The Myth of Normal

Imagine living in a world where it’s normal to feel stressed and disconnected. Many of us assume that endless pressure and emotional strain are simply part of adult life. This book challenges that assumption by showing how our bodies and minds respond to suppressed emotional pain in ways that can harm our health.

It looks beyond our usual definitions of illnesses like anxiety, depression, and autoimmune disease. By weaving together personal stories and scientific findings, the author suggests that what we often consider normal may actually be fueling our troubles. Vital human needs go unmet, setting the stage for illness.

You’ll see how an honest exploration of personal history and cultural influences can illuminate the causes of chronic ailments. Instead of blaming ourselves for our conditions, we’re invited to adopt a kinder, more curious view—one that points the way toward genuine healing.

In these pages, you’ll discover not just the roots of pain, but practical insights into transformation. By the end, you might see that the world we label as normal is ripe for a compassionate overhaul, starting with our own inner work.

We often think of trauma as an extreme event—like violence or disaster—but here it’s explained as a more common phenomenon. Trauma arises when our emotional integrity is threatened or denied, leading to internal wounds that don’t simply vanish with time.

Even everyday experiences, such as being made to feel invisible or forced to bury our feelings, can create what the text calls “small-t trauma.” This gradual buildup can leave us anxious, mistrustful, and prone to health issues down the line.

The key idea is that trauma is less about the dramatic incident and more about the inner fragmentation it causes. When children lack emotional support, for instance, they may learn to suppress their needs as a survival tactic, setting the stage for ongoing stress.