Lost Connections

Uncovering the Real Causes of Depression - and the Unexpected Solutions

By: Johann Hari

Narrated by: Johann Hari

Length: 9 hrs and 20 mins

Publisher's summary

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.

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 !

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.

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.

A revolutionary masterpiece

Before purchasing this audiobook I read the Audible reviews. One of the top reviews stated that this book's thesis "wasn't convincing". I can only assume that the individual who felt this way must've neglected to read further that the first chapter.

This book was entirely convincing.

I'm convinced the subject of this book will be one of the most important topics of the 21st century (if we are so lucky). And I hope we'll look back at Lost Connections and give it the credit it deserves.

Fantastic Information

While I do not personally struggle with depression, someone I love very much does. I ordered this book to get a better understanding of the root causes of depression. Some of it I had heard before but it was all so beautifully written out and explained I was more than happy to hear it again.

This isn't a book about magical cures, it is based on real research into what causes depression and what treatments have worked for other people. Some examples are from everyday people, some from pharmaceutical companies, some from scientific research, some from odd groups of people. I have always found depression to be a complex multifaceted issue, therefore, I suppose, the solution would be as well.

Many of the stories are unsettling, I would find myself infuriated for how some people had been treated and crying at some of the stories but all the information was valuable. I plan on sharing this book with my loved one and even employing some of the methods to my own life. Thank you!

Great book, awesome narration

This book has so much great information. I have MDD and so much of it rings true to me. Great to listen to, his accent is easy on the ears!!

Lifechanging and Motivating

I enjoyed every minute of this book. The authors narration is smooth, interesting and enjoyable. The method of telling the story of his research is engaging and full of interesting stories. It is somewhat similar to listening to Malcolm Gladwell. For me, someone diagnosed with depression, I found the information presented life changing and at times shocking. I feel lucky I found and listened to this. Glad I have it in my library to listen to again. Wish I could find something negative to say to prove this is an impartial, not fake review. --ok- in spite of loving this, I haven't listened to the last 30 minutes or so. It did its job and made a huge impact and when I got busy I didn't quite finish it. Not because it isn't interesting though.

I keep recommending it.

I keep recommending it which shows how significant I think it is. It was surprisingly enlightening on a very important topic.