Lost Connections

Lost Connections by Johann Hari challenges the conventional understanding of depression and anxiety, offering a deeply researched and thought-provoking exploration into these critical issues. While it's often believed that mental health conditions are rooted solely in our brain's chemical imbalances, Hari uncovers a far more complex picture. The book is a compelling narrative that blends the personal, the scientific, and the sociological. In his fearless quest, Hari travels around the world, from rural Amish communities to war zones in Cambodia, seeking answers to why we are facing a depression and anxiety epidemic. The knowledge he gains from leading scientists and extraordinary individuals helps him discover nine distinct causes of depression, many of which are rooted not in our brains but in the society we live in. Lost Connections elucidates that these mental health issues largely stem from disconnection in key areas of our lives: disconnection from meaningful work, other people, meaningful values, childhood trauma, status and respect, the natural world, a hopeful or secure future, and the role of genes and brain changes. Hari doesn’t just diagnose; he offers solutions. Drawing on cutting-edge research, he reveals pioneering new approaches which can help restore our lives and mental health. These solutions range from reconnecting with the people around us and gaining meaningful work to embracing social reforms and therapeutic strategies. By understanding the real causes, we can find the real solutions.

THE INTERNATIONAL BESTSELLER: A radically new way of thinking about depression and anxiety

'A book that could actually make us happy' – SIMON AMSTELL

'This amazing book will change your life' – ELTON JOHN

'One of the most important texts of recent years' – BRITISH JOURNAL OF GENERAL PRACTICE

'Brilliant, stimulating, radical' – MATT HAIG

'The more people read this book, the better off the world will be' – NAOMI KLEIN

'Wonderful' – HILLARY CLINTON

'Eye-opening' – GUARDIAN

'Brilliant for anyone wanting a better understanding of mental health' – ZOE BALL

'A game-changer' – DAVINA MCCALL

'Extraordinary' – DR MAX PEMBERTON

Depression and anxiety are now at epidemic levels. Across the world, scientists have uncovered evidence for nine different causes. Some are in our biology, but most are in the way we are living today.

Lost Connections offers a radical new way of thinking about this crisis. It shows that once we understand the real causes, we can begin to turn to pioneering new solutions – ones that offer real hope.