Anhedonia - Is mine potentially unsolvable without meds?

[ZenAlex]

I've spent the last 8 years dealing with this. I've gotten better with improvements in diet, exercise, making sure I'm meeting my nutritional requirements, reinvented myself, improved my lifestyle, improved self awareness, meditation etc. No alcohol, no recreational drugs. Never taken a psychedelic or mental health medication in my life.

These things definitely help, but it's like a switch flipped in me 8 years ago, and even though I've improved the symptoms, I never seem to be able to fully recover. 

I don't feel suicidal or that depressed, I can take some satisfaction from things, but I feel emotionally flat, low motivation and a diminished capacity for satisfaction. 

If this is as good as it gets I should be able to accept it because it's not too bad, but part of me at times gets memories of how I used to feel, I cannot help but miss it and want to feel more things again.

I've seen a therapist  and they just told me I was functioning fine and they couldn't see anything wrong except do more. I've forced myself to socialise more but although I enjoy it sometimes it doesn't change the default flatness.

The only thing I can think that I haven't tried is medications, but I'm not sure I'm suffering enough to warrant taking the risk of permanent damage and side effects.

If I was ever seriously suicidal, I'd consider it though, but the improvements in my symptoms have made it so I'm not often suicidal and actually enjoy certain things again, but it's sad that a lot of things that I used to really love now just make me feel numb.

 

 

[Ulax]

In my opinion, I’d do two things. First, check various health areas, ie thyroid test, heavy metal tests etc. Secondly, I’d go deeper with the inner work. In that category I’d recommend looking into retreat level meditation work and also depth psychotherapies, that include a somatic focus, like gestalt and IFS therapy. 

[puporing]

that's often life signalling you to rest for a bit actually.. but not sure if you have the chance to. 

Edited June 2, 2023 by puporing

[Schizophonia]

You're bored

[Ima Freeman]

@ZenAlex Look into and study the hell out of detoxification.

 

[Ulax]

@ZenAlex Oh yes, also I'll add that i'd recommend looking into neurodiversity as a possibility, i.e. autism, adhd. Though I find that some in the neurodiversity community are quick to jump to the conclusion of neurodiversity over a conclusion of something else, i.e. trauma. So, i'd recommend being mindful of that and thinking for yourself.

[Sandy6]

Let me share my story. I have been very passionate and excited about personal development for around 2 years. However, after managing my OCD and discontinuing CBT therapy with psychologist and medication with psychiatrist, i do ERP with my own then I lost interest in my life. I am still working on overcoming this, though. I believe the solution to anhedonia is to experience things that no longer bring pleasure or interest. For instance, I used to thoroughly enjoy reading and writing for about 8 years, but I lost interest in those activities. The solution is to allow myself to experience the emotions, even if it means feeling bored or unable to experience pleasure. If you know of any methods out there that share a similar concept, such as CBT or mindfulness, they would be helpful. The key here is to not let anhedonia hinder our pursuit of our purpose. Personally, I am currently focusing on building habits one at a time to engage in activities that I don't find enjoyable. After consulting a psychologist, she mentioned that I might be experiencing burnout, which could also be the case if you're not feeling depressed. Anhedonia is often considered a sign of depression, but in my case, I don't believe I am depressed. I just feel burned out and eager to try something new. Achieving great results with something new would be fantastic as well.

[LSD-Rumi]

@ZenAlex Many people suffer from a mental illness called dysthymia, which is chronic mild depression. Medications can help a lot, don't be afraid of them. Try Prozac and see for yourself. My sister was suffering such things. despite being very interested in personal development and spirituality, she felt mild depression and unhappiness. She took Prozac and she is now happier than ever. Sometimes medications can help a lot!

Edited July 10, 2023 by LSD-Rumi

[LSD-Rumi]

On 01/06/2023 at 2:04 PM, ZenAlex said:

I've seen a therapist  and they just told me I was functioning fine and they couldn't see anything wrong except do more. I've forced myself to socialise more but although I enjoy it sometimes it doesn't change the default flatness.

You know what you feel more than any therapist. If you feel unhappy, you are unhappy. Go see another therapist.

[Michael569]

Sounds like something undiagnosed is lingering in the background. 

I have a guy I work with going through something similar and while lifestyle/diet protocols are helping my primary goal for him is to get the diagnosis he needs.

O agree with others that sometimes meds can temporarily help and if you don't wanna take them at least you'll have a name for it.

Which doctors have you spoken to already?

Also, how old are you and what do you do for living? Do you have a sense of direction in life?

[jdc7733]

@ZenAlex The answers you are looking for are probably right under your nose. If you don’t solve your neuroses, then, you will end up staying the same or getting worse. I’m sure you either have skeletons in the closet or you just suppress things about your personality, even if they’re good things. I used to feel like you until I developed schizophrenia. Psychedelics can help but I wouldn’t rely on them. I’m not going to advise you whether or not to take them. Also, antidepressants can help if you’re desperate, in the short-medium term, but can leave you with even worse anhedonia, in the long run, due to desensitisation.