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Lost Connections
Lost Connections: Uncovering the Real Causes of Depression and the Unexpected Solutions | Johann Hari
From the New York Times bestselling author of Chasing the Scream: The First and Last Days of the War on Drugs, a radical 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 anti-depressants 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. Haris 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. His TED talk 'Everything You Think You Know About Addiction Is Wrong' has been viewed more than 8 million times and revolutionized the global debate. This book will do the same.
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rockpools
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Pickpick

I picked this up from @Mrs_B ‘s post, & absolutely devoured it. I found it compelling, fascinating & hopeful.

The book explores the social/environmental aspects of depression, calling for a change in thinking & treatments. I had more issues with his starting points than his conclusions. Despite the subtitle, this is less a self-help book and more a pulling together of the social research that‘s out there. Interesting stuff and one I may revisit.

Mrs_B Agreed, I think I need to re-read it! 3y
squirrelbrain Sounds interesting - off to check out Libby, see if I can find it. 3y
Caroline2 Oh I‘ve had this book on my tbr shelf for ages now. Sounds like I should move it up the pile. 👍 3y
57 likes1 stack add3 comments
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Mrs_B
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Pickpick

It‘s rare I read a book like this so quickly, I often start them meaning well then give up halfway through. This book though was riveting. It is so well researched, it challenged a lot of what I thought I knew about depression and anxiety. I can highly recommend it.

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Mrs_B
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“We live under a system that constantly distracts us from what‘s really good about life.”
“We are being propagandized to live in a way that doesn‘t meet our basic psychological needs so we are left with a permanent puzzling sense of dissatisfaction.”

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ChasingOm
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I've had some major upheaval in the last few months. Nothing devastating, but enough to need a reset. As a result, I am giving myself a “summer sabbatical“ through July (and maybe August)-- no obligations, just digging into what actually brings me joy.

With this in mind, I will not be posting #IntegrateYourShelf prompts for July (apologies to anyone who was looking for them in June), but I will be giving July's #BookSpin a go! August TBD...

rockpools A reset (and a rest) is always a good idea - enjoy it! And thank you for encouraging us to track down more diverse reads over the past months (years? Something happened to my sense of time!). Good luck with your bookspin 😊 3y
wanderinglynn A reset is always a good idea. 3y
26 likes2 comments
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Sace
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Pickpick

Audio read by author. An impulse listen after @Buechersuechtling posted about it and I'M FOREVER GREATFUL THAT I SAW THE POST. So yes, this book is about depression and anxiety but it's about so much more-humanity, society, values, hope, change. Just WOW. It has really gotten me through the last 3 days. I will be buying a physical copy as well.

effani Ooh! I really enjoyed the author's earlier book about the war on drugs, so this sounds really interesting! 4y
squirrelbrain Sounds great - stacked. 4y
Sace @effani I think he mentioned that book briefly in this one. I'll check it out. 4y
Sace @squirrelbrain I hope you enjoy it. Maybe it was just the perfect condition or current circumstances but this book just really helped me feel some hope about more than just mental health... 4y
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Sace
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OK. I'm cleaning and audiobooking. ¡Ya basta!! ¡Sácala sácala...!

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Sace

"Junk values are distorting our minds. Materialism is KFC for the soul."

CaffeineAndCandy ❤❤❤ 4y
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Sace
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@Buechersuechtling posted about this one today and I've seen others posting about it as well. At some point I must have purchased it because I had it in my audible library. I decided to give it a listen because no matter the outcome of events over the next few weeks I will still be a resident of the modern world and I need help navigating it!

