THE MYTH OF NORMAL

Quick Reads - A podcast by Pratham Malhotra

Categories:

In The Myth of Normal, renowned physician and trauma expert Dr. Gabor Maté challenges the modern idea of what it means to be “normal” in today’s society. Drawing on decades of clinical experience, Maté argues that many physical and mental illnesses stem not from individual weakness or genetics, but from the chronic stress and emotional trauma caused by modern culture. He explores how societal pressures, disconnection, and suppressed emotions contribute to conditions like anxiety, depression, and autoimmune diseases. Maté emphasizes that what society labels as "normal" is often deeply unhealthy, and healing requires a deeper understanding of ourselves, our childhoods, and our environment. Co-written with his son Daniel, the book offers both a searing critique of Western medicine and a hopeful path toward recovery through compassion, connection, and self-awareness. The Myth of Normal is a compelling call to rethink health, redefine trauma, and reclaim wholeness in an increasingly disconnected world.