Another amazing recommendation! Once I started reading it, I could not put it down. I had to travel from Queenstown to Wanaka (an hour away) to purchase this book, but I’m so glad I did. Not only did I have profound realizations reading it, but I also experienced the Crown Range Mountain Pass on the way to and from Wanaka. It was a beautiful day of driving, and it reminded me to appreciate each day, no matter what it brings!
This recommendation comes from my sister-in-law, who I lived with from March to August 2018.
Recommendation #17 from Kendra Langford Shaw
Lost Connections – Uncovering the Real Causes of Depression – And the Unexpected Solutions by Johann Hari
Whether you struggle with depression and anxiety, or simply know someone who does, this book will help you understand that mental health is firmly rooted in our connections to other people and to our world and society. As I consider a career in marriage and family counseling, Lost Connections opened my eyes to the various ways in which we lose ourselves in today’s society. Humanity has become increasingly connected and dependent upon one another, but we also have a harder time connecting with and staying connected to other people than ever before.
The book states that 1 in 5 U.S. adults is taking at least one drug for a psychiatric problem. Twenty percent of the population! And the rates are only increasing as time goes on. It seems that we are similar to our ancestors; we too want a magical solution to our problems, rather than trying to understand what is truly going on and then putting in the hard work of meeting our needs for connection and attachment.
What types of connections do we need? Hari outlines seven disconnections that cause depression and anxiety. Disconnection from
- Meaningful Work
- Other People
- Meaningful Values
- Childhood Trauma
- Status and Respect
- The Natural World
- A Hopeful or Secure Future
He goes on say that genetics and brain chemistry also play a small role, but are most often activated or exacerbated by the seven disconnections above. Because just like all other parts of our body, or brains can be damaged and repaired through the activities we participate in and the things we consume (not only through our mouths, but through our ears, eyes, nose and hands which is then all processed through our brains).
The second half of the book outlines solutions on a personal and societal basis for dealing with depression and anxiety. And while each solution isn’t a quick fix, they resonate with me as the real solutions to these problems. I’ve know depression and anxiety as my own relationship crumbled around me. I’ve felt the absence of hope as I was divorcing. What has healed me is my connection to God (meaningful values), to friends/family (other people), to the natural world (New Zealand), and to my future career as a counselor (meaningful work and a hopeful future).
I urge you to read this book, because I know it can help you and the people in your life. Take the time to listen to Johann’s own story and the wisdom he has found. And if you do read it, I’d love to talk about it with you!
Thanks for reading. I’d like to finish by saying God’s timeline is perfect, because the song for today (October 30, 2018) is from my ReInvented playlist (which was finalized over 30 days ago). I’ve posted it one other time on this blog, but it ties right in with the idea of connection.
Everybody needs to know
Somebody who cares.
Just a friendly face
You can trust to be there.
Are you afraid to be known
And not be a stranger?
‘Cause everyone’s connected but no one is connecting
The human element has long been missing
Tell me, have you seen it?
Have you seen it?