The book "The fog of everything is normal" by author - Dr. Gabor Mate and son - Daniel Mate has made a bold argument that most of the physical and mental problems of modern people originate from the toxic culture we live in.
The book title also points to a common paradox that what is considered "normal" in today's society, from the rush to succeed, the pressure to succeed, to the separation between people... is actually a manifestation of profound abnormality.
authors Gabor Mate and Daniel Mate have argued that the normalness of unconnected, uncompromising and stressful living conditions is the root cause of a series of chronic diseases, mental disorders or personal crises.
In modern society, conditions such as exhaustion, constant stress, anxiety disorders or chronic diseases have almost become a "new normal".
The book also makes an important assessment that most diseases, including physical problems such as cancer, diabetes, autoimmune inflammation... have their roots in psychological trauma especially childhood trauma.
Although not always easy to recognize, experiences that are abandoned, lacking emotional connection or having to "come of age early" to please others can have long-term consequences for the body and mind.
Combining medical data, neurological research, psychology and real-life stories, the book builds a comprehensive picture: healing is not just a "medicine".
It is also a journey for an individual to return to the body and learn to listen to himself, thereby removing the "normal" masks that have suppressed us for so long.
Based on 4 decades of working with patients, from homeless people to successful businessmen, author Mate shows how psychological trauma has quietly eaten deep into the body and mind of each person, thereby directly affecting the immune system, hormones and nerves.
The author also affirmed that healing cannot be separated from questioning the harmful beliefs that society has assigned us about success, self-worth and strength.
The book calls on readers to act - heal for themselves is also a way to change the whole community. With a lyrical voice combining academics and intimacy, the author not only guides readers with solid scientific research but also with touching and easy-to-understand "real people - real things".
This is not a book exclusively for doctors or therapists. This is a book for anyone who has ever felt exhausted, confused or simply wondering the question: "Is I really living true to myself? ".
The "ideology of normal" does not provide quick solutions or flashy "healing secrets". Instead, the book opens up an emotional and courageous perspective: To truly heal, we need to look back at past wounds and learn to listen to our bodies as an object that has been hurt and is trying to speak up. We must learn to connect again with the community, where empathy, safety and humanity are re-established.
But above all, the book helps readers remove one of the most deep prejudices, that emotional disorders, burns or persistent illnesses are due to not being strong enough or having " problems".
Therefore, "The fog of returned to normal" is not only a medical book but also an invitation to reconnect with oneself, with others and with the core values that modern culture is increasingly losing.
On the occasion of the book launch, the seminar "ideas about normal: Psychological shocks, diseases and healing in a toxic culture" was held at 9:30 a.m. on July 6 in Ho Chi Minh City.
The seminar was attended by Dr. Nguyen Vo Van Hien - a researcher in the field of mental health, mental disorders and psychotherapy; and Master of Public Health Le Dao Anh Khuong.
