This post is inspired by a recent book I read, The Myth of Normal by Gabor Maté. His work delves into the deep connections between trauma, stress, and physical illness, offering insights that have profoundly resonated with me as I reflect on Shama’s journey with psoriasis.
From the moment I met Shama, his psoriasis was a constant presence—visible and undeniable. The dry, flaky skin around his joints, beard, scalp, and even in between his eyebrows wasn’t just a physical condition; it shaped how he moved through the world. Brushing flakes off his shoulders became an automatic habit, a subtle act of self-consciousness.
But I’ve never seen his psoriasis as purely physical. From the start, I’ve believed that his symptoms were deeply tied to unresolved traumas and the emotional weight he’s carried throughout his life. To me, his body was speaking its own language, expressing the internal struggles that hadn’t yet found a voice.
We tried to help his body heal in different ways, including an extreme approach: the Carnivore Diet. We both committed to it, inspired by countless stories of people who claimed complete clearance of autoimmune disorders. For seven months, we gave it our all, and we began to see signs of improvement in Shama’s skin. Yet something about the diet didn’t align with us. It felt unsustainable, disconnected from how we wanted to live. When we stopped, the psoriasis returned, but I knew the deeper work wasn’t just about diet—it was about what his body had been trying to express all along.
Gabor Maté and the Mind-Body Connection
In The Myth of Normal, Gabor Maté draws on decades of clinical experience and extensive research to explore how trauma, stress, and illness are intricately linked. As a physician who has worked closely with people facing chronic illness and addiction, Maté highlights the ways in which unresolved emotional pain can manifest in the body. His work doesn’t just offer personal philosophy—it’s grounded in science, case studies, and a deep understanding of human physiology and psychology.
Maté reminds us that trauma isn’t only the result of major life events. It can also stem from subtle and persistent patterns of suppression, fear, and disconnection from the self. Shama’s life, in many ways, had been shaped by a trauma response—one that kept him locked in a cycle of avoidance and comfort-seeking, all while the fear of discomfort loomed in the background. His body, through psoriasis, seemed to be carrying the weight of that unresolved tension.
The Breakthrough: Facing Fear and Finding Freedom
A few weeks ago, Shama faced one of his deepest fears head-on. This wasn’t just an uncomfortable moment—it was a profound shake-up in his system, forcing him to confront patterns that had kept him stuck. In doing so, he gained clarity on how much of his life had been driven by fear and survival mode.
This breakthrough was different. It wasn’t just about recognising the fear; it was about finally releasing its grip. Shama began stepping out of his comfort bubble and engaging with life in a new way. He joined martial arts classes, committed to daily workouts, and started walking the dogs regularly. More importantly, he began showing up for himself—present, intentional, and free from the shadow of fear that had held him back for so long.
And then, something remarkable happened. His psoriasis disappeared. Not just improved—disappeared. The dry, flaky patches that had been part of him for so long were gone, as though his body had finally exhaled after years of holding its breath.
Healing the Whole Self
Maté’s philosophy reminds us that healing isn’t just about addressing symptoms; it’s about creating space for the body and mind to work together. Shama’s journey has been a powerful example of this truth. His psoriasis wasn’t simply a skin condition—it was a reflection of deeper patterns of fear and survival. And when those patterns shifted, so did his physical health.
From my own observation and opinion, I’ve come to believe that physical conditions like autoimmune diseases aren’t solely about genetics. Science like epigenetics supports the idea that our environment, experiences, and even unresolved emotions can influence how our genes express themselves. This interplay between our internal and external worlds plays a significant role in shaping our physical health.
The Gift of Vulnerability and Growth
Shama’s experience has shown us both that the body speaks its own language, and it’s one we must learn to listen to. It’s a reminder that the mind, body, and soul are deeply connected, and true healing requires nurturing all three.
This journey is far from over, but it’s taught us an invaluable truth: when we begin to align the mind, body, and soul, we create the conditions for profound transformation—not just relief, but a deeper sense of harmony and wholeness.
Ready to break free from old patterns and build deeper, more meaningful connections? My 1-on-1 online sessions are designed to give you the clarity and growth you need to thrive—in life and relationships.
Schedule Your Session Today.
Book a Session