An interesting book, but don't take it as gospel

This book is very interesting, but if you take away only one thing from this review, it should be that you should not trust the book unconditionally.

Hari delves into the sources and therapies for depression. The book gives an overview of the research into depression and potential therapies and medication. It is very critical of chemical antidepressants, favoring a more human-centric approach to therapy.

I found the book very interesting, but I have also read articles from a few people who take issue with the way the book portrays several aspects of depression. In a nutshell, everyone seems to agree that depression cannot be solved by chemical anti-depressants alone - where opinions differ is how much of a role they have, if at all. Hari is in the camp of "very few people, in very specific circumstances, benefit from chemical solutions, we need to do things radically differently." Others disagree. In any case, if you are currently taking antidepressants, do not abandon your medication without talking to your doctor! It will do more harm than good.

The critical voices (see, for example, the two Guardian articles by Dean Burnett) also take issue with the way Hari implies that the human-centric view of therapy is a fringe opinion in psychology - in fact, it is appearantly taught in classes alongside the chemical approach. Hari also appears to have gotten some basic facts on statistics and heritage wrong.

I'm going to go with four stars, deducting one star for the appearant factual mistakes and sometimes provably overblown claims. My conclusion would be: Read this book, but read it critically, and also read the dissent others have published, to get a (hopefully) more balanced view. I personally think that the book still has a contribution to make, as it gives a good introduction into some aspects of the current state of research. I am by no means an expert on the topic area, so I cannot say how much of the book is scientific consensus, and how much is not generally accepted or even generally rejected.

A last note: Do not use this book as an alternative to professional therapy. If you are already in therapy, discuss the topics with your therapist, but do not act on your own based solely on this book. Your therapist almost certainly knows more than Johann Hari about depression - listen to them (and if they argue for a purely chemical approach, try a different therapist if you disagree, but do not abandon therapy alltogether). Too much can go wrong if you try self-help without guidance during a serious depression.

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20 Leute fanden das hilfreich

Seriös - trotz reißerischen Untertitels

Meine Erfahrungen nach mehr als 15 Jahren erfolgloser medizinischer Intensivbehandlung stimmen mit vielen Schlussfolgerungen des Autors überein.
Johann Hari schreibt mit großherzigem Mitgefühl und dem Eifer eines Bestwilligen, manchmal wohl auch etwas schwärmerisch, und doch mit einer analytischen Klugheit, die ich mir immer neben dem Mitgefühl und dem Eifer von den Experten gewünscht habe.
Kurz: Es ist das wissenschaftlich Objektivste (so weit gehe ich) und Menschlichste, was ich bisher über Depressionen gelesen und gehört habe.
Danke Johann Hari - dieses Buch hat etwas Erlösendes.

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9 Leute fanden das hilfreich

A must read for every psychiatrist & psychologist

This is not just a book for those going through depression but one that is fundamental to everyone who has experienced grief, trauma, loss of loved ones and all of us going through difficult periods during this covid19 pandemic.

Every current and to-be psychiatrist and psychologist should make this book part or their core education as treatment for depression and other supposed psychiatric disorders are more than just pharma drugs.

Kudos to Johann Hari for this incredibly profound and authentic book backed by solid research and most importantly empathy and compassion for humanity.

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2 Leute fanden das hilfreich

Could not stop listening!

This book is a must read for everyone. Not just for those who habe experienced depression. It is interesting, incredibly well written and motivating to change the world around us.

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1 Person fand das hilfreich

Life changing, thoughtful and empathetic.

A book that everyone should know about. It is so interesting and deep. "Lost connections" could help anyone to improve their lives, understand themselves and come to terms with the culture we are living in. The author shows a lot of empathy and kindness. His journey and efforts in creating this book are admirable. If everyone got to hear the message of "Lost Connections", the world would be a changed and better place.

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1 Person fand das hilfreich

this boom changed my life

recommended by my father who changed his behaviour to the better after reading it twice.
it changed mine, too.
our whole family has a different way of talking about and dealing with depression and anxiety. we have different words and concept to approach it.
thank you, Johann!

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Essential

Everyone should read or listen to this book at least once in their life. Vary well collected and presented information that affects all of us. Thank you, Johann!

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Brilliant!

An incredible, in-depth and eye opening book. Brilliantly written and performed. Thank you so much.

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A book for everyone

I really feel like every single person should read this book, not only people who struggle with depression. Such profound truth can be found in this book… I’m very grateful to have stumbled upon it.

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Nice stories but lacking in practical follow through tips

The story and research is done well with amazing research and international stories and definitely makes me want to follow Hari’s work more. I find it hard however to to follow up on getting involved in a community especially as an introvert. I also found it very interesting that he said studies show that prayer reduced anxiety and church itself is a community but he didn’t want to talk about it because he’s an atheist. If the topic interests you then listening to the book will definitely make you think about steps you can talk to make meaningful connections.

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