Lost Connections Uncovering the Real Causes of Depression - and the Unexpected Solutions
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Average rating4.3
"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 [believe they] are largely caused by key problems with the way we live today. Hari's journey took him from a ... series of experiments in Baltimore, to an Amish community in Indiana, to an uprising in Berlin. Once he had uncovered [what he argues are] nine real causes of depression and anxiety, they led him to scientists who are discovering seven very different solutions"--Amazon.com.
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I just finished this book, which I listened to while driving. I find myself wishing that I'd read it on my Kindle, instead, in order to be able to take some notes. It's a rich read, full of mentions of people and studies that I'd like to have been able to look up.
I don't know that I completely agree with Hari, who posits that the vast majority of people are depressed without any sort of biological cause, but instead due to various types of disconnection. I can see that each of the connections he points out are important, and improving them could certainly help depression. However, I'm fairly certain that we've got a chicken and egg issue here. From what I understand, even if you don't initially become depressed due to a lack of certain neurotransmitters or what have you, being depressed can lead to the biological differences that can be treated with antidepressants. That's why those medications do work for a fair number of people who try them. He does talk about neuroplasticity, so maybe my quibbles are semantic.
The seven ways we are disconnected, according to Hari, are from:
1) meaningful work;
2) other people;
3) meaningful values;
4) childhood trauma;
5) status and respect;
6) the natural world;
7) a hopeful or secure future.
He does address how to reconnect on each of these issues later in the book. He also acknowledges that some (most?) of these issues are due to societal rather than individual failings. The fixes are beyond many people because of that, but the more we become aware of them the more we can work on fixing our society.
I found the book very good, and certainly thought-provoking. It isn't an easy read, but it is put together quite well. I recommend it!
Whilst the ostensible topic of this book is depression & its causes, it reveals something much broader and relevant to everyone; what it means to be a human being. Beautifully mixing powerful stories with interesting research it takes the reader on a journey to their own core needs and the essential ingredients of a satisfying life, both as individuals as well as a society. Recommended to all.
