Episode
#172 - Johann Hari - What Are The Real Causes Of Depression?
1:53:02
Published: Mon May 18 2020
Description
Johann Hari is a writer & a journalist. Rates of depression are at an all time high and yet pharmaceutical drugs have never been more widely used. If depression is simply an imbalance of chemicals in the brain - what's going on? Johann is my favourite writer on depression and this episode has been 2 years in the making. Expect to learn what are the true causes of depression, how reality TV degrades society's values, how you can take back control of your mood, why I lowkey fancy Dame Judy Dench and much more... Sponsor: Check out everything I use from The Protein Works at https://www.theproteinworks.com/modernwisdom/ (35% off everything with the code MODERN35) Extra Stuff: Buy Lost Connections - https://amzn.to/2LrPjo9 Follow Johann on Twitter - https://twitter.com/johannhari101 Take a break from alcohol and upgrade your life - https://6monthssober.com/podcast Check out everything I recommend from books to products - https://www.amazon.co.uk/shop/modernwisdom - Get in touch. Join the discussion with me and other like minded listeners in the episode comments on the MW YouTube Channel or message me... Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chriswillx Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/chriswillx YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/ModernWisdomPodcast Email: https://www.chriswillx.com/contact
Chapters
The host discusses depression, anxiety, and loneliness with Johann Hari, exploring the root causes and potential solutions for these issues.
00:00 - 03:49 (03:49)
Summary
The host discusses depression, anxiety, and loneliness with Johann Hari, exploring the root causes and potential solutions for these issues.
Episode#172 - Johann Hari - What Are The Real Causes Of Depression?
PodcastModern Wisdom
This podcast explores depression and anxiety from different perspectives, including experts on the topic, an Amish village, a Brazilian city that banned advertising and a lab in Baltimore that gives people psychedelics to find solutions.
03:49 - 08:20 (04:31)
Summary
This podcast explores depression and anxiety from different perspectives, including experts on the topic, an Amish village, a Brazilian city that banned advertising and a lab in Baltimore that gives people psychedelics to find solutions. The episode sheds light on strong scientific evidence that causes depression and anxiety which have been exacerbated in recent times.
Episode#172 - Johann Hari - What Are The Real Causes Of Depression?
PodcastModern Wisdom
The belief that depression and anxiety are malfunctions has been subconsciously embedded in society, causing people with wealth to be ten times less likely to develop anxiety disorders than those without and the rise of mental health charities.
08:20 - 12:26 (04:05)
Summary
The belief that depression and anxiety are malfunctions has been subconsciously embedded in society, causing people with wealth to be ten times less likely to develop anxiety disorders than those without and the rise of mental health charities.
Episode#172 - Johann Hari - What Are The Real Causes Of Depression?
PodcastModern Wisdom
The solution to financial insecurity and anxiety caused by the COVID-19 crisis is Universal Basic Income, which would provide a stable income to everyone and reduce inequality.
12:26 - 15:23 (02:57)
Summary
The solution to financial insecurity and anxiety caused by the COVID-19 crisis is Universal Basic Income, which would provide a stable income to everyone and reduce inequality.
Episode#172 - Johann Hari - What Are The Real Causes Of Depression?
PodcastModern Wisdom
Johan Hari discusses the importance of regaining control collectively to solve issues that impact mental health in individuals.
15:23 - 18:48 (03:25)
Summary
Johan Hari discusses the importance of regaining control collectively to solve issues that impact mental health in individuals. He emphasizes the need to recognize that these issues cannot be solved by an isolated individual.
Episode#172 - Johann Hari - What Are The Real Causes Of Depression?
PodcastModern Wisdom
The podcast highlights the importance of addressing loneliness by understanding its root cause and building solutions with affected individuals.
18:48 - 23:16 (04:27)
Summary
The podcast highlights the importance of addressing loneliness by understanding its root cause and building solutions with affected individuals.
