Why Dr. Gabor Mate’s Work is So Important: The Myth of Normal
Over twenty years ago, I read Gabor’s first book, “Scattered” and was completely blown away by his take on ADHD. It was unlike anything I’d ever read before. I was intrigued. ADHD, specifically, isn’t a genetic disorder? But rather, being born sensitive is….? And that is what can bring out ADHD and other mental distress? That there’s a connection between a *fragile* connection with the infant and mother and possibly having ADHD, substance abuse, anxiety, depression, and more?
These were not popular ideas at the time, let me tell you! And many of my readers today will probably email me with questions and opinions about all this. But he has valid points that are worth studying and understanding.
Back to that conference- at the time, I was on the ADDA (Attention Deficit Disorder Assoc.) board of directors, at a conference planning board meeting. I told the team- we must have this man present. His take on ADHD is fascinating and he needs to be heard. He accepted our invitation; we had lunch at the hotel, and we’ve been friends ever since. Over the years, he’s shared his incredible insights, experiences, and knowledge with me, which now includes topics beyond just ADHD.
When he emailed me some weeks ago that he was coming to Toronto for an author’s event, I had to go. I had wanted to visit family there, so this worked out perfectly.
Imagine my surprise when upon arriving in Toronto and heading back to my car to retrieve 20+ things I’d forgotten to take into the hotel, there he was at the door, waiting for a ride. <Synchronicity? There are close to 200 hotels in Toronto and 1440 minutes in a day>.
Ok, on with the more important part of the story.
Gabor has a new book out: The Myth of Normal, which I just received from Amazon. Gabor is now known and adored by millions- all over the world- for his work on trauma, addiction, mind/body, attachment, and much more.
“The Myth of Normal” is currently ranked #5 on the New York Times Best Sellers list. I urge you to read it, along with his other books.
I went to his author’s event the next day to hear him and his son, Daniel, talk about trauma, parenting, ADHD, “mental illness”, social/political issues, body/mind and more- all covered in his book.
Some of my favorite Gabor Maté quotes:
“I believe that ADD can be better understood if we examine people’s lives, not only bits of DNA.”
“Trauma is not what happens to you, it’s what happens inside you as a result of what happened to you.”
“The attempt to escape from pain, is what creates more pain.”
“The DSM defines attention deficit disorder by its external features, not by its emotional meaning in the lives of individual human beings.”
“I think normalcy is a myth. The idea that some people have pathology and the rest of us are normal is crude. There’s nothing about any mentally ill person—and it doesn’t matter what their diagnosis is—that I couldn’t recognize in myself. The reality is that, in every case, mental illness is an outcome of traumatic events. And by trauma I don’t mean dramatic events. There’s a difference.”
“Not why the addiction but why the pain.”
Get your copy of The Myth of Normal at https://amzn.to/3E0vrVy – I’m just starting to dig in and it’s exceptional.
He’s on his book tour, so see if he’s coming to a city near you: https://drgabormate.com/events/ or check out his online talks and programs.
Tip- great interviews on YouTube!
Familiar with his books, his work? Drop a comment below in the comment section.
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Terry Recommends
My friend, Dr. Gabor Maté’s new book The Myth of Normal: Trauma, Illness, and Healing in a Toxic Culture
Is now available! This is a book that is life-altering and I encourage you all to get your copy.
Terry’s Excited About The…
I have been using this planner for at least 20 years now. What do I love about it?
- You see the entire month at a glance.
- You have nice BIG unlined boxes to write in your daily plans
- It’s SIMPLE. No extra blah blah to distract you
- It has wire binding to keep it open
- ADHD-friendly (clean, crisp design)
Look What’s Coming!
** ADHD PROFESSIONALS: SCROLL DOWN FOR
IMPORTANT INFORMATION!
I get a lot of emails and guess what the #1 question I get is:
Where can I find a professional in my area who can help me?
I’ve researched the handful of ADHD directories online and decided that I’m going to develop the best one, ever. One that is user friendly. One that doesn’t frustrate you or make your eyes hurt. One that is comprehensive, where you can find therapists, doctors, coaches, educators, clinics, etc. One that is up to date, and much more.
** We’re almost ready to launch- you can get a sneak peak at www.GetADHDhelp.com, but if you are a professional or have a service or product and would like to be first in line or want to know more my new directory, email me at support@addconsults.com.
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I get it. Because I have ADHD, too, and over 25 years of experience working with adults with ADHD.
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The Queens of Distraction
Struggling to tackle paper piles, toy piles, projects and more?
Then join me and your fellow Queens of Distraction online in a private, secret room where we Get Things Done. We “get” it and are here to help you.
Where to find Terry Matlen:
Website: www.ADDconsults.com
Coaching: www.QueensOfDistraction.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/ADDconsults
Twitter: twitter.com/TerryMatlen
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Email: terry@addconsults.com
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