I absolutely love this book. I was first introduced to Gabor Mate through Tim Ferris' interview with him. His approach to dealing with addiction was very intriguing to me. This book did not disappoint. Particularly interesting to me is how sometimes it is not clear to the individual the stress they have constantly suffered due to the coping mechanisms they developed as a child. Traits that we may deem as honourable such as being selfless and highly conscientious may very well contribute to the manifestation of chronic illness. This information leaves me feeling empowered. Although we cannot choose the experiences we are subject to as children, we can take personal responsibility to become more self aware and break the generational trauma. I look forward to the day when more medical doctors treat their patients holistically, and take consideration of the effect of the mind on the body.

This book provides information that is sadly lacking for many people suffering from illness. Modern medicine often focuses on illness in a way that separates the individual from the disease. This book looks at the mind-body connection and how a person's early history influences that connection. Repression and trauma in childhood can result in biological stresses that lead to disease. Personal stories from patients are used to illustrate how stress impacts the body and how this knowledge can lead to insights that promote healing.

One of the most fascinating books I have ever read. Our biology naturally prefers to be in a state of equilibrium. Where this balance is disrupted, the body will signal its struggle, often through illness or 'dis-ease'. The ability of the author to observe, listen, and be curious about the human condition, leads to a more holistic, non-compartmentalised understanding of the links between body, mind and spirit.

This is a gem! It can be mind-blowing to understand how certain behaviors and ways of coping that worked in the past actually repress our immune system and potentially result in illness. I have benefited from this book both personally as a breast cancer survivor and as a helping professional.