Episode#172 - Johann Hari - What Are The Real Causes Of Depression?
PodcastModern Wisdom
Johann Hari discusses how prioritizing money and status can lead to depression and anxiety, as people tend to look for happiness in the wrong places.
23:16 - 31:22 (08:06)
Summary
Johann Hari discusses how prioritizing money and status can lead to depression and anxiety, as people tend to look for happiness in the wrong places. He compares the feeling of understanding one's pain to that of being knowledgeable about historical facts.
Episode#172 - Johann Hari - What Are The Real Causes Of Depression?
PodcastModern Wisdom
The recent deaths of reality TV stars like Caroline Flack have had people questioning the role of reality TV and the responsibility of broadcasters, as well as the impact it has on young viewers.
31:22 - 36:14 (04:52)
Summary
The recent deaths of reality TV stars like Caroline Flack have had people questioning the role of reality TV and the responsibility of broadcasters, as well as the impact it has on young viewers. Some believe that it sets unrealistic and unhealthy standards for success and life goals, while others argue that it is simply reflective of society and therefore not the root cause of these issues.
Episode#172 - Johann Hari - What Are The Real Causes Of Depression?
PodcastModern Wisdom
Lack of control or autonomy in the workplace is the biggest factor that contributes to depression, according to research done in the 1970s.
36:14 - 40:17 (04:03)
Summary
Lack of control or autonomy in the workplace is the biggest factor that contributes to depression, according to research done in the 1970s. This may explain why people with depression and anxiety tend to focus on their work.
Episode#172 - Johann Hari - What Are The Real Causes Of Depression?
PodcastModern Wisdom
The implementation of democratic cooperatives in the workplace can help alleviate depression and anxiety among workers since it provides a system of accountability between the boss and employees and grants control to the workers.
40:17 - 43:44 (03:26)
Summary
The implementation of democratic cooperatives in the workplace can help alleviate depression and anxiety among workers since it provides a system of accountability between the boss and employees and grants control to the workers. Several individuals recounted leaving their previous jobs due to feeling depressed and anxious only to find relief through working in a democratic cooperative environment.
Episode#172 - Johann Hari - What Are The Real Causes Of Depression?
PodcastModern Wisdom
This podcast episode includes a discussion about the power of structured habits to give people a sense of power and agency to change things, followed by a story about a friend to remind people that positive changes are possible even during challenging times.
43:44 - 51:33 (07:49)
Summary
This podcast episode includes a discussion about the power of structured habits to give people a sense of power and agency to change things, followed by a story about a friend to remind people that positive changes are possible even during challenging times.
Episode#172 - Johann Hari - What Are The Real Causes Of Depression?
PodcastModern Wisdom
The self-development world and the pursuit of control and structure in life can be seen as a reaction to the explosion of loneliness in modern society.
51:33 - 56:40 (05:06)
Summary
The self-development world and the pursuit of control and structure in life can be seen as a reaction to the explosion of loneliness in modern society. However, it's important to recognize that healthy routines and practices can benefit anyone regardless of social connection.
Episode#172 - Johann Hari - What Are The Real Causes Of Depression?
PodcastModern Wisdom
The definition of loneliness is not just about being physically alone, as people can feel lonely even when surrounded by others.
56:40 - 1:01:47 (05:07)
Summary
The definition of loneliness is not just about being physically alone, as people can feel lonely even when surrounded by others. Solitude is important for people to process their thoughts, and understanding loneliness is important in finding ways to combat it.
Episode#172 - Johann Hari - What Are The Real Causes Of Depression?
PodcastModern Wisdom
Animals kept in captivity often develop symptoms that resemble human mental illnesses, such as obsessive-compulsive disorder and depression.
1:01:47 - 1:06:35 (04:48)
Summary
Animals kept in captivity often develop symptoms that resemble human mental illnesses, such as obsessive-compulsive disorder and depression. This reveals something about societal and cultural "games" beyond just animal captivity.
