The Happiness Cure

Why You’re Not Built for Constant Happiness, and How to Find a Way Through

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As a species, we've never had it so good. We're living longer and healthier lives than ever before; the sum of human knowledge and endless entertainment are only ever a few clicks away.

So why are we in the midst of a mental health crisis?

The Happiness Cure offers a radical new way to think about fulfilment. Blending neuroscientific research and empirical breakthroughs with stories of ordinary individuals, leading psychiatrist and viral TedX speaker Dr Anders Hansen reveals that by adopting an evolutionary take on life, we can re-set our perspective on happiness to find longer-term meaning and lasting contentment.

Anders Hansen's work is the antidote to our modern-day struggles.

Dr Rangan Chatterjee

Kidneys evolve. Lungs evolve. As do brains, and in ways relevant to our pursuit of happiness and our vulnerabilities to mental illness. In The Happiness Cure, psychiatrist Anders Hansen explains how our brains have evolved more slowly in these realms than has our lifestyle, and the malaise that this mismatch produces. This wonderful book is steeped in insights, clear explanations and empathy. Most of all, it imparts deep wisdom about how we should live our lives.

Robert Sapolsky, Professor in biology and neurology at Stanford University, and New York Times bestselling author

A fascinating exploration of the ways in which our ancient neurologic wiring is mismatched for the modern ecosystem. By understanding depression and anxiety through the lens of evolution, we can make sense of the growing despair in the world today and do something about it. This is a must read for anyone hoping to understand the human brain.

Dr. Anna Lembke, New York Times bestselling author of Dopamine Nation

The market is flooded with books on how to achieve good mental health, including everything from meditation and mindfulness to treatment with SSRI medication. But the brain is not developed for our well-being, but rather for our survival and reproduction. Stress states, panic disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorders and even ADHD and autism spectrum diagnoses have evolutionary benefits. The psychiatrist Anders Hansen has understood this and delivers his thoughts in his new ingenious and well-written book. It's a must-read!

Hugo Lagercrantz, Professor Emeritus of Pediatrics, Karolinska Institute

About Dr Anders Hansen

Dr Anders Hansen is a Swedish psychiatrist, speaker and award-winning author with his own TV series exploring the human brain. His books have sold several million copies and topped bestseller lists around the world. Anders is the winner of the book of the year Big Health Award 2017 and 2019, and Sweden's Mensa Prize 2018. He is the author of The Happiness Cure, The Attention Fix and The Mind-Body Method.

Details

Imprint: Vermilion
Published: 16/02/2023
ISBN: 9781785044328
Length: 224 pages
Dimensions: 214mm x 17mm x 135mm
Weight: 228g
Price: £16.99

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The Happiness Cure

Why You’re Not Built for Constant Happiness, and How to Find a Way Through

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About Dr Anders Hansen

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