Myth of Normal

Trauma, Illness and Healing in a Toxic Culture In the richest, most technically advanced, health-obsessed society ever, all is not well. Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, chronic illnesses were on the rise. Nearly 70% of Americans are on at least one prescription drug; more than half take two. Every fifth Canadian has high blood pressure, and in Europe, hypertension impacts over 30% of the population. Even more worrisome, adolescent mental illness is on the increase everywhere. So what does "normal" really mean when it relates to our health? With over 40 years of clinical experience, Dr. Gabor Mate exposes today's version of "normal" as misleading. Trauma, stress, and the pressures of modern life impact our bodies, our minds, and our health. For all its expertise and technological sophistication, Western medicine often fails to treat the whole person, which in turn stresses the body, burdens the immune system and undermines emotional balance. This compassionate guide helps readers find their way to health and healing. His other bestsellers include In The Realm of Hungry Ghosts: Close Encounters With Addiction, When The Body Says No: The Cost of Hidden Stress, and Scattered Minds: The Origin & Healing of ADD.