Episode#172 - Johann Hari - What Are The Real Causes Of Depression?
PodcastModern Wisdom
The speaker emphasizes the significance of introspective work for self-awareness and the value of uniqueness as a contribution to the world, citing examples of billionaires and Love Island contestants.
1:06:35 - 1:13:12 (06:37)
Summary
The speaker emphasizes the significance of introspective work for self-awareness and the value of uniqueness as a contribution to the world, citing examples of billionaires and Love Island contestants.
Episode#172 - Johann Hari - What Are The Real Causes Of Depression?
PodcastModern Wisdom
Beauty has longevity, while hotness fades with age.
1:13:12 - 1:15:53 (02:40)
Summary
Beauty has longevity, while hotness fades with age. The perfect example of this is Dame Judi Dench.
Episode#172 - Johann Hari - What Are The Real Causes Of Depression?
PodcastModern Wisdom
The anxiety around aging and physical appearance is often linked to a person's self-esteem and how much they derive their sense of purpose and meaning from their looks.
1:15:57 - 1:21:00 (05:03)
Summary
The anxiety around aging and physical appearance is often linked to a person's self-esteem and how much they derive their sense of purpose and meaning from their looks. This highlights the importance of finding happiness in other areas to avoid the negative impact of aging on self-worth.
Episode#172 - Johann Hari - What Are The Real Causes Of Depression?
PodcastModern Wisdom
The way some people use social media could be compared to the relationship between porn and sex.
1:21:00 - 1:26:17 (05:17)
Summary
The way some people use social media could be compared to the relationship between porn and sex. For some, it provides a sense of belonging and connection to something bigger, while others become obsessed and never leave their homes.
Episode#172 - Johann Hari - What Are The Real Causes Of Depression?
PodcastModern Wisdom
Author Johann Hari discusses the similarities between depression and grief and how moments of awe can combat depression by putting one's egocentric thoughts into perspective.
1:26:17 - 1:35:37 (09:20)
Summary
Author Johann Hari discusses the similarities between depression and grief and how moments of awe can combat depression by putting one's egocentric thoughts into perspective.
Episode#172 - Johann Hari - What Are The Real Causes Of Depression?
PodcastModern Wisdom
Trying to make yourself happier does not necessarily lead to being happier.
1:35:38 - 1:39:46 (04:08)
Summary
Trying to make yourself happier does not necessarily lead to being happier. Individuals who seek out self-improvement methods like life coaches or self-help books are often left feeling unfulfilled.
Episode#172 - Johann Hari - What Are The Real Causes Of Depression?
PodcastModern Wisdom
Depression may not be a biologically broken thing and telling people it is, only limits their hope for healing.
1:39:46 - 1:43:27 (03:40)
Summary
Depression may not be a biologically broken thing and telling people it is, only limits their hope for healing. The way that it manifests is instead existential and symbolic, which makes it difficult to overcome.
Episode#172 - Johann Hari - What Are The Real Causes Of Depression?
PodcastModern Wisdom
The need for individual and social change are not separate when it comes to mental health.
1:43:27 - 1:49:52 (06:25)
Summary
The need for individual and social change are not separate when it comes to mental health. Maximize what we understand from self development and mindfulness practices to build resilience and structures in life to overcome low mood, which in turn can lead to contributing to social change.
Episode#172 - Johann Hari - What Are The Real Causes Of Depression?
PodcastModern Wisdom
The Lost Connections website offers various resources for learning more about the causes of depression and anxiety, including the option to buy the book or audiobook, taking a quiz, and listening to interviews with relevant experts.
1:49:52 - 1:52:48 (02:56)
Summary
The Lost Connections website offers various resources for learning more about the causes of depression and anxiety, including the option to buy the book or audiobook, taking a quiz, and listening to interviews with relevant experts. The author is also working on a book about focus and attention and suggests listeners take advantage of free interviews available online.