mate is highly sought after for his expertise on a range of topics including addiction, stress and childhood development. Rather than offering quick-fix solutions to these complex issues, Dr Mate weaves together scientific research, case histories, and his own insights and experience to present a broad perspective that enlightens and empowers people to promote their own healing and that of those around them. Dr Mate has written several bestselling books including When the Body Says No, Scattered Minds and co-authored Hold on to Your Kids. His most recent book The Myth of Normal- Trauma, Illness & Healing in a Toxic Culture is a New York Times bestseller. Dr Mate's works have been published internationally in over twenty languages. Supporters of Dr Mate include Dr Rangan Chatterjee, Bessel van der Kolk, Johann Hari, Esther Perel and Russell Brand. He was recently featured in the highly publicised livestream conversation with Prince Harry where they discussed loss, trauma and the importance of healing. Daniel Mate (Author) Daniel Mate is an acclaimed composer-lyricist who has received the Kleban Prize for Lyrics, the ASCAP Foundation Cole Porter Award and a Jonathan Larson Grant. His musicals include The Longing and the Short of It, Hansel & Gretl & Heidi & Gu nter, Middle School Mysteries and a forthcoming adaptation of the Russell Banks novel The Sweet Hereafter. He also runs a popular 'mental chiropractic' service called Take a Walk with Daniel.