Feel Better, Live More with Dr Rangan Chatterjee

Coronavirus Special. Johann Hari: How To Stay Calm and Connected when Physically Apart #105

Apr 1, 2020

Johann Hari, a journalist and author focused on the roots of depression and the significance of connection, shares his insights on surviving and thriving during the pandemic. He discusses how financial insecurity exacerbates emotional struggles and emphasizes the need for political engagement to boost mental health. Hari highlights the importance of shared experiences and meaningful conversations in combating loneliness. He also shares inspiring stories of community resilience and personal growth arising from adversity, encouraging listeners to find strength in connection.

Ask episode

AI Snips

Chapters

Books

Transcript

Episode notes

INSIGHT

Financial Insecurity and Mental Health

Financial insecurity is a major cause of depression and anxiety, often overlooked.
Many societal factors contribute to this insecurity, including unstable employment and rising living costs.

ADVICE

Addressing Financial Insecurity

Advocate for policies that address financial insecurity to improve mental health.
Support measures like guaranteed basic income can significantly reduce mental health issues.

INSIGHT

Loneliness and Shared Meaning

Loneliness isn't about the quantity of interactions but the quality of shared meaning.
Meaningful, reciprocal relationships are key to combating loneliness, not just the number of people you speak to.

Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode

Get the app

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

Having written a book about the importance of connections, Johann Hari was the obvious choice to help me shed light on how the coronavirus pandemic is affecting this key human need. In this podcast, his work on how loneliness affects depression and anxiety provides insight, understanding and practical solutions to help us through.

We start by talking about what Johann says is the biggest cause of emotional difficulties – financial insecurity. Of course, things are moving fast and since this podcast was recorded, the UK government has announced support for the self-employed, too. But people are understandably worried how they’ll cope until help filters through. A YouGov survey suggests many are already borrowing money only one week into the current UK lockdown. Johann believes that asking our political representatives to address this is a vital way to feel connected, value our key workers and safeguard our mental health.

We also discuss how shared experience and meaning can be a way out of loneliness. Johann gives some extraordinary examples of people who’ve managed to find meaning and affect positive change in the face of huge adversity. We’re all familiar with post-traumatic stress, but there’s emerging evidence that more people actually experience growth as a result of trauma. They re-evaluate, reset their values, life in many ways gets better for them. Could this be the way we all move through – and beyond – this global crisis? It’s a lot to get your head around, but it’s a powerful message to hear. Take care, stay safe and be kind.

Show notes available at https://drchatterjee.com/105

Follow me on instagram.com/drchatterjee/

Follow me on facebook.com/DrChatterjee/

Follow me on twitter.com/drchatterjeeuk

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.