Interesting read about the causes if depression, insights into what causes it, the decisions we think we make and how they affect us. This book discusses mental issues in a sensitive way as well as being enjoyable. I recommend this book. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for giving me an ARC in exchange for an unbiased review.

This was an interesting read about what causes depression - environmental factors rather than a chemical imbalance. I liked the fact the sciency bits were understandable and simply written and even though the author was arguing for environmental factors, the book didn’t lecture you like so many other self help books.

There are lots of relatable factors that may help people understand what affects their mental health.

This book is incredibly interesting and informative.
Having suffered with mental health issues myself, it was great to look at ways in which our relationships, families and community connections can affect us in this way. We may not have a chemical imbalance, it may be something that has traumatised us and that can be worked on through therapy or looking at our connections with other people.
Fascinating read.

Lost Connections is an incredible book which has caused me to question everything I thought I knew about depression and anxiety and my own mental health. The stories Johann uncovers as he goes about his research are truly fascinating, you will be amazed by the crucial scientific studies around mental health he discovers which have so far gone largely undocumented. An important thing to note is just how enjoyable this book is to read. Johann has a real skill in bringing warmth and humour to a serious subject which could otherwise be much more difficult to digest. I highly recommend this book to anyone who has had depression and anxiety or knows someone close to them who has.

This is a greatly important book - it explores the causes and presentations of depression in a sensitive way. Beautifully written, the exploration of different personal situations around the world is fascinating. I really feel I have to read this book again to appreciate it fully. As someone who has lived with depression it resonated deeply, but that doesn't mean to say it won't do the same for other readers with different personal circumstances. I really looking forward to reading this again soon!

The author of this book sets out to show that depression and anxiety are not simply down to chemical imbalances in the brain, treatable by anti-depressant medication but that they are symptoms of a larger issue and, that, without dealing with the root cause of the problems in society, we cannot begin to address the rise in their occurrence.

The book makes for an interesting read, collecting and compiling studies that support the thesis. The argument is compelling and I'd be amongst the first to agree that society can cause such responses and that without change to our way of thinking and behaving such responses will pervade. However, there is a lack of balance in the book and, what is presented as a researched piece, loses some of its persuasive power due to the huge repetition of both argument and supporting studies. Rather like this review, its verbosity detracts.

As a work to provoke thought I would commend the book. As a book for those who are seeking help and guidance, I would add a word of caution - it is not balanced and, for some, the current traditional treatments may be what is needed, at least in the short term.

With thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the ARC

Fascinating insight into the potential causes of depression and anxiety. Some relatable and really interesting points, some others (around medication) I completely disagree with. On balance, well-researched and easy to read.

Hari argues that depression is not caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain and against therefore the use of antidepressant drugs as the primary solution. Instead he makes the case that anxiety and depression are caused by one of several forms of disconnection. He then puts forward pointers towards reconnection.

There's some thought-provoking material here, useful towards understanding and improving mental health. However I found myself questioning the extent to which it pertained to full blown debilitating clinical depression.

The narrative style is highly personal and rather hyperbolic; rather long winded too. I found it exasperating after the first few chapters.

Parts of this book are an interesting read. Some of the studies are interesting and a few of the ideas were new to me. There is however a lot of repetition in this book. It was good though to read the theories and the studies from someone else's perspective. I feel as well that medication should not be seen as the wrong way to go. It is not the bad guy. It does help some people.

Thank you to Netgalley for my copy.

This is a book which makes you stop and think. The way we live our lives is down to us but, apparently, not as completely as we would like to believe.

The choices made for us, the decisions we accept because of who makes them are, medicinally, laid bare here and are, shockingly, no longer as clear cut as they first appeared. I have taken tablets for anxiety for many years and had no intention of stopping.  This book has changed my thought process and will continue to do so for a while I think as I work out my next step.

I was able to read a copy of this book thanks to Netgalley and the publishers in exchange for an unbiased review and would recommend it to anyone who is concerned about their mental health or that of someone they care about. It offers a different perspective on a difficult subject, which is never a bad thing.