Feel Better, Live More with Dr Rangan Chatterjee

Is Everything You Know About Depression Wrong? With Johann Hari #94

19 snips

Jan 22, 2020

In this intriguing discussion, Johann Hari, a renowned author who explores the societal roots of depression and anxiety, shares groundbreaking insights from his global research. He argues that the true causes of mental distress often lie in unmet psychological needs and societal isolation, rather than biology alone. Topics include the detrimental effects of loneliness, the transformative power of community support, and the importance of autonomy in reducing mental health issues. Hari challenges listeners to rethink conventional treatments, emphasizing the need for meaningful human connections.

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INSIGHT

Societal Impact on Mental Health

Modern society's aspects, not all of it, increase depression and anxiety.
These problematic aspects can be fixed.

INSIGHT

Loneliness and Mental Health

Loneliness is a significant driver of depression and anxiety.
Humans, like bees in a hive, need social connection to thrive.

ANECDOTE

Social Prescribing and Gardening

Dr. Sam Everington pioneered social prescribing to combat loneliness.
A gardening group helped patients form a supportive tribe.

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RE-RELEASE: This episode originally aired last year as a two-part episode.

CAUTION ADVISED: this podcast contains swearing and themes of an adult nature.

For the past few decades, almost every year, levels of depression and anxiety have increased in Britain and across the Western world. But why? One of the most important voices in this area, Johann Hari, went on a forty-thousand-mile journey across the world to interview the leading experts about what causes depression and anxiety, and what solves them. He shares the fascinating findings of his research in this week’s podcast. Johann explains that although we have been told a story that drugs are the solution to depression and anxiety, in many cases, the cause is not in our biology but in the way we live.

Johann argues that being depressed or anxious does not mean that you are crazy, weak or broken, rather, that your natural psychological needs are not being met. And it’s hardly surprising – we are the loneliest society there has ever been. We discuss how loneliness affects us, how social prescribing can transform lives, the role trauma plays and how shame is both physically and emotionally destructive. Johann believes that societal values have been corrupted and explains the effect that this is having on our health. We talk about the role of the workplace and how having autonomy and choices can reduce the likelihood of depression and anxiety. Johann goes on to share the incredible heart-warming story of the people from Berlin district called Kotti – a story of how an unlikely community was borne out of desperation and the unbelievable transformations that occurred for the whole community as a result of it. Finally, Johann shares some truly inspirational top tips. This really is a captivating and incredibly important conversation – I hope you enjoy it!

Show notes available at drchatterjee.com/94

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DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.