Buechersuechtling So cool, that I not only showed you a new book, but that you already own and found it. Those finds are second-best. (Best is discovering money in various forgotten pockets.) – I am very curious what you think about this book. The more, because you read it in full and not, like me, the abbreviated version. I am excited to stumble across your first thoughts. Happy reading‼️ 4y
Sace @Buechersuechtling I'm assuming I have the full audio and I've spent most of today listening. It's so good! I honestly think I will end up buying a physical copy too. It's giving me so much to think about! 4y
56 likes2 comments
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Buechersuechtling
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Pickpick

This Blinkist version of a book about the reasons for depression resonated with me. I didn‘t get new insights but it strengthened me re-cognise that feeling hopeless and depressed is not (completely) about me but in large parts because of modern life. I can‘t tell what to do about that because I can‘t change the world, only small parts … But listening cheered me up.

Only question: Where do I get my social prescription❓

Sace Ich will dieses Buch lesen. Wie sagt man "stacked!" auf Deutsch? ? 4y
Sace Yay! Ich habe es.... already! Ich habe vergessen. 4y
Buechersuechtling @Sace “Stacked” wörtlich übersetzt bedeutet „gestapelt“. In dem Zusammenhang, in dem das Wort hier verwendet wird, finde ich „hinzugefügt“, also “added” jedoch besser, weil im Deutschen niemand sagen würde: „Ein tolles Buch, ich habe es gestapelt.“ Man würde eher sowas sagen wie: „Ein tolles Buch, ich habe es meiner (Wunsch-Lese-)Liste hinzugefügt.“ (Sorry, if I answered more than you wanted to know.) 4y
Buechersuechtling @Sace Typisches booknerdproblem, dass man vergisst, welche Bücher man noch lesen will und dabei schon hat. ??‍♀️? Passiert den Besten. Ich selbst habe deswegen zwei Ausgaben von „Der alte Mann und das Meer“. Eine davon habe ich sogar schon gelesen. ? 4y
Sace @Buechersuechtling Wunsch-Lese-Liste ❤️ Ich habe nicht alles verstanden aber ich habe viele verstanden, und ich bin froh. (Lesen verstehen ist leichter. Sprechen und hören sind sehr schwer.) 4y
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Buechersuechtling
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“To feel compassion means to sincerely rejoice for other people and to overcome negative feelings [...] For this, try to transfer the positive feelings for close people to strangers in regular meditation exercises.
In the next step, you can try to project this new empathy on people you envy or you don‘t like. You will be amazed how much more balanced and contented you go through life.” (Section 12)

⬆️⬆️⬆️ Am I strong enough for that❓🤔

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BBooks
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Pickpick

One of the best books I have ever read ❤ A must read.

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KadeLexical
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What if depression is, in fact, a form of grief—for our own lives not being as they should? What if it is a form of grief for the connections we have lost, yet still need?

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Lizstarks
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“Depression is a normal response to abnormal life experiences.”

I hope that this quote finds you if you need it.

Depression is the symptom, not the problem. It‘s the smoke, not the fire.
There‘s a big difference - as I‘m learning from this book!

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Lizstarks
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“...being disconnected from the people around you had the same effect on your health as being obese —which was, until then, considered the biggest health crisis the developed world faced.” P.129

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CollapsingLibrary
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I‘ve been feeling really depressed for the last 6 weeks. So I‘m setting a goal for myself to post everyday for a month. I know some days I‘ll post 6 times and others just once right before midnight but hopefully I find some peace and content-ness from being apart of the litsy community again ❤️

