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Anhedonia

NotLikeThemButICanPretend

I've been struggling massively with this for the past 3-4 years. I'm finding great difficulty in participating in my hobbies and committing to them in any meaningful way. Before if I were to start a game or learn a new song, I'd always see it through and enjoy doing so. Now it's a struggle to even begin.

There's been the odd period of this in the past, but never anything sustained and I always found my way back to the things I enjoy. I'm able to motivate myself to get to the gym, but anything else is a struggle.

From people I've spoke to about this, some say it's just a part of getting older, but I'm still relatively young.

I was just wondering if this is a common affliction among us?

Parents

  • Good morning from America, NotLikeThemButICanPretend!

    NOTE: I am not an expert on the subject whatsoever. Anything I say on the subject is unprofessional opinion based on general observations. I’m a former music teacher, not a doctor.

    From what I’ve seen, anhedonia could be an effect of Autism, depression, or very likely both. In regards to Autism, it is possible to suffer through Autistic burnout, which can impact several areas of life including enjoyment and energy to do things, much like a major depressive episode. That seems to usually be caused by immense stimulation - such as a demanding job or a stressful situation - and can last from months to a few years.

    However, given the fact that you have felt this way for 3-4 years, that makes me feel as though this is likely more connected to depression than Autism. I’d highly recommend talking with a doctor specifically about the length of time you have experienced anhedonia. If you are already on antidepressants, it may be a good idea to consider an adjustment to see if a different dosage or drug would possibly help get you to a more manageable baseline.

    Now, I do want to say that your account sounds far from being all “doom and gloom.” The fact that you have enough energy to work out at the gym is amazing and a great sign that things can change for the better, as I feel as though most people in your situation would struggle immensely with physical activity (which makes the burnout and/or depression even worse). My advice in that regard is to be careful not to work yourself out so hard that you push yourself past exhaustion. Your physical health is even more important when you are struggling emotionally.

    I’m wishing you the best!

  • in reply to profdanger

    There is definitely an element of depression there, which has always been present in some form since early adulthood. I've tried numerous different SSRIs over the years to no avail and the withdrawals is something I don't want to experience again since they don't taper property on the NHS.

    My work has never been easier since I went remote, but there is definitely something missing and I would like to do hybrid work if possible. I don't like to rock the boat too much since I get a decent salary for relatively easy work, but I don't think being stuck at home most of the time is good for you.

    Working out is one of the few times I actually feel good and accomplished. I strangely look forward to it.

    Your response is much appreciated!

Reply
  • in reply to profdanger

    There is definitely an element of depression there, which has always been present in some form since early adulthood. I've tried numerous different SSRIs over the years to no avail and the withdrawals is something I don't want to experience again since they don't taper property on the NHS.

    My work has never been easier since I went remote, but there is definitely something missing and I would like to do hybrid work if possible. I don't like to rock the boat too much since I get a decent salary for relatively easy work, but I don't think being stuck at home most of the time is good for you.

    Working out is one of the few times I actually feel good and accomplished. I strangely look forward to it.

    Your response is much appreciated!

Children
  • in reply to NotLikeThemButICanPretend
    NotLikeThemButICanPretend said:
    My work has never been easier since I went remote, but there is definitely something missing and I would like to do hybrid work if possible.

    That is a definitely a possibility that remote work could be a contributor. I mean, I personally would prefer hybrid over remote (especially since with my ADHD I fear that I would get nothing done when working from home lol), so I can certainly understand how changing to hybrid could benefit you.

    NotLikeThemButICanPretend said:
    I don't like to rock the boat too much since I get a decent salary for relatively easy work, but I don't think being stuck at home most of the time is good for you.

    Of course I don’t know who you work for, but I would wager that it wouldn’t hurt to at least pose the question if hybrid is a possibility. Obviously office space could be an issue depending on the employer, but I can’t imagine it would hurt your position to ask.

    NotLikeThemButICanPretend said:
    I've tried numerous different SSRIs over the years to no avail and the withdrawals is something I don't want to experience again since they don't taper property on the NHS.

    That’s fair. I recently tapered off an antidepressant under a psychiatrist, but he essentially left it up to me to determine how long the process should take. I can understand that processes for that sort of thing are likely handled differently over there, and judging by what others have said on this forum I get the feeling the NHS isn’t completely trustworthy.