Book of the Month: Lost Connections - Johann Hari
For Companioning Your Journey’s seventh Book of the Month, Johann Hari’s, “Lost Connections”.
About the Author and Publication
Johann Hari is a journalist, author, and speaker. Johann has been one of the presenters and deep thinkers who have stood out the most in my journey to rethink the way we look at addiction, depression, anxiety, and wellness. Johann’s has three New York Times Bestsellers, each of which will get an eventual book of the month. The book of focus for today’s post was published in 2018 and chronicles in part Johann’s own story of uncovering the truth about their depression and anxiety while exploring the answers they were given about their condition. Johann uses experience, research, and impactful interviews to present a compelling argument for the readers that may have you rethink what we have been told about our mental health.
Key Take Aways
Overall Premise
The book begins by describing Johann’s experience with depression and anxiety leading up to his first time being prescribed an anti-depressant. Over time, Johann began to continue increasing their prescription as symptoms broke through because they had been told the story over and over that depression is the result of a chemical imbalance and that by changing the balance with a medication, the depression could be alleviated. He then goes on to describe that a large majority of medications for depression have not been found to truly be effective in the way that they have been promised. If depression were purely a chemical imbalance, why is it that we find drastic differences in rates of depression depending on socioeconomic status and other factors? Johann does express that medication can provide relief to people in some cases, but that our most effective means for treating depression is to help the individual build connection throughout their life and addressing some of the underlying factors for depression.
Seven Ways of Reconnection to Combat Depression
Reconnecting to Other People
We are not meant to go through this world alone. Our society has shifted focus from a tribe based people to a very individualized mindset of success. There is so much value in stepping away from the focus of our own story and instead leaning into the “we story”. To think about those around us and how we can rise together can be freeing.
Social Prescribing
One of the points that Johann speaks to is the idea of social prescribing. Providers are beginning to recognize that there are very real roots to depression and anxiety, and that by addressing those roots, we allow ourselves a better chance to overcome them. Social prescribing by encouraging groups, connections, and intentional time with others is growing in prevalence.
Meaningful Work
I am a strong believer that any type of work can be done in a meaningful way if you have a passion for it or if you try to do it in a way that helps lift up others. Reconnecting to your work could be evaluating if you are where you want to be and to see what might get you closer.
Meaningful Values
We are our most authentic selves when we are living in alignment with our values. How you operate within the world leaves an impact not only on those around you, but also on how you feel about yourself. When you make choices, interact, or work towards change, try to do so in a way that considers what your values and belief systems are.
Sympathetic Joy and Overcoming Addiction to Self
This section spoke to the benefits of meditation and centering yourself. The author talks about how meditation is one of the few times that we are able to set down the idea of ourselves and the image that we protect for how we want to be perceived in the world. Meditation gives us an option to simply exist and experience the world deeply.
Acknowledging and Overcoming Childhood Trauma
One of the things that becomes more and more clear is that trauma has a significant impact on well-being and is a major contributor to mental illness. Working with a therapist or doing some concentrated independent reflection can give you the chance to incorporate trauma and loss so that it reduces the power it holds in your life.
Restoring the Future
Holding hope for tomorrow is one of the most valuable things you can do for your well-being. When we do not feel good about what is to come, no wonder depression or anxiety would set in. Taking steps today that impact tomorrow will allow you to feel momentum and to wake up knowing you have something to look forward to.
What Made this the Book of the Month
Johann Hari first caught my attention in a training about addiction and recovery where we watched one of his famous TedTalks called, “Everything You Think You Know About Addiction is Wrong”. This talk really impacted me and the way that I conceptualize addiction. As a licensed addiction counselor, I began to see a completely new side of what it could mean to treat people experiencing addiction and how to help them find their thriving life. I was impacted yet again by Johann’s speaking in his TedTalk called, “This Could Be Why You Are Anxious or Depressed”. I was eager to dive into his books and am looking forward to reading his other two bestsellers. I am hopeful that if you choose to listen to these talks or to pick up his books, you will be impacted in a similar way. The ideas that primarily stuck with me and make this such a compelling read was the transition from the medical model of treatment to a social and holistic connection.
Call-To-Action
It is time to reconnect. To yourself, your values, the people around you, and the world. Start today. What might be a way you could use one of the seven ways of reconnection? Put it into practice and notice deeply how you are impacted by it, then pursue more!
What has been one of your most impactful reads? Are there any that you feel like more people should get their hands on? Let me know and I would be happy to read and review in a future post!