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Johann Hari - Lost Connections: uncovering the real causes of depression - anyone else read it yet?

15 replies

Hefzi · 16/01/2018 15:24

I haven't been over here in a while, as I've been ferociously low (yes, I know that's one of the points of the board!) but I've recently finished Johann Hari's new book and was wondering whether any of you guys have read it yet? I found it a brilliant read, and there's lots of footnotes and references to the various research he cites - and I was just wondering if anyone else has found it helpful.

He basically takes issue with the idea of depression as a chemical imbalance, and looks at a variety of different options: I found it a really engaging book, and I find there was a lot that resonated with me (for example, I know it's hugely toxic to me personally to be deprived of access to the countryside and a garden, and it's possibly no coincidence that the time I've been most ill has been when stuck in a concrete jungle) but at the same time, I firmly believe that venlafaxine and mirtazapine have saved my life: so I'm not sure I'd discount drugs entirely - but like I say, I wonder what anyone else thinks.

OP posts:
Hefzi · 18/01/2018 14:36

I think we need a tumbleweed icon Grin

OP posts:
sumsumsum · 18/01/2018 14:38

I saw him interviewed about it - Victoria Derbyshire I think. It sounded interesting...

NopeNotMe · 18/01/2018 14:39

No, I'm here, I'm reading!!!!

I'll be back Grin

Serial123 · 18/01/2018 14:39

That's really interesting. I saw an interview and thought it sounded an interesting book. Do you think there's anything you'll do differently or change in your life having read it?

IJoinedJustToPostThis · 18/01/2018 14:39

Haven't read it yet, but will...

NopeNotMe · 18/01/2018 14:40

I read this and was quite intrigued

Wolfiefan · 18/01/2018 14:41

Looks interesting. I've found a to depressants helpful but getting outside and exercising have also helped me massively.

Wolfiefan · 18/01/2018 14:42

A to?
Anti!!

NopeNotMe · 18/01/2018 14:45

And sent it to a few people I had in mind. BUT the next day I read this:

www.theguardian.com/science/brain-flapping/2018/jan/08/is-everything-johann-hari-knows-about-depression-wrong-lost-connections

Confused Not sure I'm well enough to pick it all apart yet, so will follow this closely. Thanks Op!

NopeNotMe · 18/01/2018 14:47

I remember you said that before Wolfiefan and I think that's how I've helped myself in the past.

Unfortunately, since an accident, I've been housebound for a few years and can't do that. Dammit Grin Anti-depressants saved my life Star

NopeNotMe · 18/01/2018 14:49

Grin sorry Hefzi I'm a terrible skim-reader. Just realised I've repeated your Op Blush

PippiLongstromp · 18/01/2018 14:49

I'll be ordering that as well! Thanks for bringing this up.

abc12345 · 26/08/2018 14:39

Hi, sorry I know this is an old thread but I’ve just read this book and found it fascinating.

Have any of you managed to make any of the reconnections he recommends?

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