When the Body Says No

The Cost of Hidden Stress

By: Gabor Maté MD

Narrated by: Daniel Maté

Length: 11 hrs and 48 mins

Publisher's summary

National Best Seller

In this accessible and groundbreaking book - filled with the moving stories of real people medical doctor and best-selling author Gabor Maté shows that emotion and psychological stress play a powerful role in the onset of chronic illness, including breast cancer, prostate cancer, multiple sclerosis and many others, even Alzheimer's disease.

When the Body Says No is an impressive contribution to research on the physiological connection between life's stresses and emotions and the body systems governing nerves, immune apparatus, and hormones. With great compassion and erudition, Gabor Maté demystifies medical science and, as he did in Scattered Minds, invites us all to be our own health advocates.

©2021 Gabor Maté (P)2021 Vintage Canada

Critic reviews

“His medical background and lucid writing style make complex biological processes accessible to non-scientific readers.” (The Gazette, Montreal)

“Maté carefully explains the biological mechanisms that are activated when stress and trauma exert a powerful influence on the body, and he backs up his claims with compelling evidence from the field.... Both the lay and specialist reader will be grateful for the final chapter, 'The Seven A’s of Healing', in which Maté presents an open formula for healing and the prevention of illness resulting from hidden stress.” (Quill & Quire)

“[An] enthralling exploration of the relationship between stress and disease.... Maté probes deeply into the life histories and psyches of [his] many patients.... What emerges is nothing short of a revelation.... When the Body Says No has the power to change medical thinking.” (The Edmonton Journal)

My first response was, “Whoa!” after finishing the book and sitting in silence

I sat in silence for quite a while after the book finished just taking it all in…as best I could at that moment. So much of it is so profound and explains so much about my past and the patients’ I have taken care of over the years (hearing their stories and now putting the pieces together.) Working in Critical Care throughout the pandemic (not just the Covid cases but the “lulls” in between each surge of severe alcohol withdrawal, overdoses, suicide attempts, and now the very sick who did not seek any care for the 2 1/2 years of the pandemic) along with an ongoing family conflict, has left me in a state of PTSD with sadness, hyper vigilance, hopeless, and despair. Trying to get out of my funk, i turned to this book. This book has explained so much on how past traumas, especially when they were not dealt with and you have not listened to your body or learned the word “No or the negative talk” yet as the book describes. Not until you hear it chapter by chapter and put the pieces together does the lightbulb go off. It made me think of and understand things from my childhood I didn’t realize were even in my conscious mind. Not just another book on stress for sure. It goes much deeper to understand why we process or not process what we do or how we are. Some reviews stated it was redundant and repetitive but I found each explanation slightly different between the body’s response to trauma, the psychological response, and the patient examples on just “ordinary” people living “ordinary” lives. This was my first experience with one of Dr. Matè’s books and it was eye-opening to say the least. I didn’t mind his son’s voice because I have not heard the author speak much and for long periods of time…yet.

Gratitude. Can’t say I enjoyed it but I appreciate this book

Insightful, empowering. Research presented supports what I’d begun to suspect. One of the most important books I’ve read. Thanks Dr Maté.

Narration was excellent. I focused on material and totally forgot about the narrator. Audiobook listening can be long unpleasant slog. In my view the Maté's collaboration is a beautiful success.

Amazing and enlightening

Beyond expectations with great value in anyone’s life. Highly recommended to all my friends, patients and love ones.

when the body says NO

The best audio book ever,its an eye opening and will change my life style for good. thank you!!

Read it today!

A powerful and insightful book! This book helped me become more fully myself and start saying no to what no longer severed me. Absolutely recommended reading for 2021!

Everyone should listen!

This book really opens up the connection between mind and body. I will have to go back to this book many times in the future, as it really got me thinking of my learned behaviors, and how they contribute to my health. This is a fantastic book, and i believe that every person should listen and reflect upon themselves after reading it.

A must for all people to internalize

This book is incredible! Thought provoking, and so much more than just another "self help" book. I recommend for all people to read at any point in their lives.

On my way to a more integrated life.

Dr. Mate has provided a resource that can help us all. I gained much deeper understanding of trauma and how it manifests in my body. I think everyone can benefit from the wisdom and insight shared about how the connections between spiritual, emotional, physical, and mental affect the health of human beings. it is definitely helping me to work toward a more integrated approach to my life.

Indispensable

Muy útil para todos los que estén en proceso de enfermedad o no. Nos hace ser más conscientes de muchas cosas que preferimos ignorar de nosotros mismos.

Can't Recommend Enough

If you're stressed and getting ill and don't know why, this book could provide answers.