The Myth of Normal: Illness, health & healing in a toxic culture

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 Maté 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 Maté 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 Maté\'s most ambitious, compassionate and urgent book yet.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 ScoreWise, sophisticated, rigorous and creative: an intellectual and compassionate investigation of who we are and who we may become ? Tara Westover, author of EducatedA book literally everyone will be enriched by - a wise, profound and healing work that is the culmination of Dr Maté\'s many years of deep and painfully accumulated wisdom ? Johann Hari, author of Stolen FocusAn 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 MonologuesBrilliant, compelling and groundbreaking. Gabor Maté 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

The empowering book exploring the link between trauma, illness, and modern life – and how to heal your health. From the acclaimed physician and bestselling author of When The Body Says No. THE INSTANT SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLEROVER ONE MILLION COPIES SOLD‘Life-changing’ Mel Robbins, bestselling author of The Let Them Theory‘Riveting and beautifully written’ Bessel van der Kolk, bestselling author of The Body Keeps Score-----We tend to believe that normality equals health. But in today’s modern world, rising rates of anxiety, depression, addiction and chronic illness suggest otherwise. So, what is normal – and is it making us unwell? In this life-affirming book, Dr Gabor Maté connects the dots between trauma, mental health, and physical illness, showing how our health is shaped by the pressures and expectations of modern life.Drawing on decades of clinical experience, and real-life stories of people transforming their bodies and minds, Dr Gabor Maté offers a compassionate and hopeful path to healing, self-awareness and emotional wellbeing.In The Myth of Normal, you’ll discover: Why the illnesses of body and mind can natural responses to a toxic culture How stress and emotional suppression affect the body The science behind the mind-body connection in healing and wellbeing A hopeful path towards resilience, balance and authenticity Compassionate and urgent, this empowering bestseller shows how true health is possible when we are willing to embrace our authentic selves.Praise for The Myth of Normal and Dr Gabor Maté:‘Genuinely changed my life’ Steven Bartlett, bestselling author of Diary of A CEO‘Intellectual and compassionate…essential reading’ Tara Westover, bestselling author of Educated ‘A wise, profound and healing work’ Johann Hari, bestselling author of Stolen Focus‘Brilliant, compelling and groundbreaking book’ Tara Brach, bestselling author of Radical Acceptance and Radical Compassion ‘An essential compass during disorienting times.’ Esther Perel, psychotherapist, bestselling author and host of Where Should We Begin