Rachel Reads (Book Review): 'Lost Connections, Why You’re Depressed and How to Find Hope' by Johann Hari

Rating = 5 Stars

Johann Hari’s second book made me so angry!

In a good way, I hasten to add! It made me mad in an outraged “how can this be possible?” kind of way. In a “lets start a movement!” kind of way. I suspect that this is exactly what Johann wanted his readers to feel – in which case his writing worked.

The book explores the subject of depression in society and the causes for this. In the first section of the book there is a plethora of evidence and discussion about the true effectiveness of big-pharma’s antidepressant drugs. It was reading this evidence that got me so mad and hot under the collar. I don’t mean to be naïve when I say this but how is it possible that the so-called ‘health’ systems are allowed to get away with the prescription of these drugs on such a large-scale when the clinical trial evidence points so clearly to there being more effective, less damaging solutions? The evidence that Johann shares is so compelling. It will stop you in your tracks.

If you are on anti-depressants or anxiety drugs, then this book is mandatory reading for you. I urge you to do so and come to your own conclusions.

I speak from the experience of having a period of time in my life when I too, finally, gave into the pressure from the G.P. to take the anti-depressant pills and consider my deep sadness and despair as “just” a chemical imbalance in my brain. In the end it was easier to do that, than it was to continue to fight against it. Asking the G.P. to help in the alternative ways that I instinctively knew I really needed required too much fight. The pills were the ‘easier’ option – but I never believed they were the ‘right’ option.

I consider myself fortunate; I was able to stop taking anti-depressants fairly quickly – I did not experience the kind of extended use of these drugs that I know Johann himself has lived through, and that many of my friends and colleagues continue to do.

I loved this book for its humanity. I love it for the scientific research and rigour that it is based upon. I love it for the powerful reframing of what depression actually is. I love it for the clear pathway it provides for how depression and anxiety should be approached and understood. I love it for the signposts about the real truth of how you can heal your depression.

Johann has had many super-star celebrities recommend his book – Hilary Clinton and Elton John for instance – he hardly needs my voice being added. But I’m adding it anyway, small though it is compared to the celebrities’, because it is only by every one of us becoming more discerning and awakened to the lies that are regularly pedalled that there is any chance of making the shift change that is needed for a happier humanity!

My last words are Johann’s – next time your family member or friend expresses their depression or sadness to you, ask not “What is the matter with you?”, ask instead “What has happened to you?” (oh, and buy this book, please)

If you enjoy books like 'Lost Connections', then you may love my 'Beyond Veils' series. 'The Truth of Her', Book 2, is published on 29th July 2019. Pre-Order it here.