Megabooks Litsy has helped when I‘ve been depressed. It‘s definitely the friendliest social media. I‘m sorry you‘re going through this. 💙💙 5y
Redwritinghood I hope the daily posting helps. Most people here are very supportive. 5y
TrishB Hope it helps 😁 5y
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BlameJennyJane I struggle myself sometimes and Litsy has become my home. And with the exception of my hubby who never posts, no one is an IRL friend... but everyone here is so supportive and amazing they‘ve become my go-to pick-me-up on a rough day. 🤗🤗🤗 5y
Samplergal We are here for you. From someone who has anxiety and depression, feel free to reach out. Get in the sun if you can. vitamin D is very important. Hugs to you. Every day still can be challenging. I think as a group we are introverts and thus pull away. ❤️ 5y
ErickaS_Flyleafunfurled Looking forward to your posts, and we‘re all here for you! ❤️ 5y
DHill ❤️ 5y
Erofan 💕 5y
Buechersuechtling Sending virtual support and compassion. Hope that there‘ll be at least one thing a day that makes you smile a bit. Even if it‘s only an inner smile. I found that it‘s sometimes the unconscious small things that help seeing light at the end of a tunnel. (edited) 5y
cobwebmoth *hugs* 5y
CarolynM 💕💕 5y
Sleepswithbooks 🤗💛🤗💛 5y
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AnimalRiotPress
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This book is already hitting a nerve 😭

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Rissreads
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Pickpick

Wow, wow, wow! This book was so f*•king awesome. My favourite of the year. It‘s a book about depression and anxiety that everyone should read as these conditions touch us all either personally or through someone you know. It is very well written and researched. This book has changed my life and I will re read it every year. This book has made me look at the way I live my life and has filled me with knowledge and hope. Sooooooooo good! 😊

Jeg I must read this. My brother recently was hospitalised for his depression and anxiety. This book was recommended and I got it for him. I‘m looking forward to reading, even more so since reading your review. Thanks. 😊😊 6y
Jeg Have you read Happy Never After? Fabulous. 6y
Rissreads @Jeg No I haven‘t I will maybe try to get it on Audible 6y
BBooks One of the best books I have ever read. 4y
33 likes3 stack adds4 comments
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quietlycuriouskate
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Birthday bookhaul update: the total has now reached 15! 📚😍
Thank you, Katie @youneverarrived , that's really thoughtful of you 😘. I'll be sure to report back.

Caroline2 Oh sounds good! I‘ll be interested to know what you think! 🤔 6y
youneverarrived Hope it‘s good 😘😘 6y
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dialogofadream
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very interesting read so far 🧐

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Librarybelle
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I had to buy this book when it came out - it‘s high on my to read list. As someone who suffers from anxiety (I rarely talk about that aspect of myself), I also have bouts of depression. I‘m always interested in learning more about what could be the cause or reasoning behind it. #TelephoneWire #MusicalNewYear

TrishB Let me know if it‘s helpful. 6y
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AlaMich Yes, do post your thoughts, please. 😊 6y
erzascarletbookgasm Look forward to your review of this :) 6y
vivastory I hope you find it helpful 6y
tracey38 Same here. 💜💜 6y
Librarybelle @tracey38 💜💜💜 6y
ferskner ME TOO ❤️ 6y
Librarybelle @ferskner 💜💜💜 6y
Amiable Would love to hear your thoughts on it when you are done reading it. 6y
minkyb Yes...I also look forward to your thoughts. 6y
Librarybelle Sounds good, @minkyb ! 6y
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Oblomov26
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Pickpick

I wanted to hate this book but I don‘t. Hari‘s central thesis is that modern treatment of depression/ anxiety is to focussed on drugs as the panacea solution and that a more holistic social and psychological approach is required and that the source of these ailments can be linked to a disassociation we feel from others, from our jobs, from the environment. Drugs have a place, but it must be viewed in conjunction with these other factors.

Sace Stacked! I need to read this. 6y
OrangeMooseReads Interesting. 6y
Suet624 I agree that drugs are not the only answer. 6y
55 likes2 stack adds3 comments
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rachelk
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“It is no measure of health to be well-adjusted to a sick society.” So true. #quoteoftheday

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rachelk
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Lost Connections: Uncovering the Real Causes of Depression – and the Unexpected Solutions

#depression #selfhelp #nonfiction

MelAnn Just picked this one up at the library today! 6y
rachelk @MelAnn How funny! We‘ll have to compare notes! 6y
MelAnn @rachelk sure thing! 6y
37 likes3 comments
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MelAnn
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2 books from the library today ... This is the first one ...

