Lost Connections

Uncovering the Real Causes of Depression - and the Unexpected Solutions

By: Johann Hari

Narrated by: Johann Hari

From the New York Times best-selling author of Chasing the Scream, a radically new way of thinking about depression and anxiety.

What really causes depression and anxiety - and how can we really solve them? Award-winning journalist Johann Hari suffered from depression since he was a child and started taking antidepressants when he was a teenager. He was told that his problems were caused by a chemical imbalance in his brain. As an adult, trained in the social sciences, he began to investigate whether this was true - and he learned that almost everything we have been told about depression and anxiety is wrong.

Across the world, Hari found social scientists who were uncovering evidence that depression and anxiety are not caused by a chemical imbalance in our brains. In fact, they are largely caused by key problems with the way we live today. Hari's journey took him from a mind-blowing series of experiments in Baltimore, to an Amish community in Indiana, to an uprising in Berlin.

Once he had uncovered nine real causes of depression and anxiety, they led him to scientists who are discovering seven very different solutions - ones that work. It is an epic journey that will change how we think about one of the biggest crises in our culture today.

©2018 Johann Hari (P)2017 Audible, Ltd

Incredible journey into mental health

Johann Hari has an intriguing style in presenting ideas through his own story, research and stories that ground the research. I wish I had been able to access this book in my training as a psychologist... I recommend it for everyone... it speaks to and about all of us.

An innovative look at depression and anxiety

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I would absolutely recommend this to anyone, especially anyone who wrestles with depression, or loves someone who does.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Hari himself.

Which scene was your favorite?

My favorite chapter involved meditation techniques as a treatment for depression.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No. I had to take breaks.

Any additional comments?

Hari has been attacked for his views, largely by people who haven't read him. They attack not what he says but what they suppose he means. He is not telling depressed people to throw away their meds. He is suggesting the "brain chemistry" explanation of depression is inadequate.

Liberating, empowering, life-changing.

I love this book. As soon as I finish this review, I'm going to listen to it again. It's a science-backed expert revelation into the true causes of the epidemic of depression. I appreciate books narrated by their own authors, and this one provides ample solutions to combat anxiety and depression in our stressful, over-stimulating, misguidedly-consumerist society.

Worth your time!!

Timely information on causes of anxiety and depression presented in an interesting manner. Great stories !

Good overview of a "lost connection" in depression

The author tells the story well. However it does seem to be very anti-medication. There are benefits to meds, perhaps moreso in the near future when genetic testing will become more accurate. Overall, Hari is an excellent storyteller and this is a good quality audiobook.