February Highly Recommended Read

This month’s recommended book is Lost Connections: Why You’re Depressed and Hope to Find Hope by Johann Hari. You can watch Johann in conversation with Decca Aitkenhead, interviewer for the Guardian from a Thursday lecture at the Royal Society of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce (RSA) below.

This is a beautiful, deeply moving and journalistically outstanding inquiry into the contemporary treatment of depression and anxiety. Sifting through leading scientists, psychologists, and personal stories as well as his own experience battling overeating and depression, Johann shows how at the root of many of our ills are social and psychological factors, not just genes or faulty brains.

Three reasons why I like this book

1. I have found every chapter to be a great mixture of facts and moving stories that help one understand what erodes fulfilment and how to avoid many traps that will add to our hardships. I can use these insights in my life and also as a practitioner.
2. The book has proved a treasure trove of world experts helping me discover leading researchers to connect with.
3. I found Johann’s personal story and dedication to help others through this journalism inspiring as a practitioner, writer, and thinker. I’m sure you will also.

Have you got a book to recommend?

Want to tell us about a book that made a difference in your life and write a guest blog? Drop us an e-mail with

1. Title and author
2. What is it about and why others should read it?
3. Why you like it and/or how it impacted you?