Velvetfur Oohh that book sounds fascinating *stacked* 6y
night_shift Huh. This sounds interesting, but it's blurbed by Elton John and I'm not sure how I feel about that.. 6y
MelAnn @UnidragonFrag I know, right? But I think it actually makes it more fascinating ... How many times does Elton John blurb a book? 6y
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night_shift I don't know. Not many, probably. I mean, does he suffer from depression? Not sure he's any sorta authority to promote a book about it. Plus, I don't really take celebrity endorsements lol 6y
MelAnn @UnidragonFrag yes, he‘s even written a song about contemplating suicide - he‘s been very open about it. 6y
night_shift Had no idea. But in any case, the book itself sounds interesting. 6y
74 likes6 stack adds6 comments
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Abailliekaras
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I just heard Johann Hari speak in Adelaide - wow! Who knew that a talk about depression could be so entertaining and uplifting. I‘ve bought the book & can‘t wait to read it - a fascinating topic which he explains so clearly. 🌻

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MatchlessMarie
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A little late, but here‘s my #SeptemberTBR. Field of Blood is my most #AnticipatedSeptemberRead #SeptInBooks18 #ReadingResolutions

Beatlefan129 I read Anne of Green Gables years ago and fell in love with it—hope you enjoy it! 6y
MatchlessMarie @Beatlefan129 we owned the whole series as kids but I don‘t remember ever reading it! Shocking I know 😂 6y
APLitlife Water for Elephants is amazing! 6y
75 likes3 comments
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ElePoser
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Learning about #lostconnections. Now on chapter on disconnection from meaningful values..

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kaeslay
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Deep quote, digging at the core of loneliness. It‘s more than a feeling, it‘s a state of existence.

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TiredLibrarian
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Pickpick

Treating depression as strictly an individual and biological issue is wrong, according to Hari; we need to examine the society that's giving rise to spiralling depression & anxiety rates. I'm not sure this book comes together as a whole to prove the author's point, but certain sections are fascinating. A valuable questioning of mainstream thought on this topic.

#nonfiction #mentalhealth #mentalillnss #depression #anxiety #psychology #sociology

Soubhiville I very much agree that it‘s a societal issue, and treating as a community/family/village is best. (I‘m just a lay-person, no medical background, and that‘s just my opinion.) 6y
Mike61 I loved it. I'm sure this book will help a lot of people. It challenges medical based theory, and grounds itself, through meticulous research, on depression and anxiety being the result of environmental, psychological and social issues through loss of connection to things we have an innate need for such as connection to meaningful work and nature. It lists these losses them shows us how we can reconnect. So it's a great reference. Very readable. 6y
60 likes5 stack adds2 comments
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Exia
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Exia
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Petra3
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Petra3
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"Materialism is KFC for the soul."

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Gaelle2868
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Gaelle2868
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Yay, looking forward to delving into this one 😊

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charliemarlowe
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Pickpick

My current audio book— it‘s very interesting, and he‘s got a great voice!

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Thndrstd
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A little late but how can I miss a good library post?

1. At least twice a week
2. I really want to see the one at Trinity
3. The tagged book
4. I think I was 5.

#trivialthursday
@GarthRanzz

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Josh_G
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Pickpick

A interesting and insightful read, Hari takes you through the history of modern treatment for depression and anxiety. He also shows some potential nonmedicated options for treating/managing depression and anxiety.

This was a thoroughly worthwhile read.

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BitchinBooks
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Mehso-so

Hari‘s attempt to brainwash people into thinking socialism is the cure for depression, completely taints the rest of what-would-be legitimate arguments. I wanted to give Lost Connections one star because of how infuriating it is that Hari politisizes depression.
BUT, upon reflection - it did connect some dots in my own struggles. I‘d recommend this book to employers. There‘s a wealth of information that an employer could apply to work environment