We all know what it’s like to have a “meh” day. Nothing really matters. We don’t have the energy to do anything. We’re not sad, but we’re not happy either. It’s a hard feeling to describe – time is passing unremarkably. There’s a tipping point, though, when feeling “meh” turns into a life truly devoid of joy. No matter what we try to do about it. There’s a name for being unable to find joy in things we used to love doing: anhedonia.
Anhedonia is afflicting more and more people.
Read on to learn more about how to spot anhedonia in yourself or loved ones, and why it’s essential to seek treatment.
What Is Anhedonia?
Technically, anhedonia is described as a “reduced ability to experience pleasure” and a “diminished interest in pleasurable things.”
The condition impacts physical, social, emotional and other types of pleasures.
Basically, when we suffer from anhedonia, things that used to make us feel good no longer do.
And what may be worse, we no longer even have the desire to try to find pleasure in them again.
Anhedonia can hit us where we live, so to speak.
It can curtail our desire to eat, drink and be merry.
Hobbies we used to enjoy no longer have any allure.
This can include healthy hobbies, such as exercising, running, or yoga. It also may include other interests, such as any form of entertainment or recreation, spending time with friends, or pursuing activities that challenge us mentally.
Of course, if we once loved our jobs, it could mean that we’re feeling less fulfilled there, too.
The Dangers of Anhedonia
Just experiencing this joyless state of being is unpleasant, but the risks of chronic anhedonia are more serious than that.
Over time, those who suffer from anhedonia may disengage with others, becoming isolated and lonely.
Lack of social stimuli and contact can lead to development of related anxieties and mental conditions.
Those with this condition tend to withdraw from relationships and activities and may develop a somewhat ‘flat’ affect that makes it less likely for them to attract new friends, too.
Finding no pleasure in things that used to bring joy extends to a lack of interest in eating and other behaviors essential for our good health.
Loss of enjoyment in eating may lead to unhealthy weight loss and malnutrition.
If someone suffering from anhedonia is on medication, they may become lax about taking it, too.
At a certain point, someone with anhedonia may become so desperate to feel something, anything, remotely like pleasure, that they may begin to engage in risky and dangerous behaviors.
Some may drive too fast, gamble, or try other activities in search of a high.
Drug and alcohol abuse may occur.
Anhedonia may also increase the risk of suicide.
If you are experiencing anhedonia or depression, it’s important to reach out for help before it becomes too severe.
If you’re unsure about whether you should, please read How to Know It’s Time to Seek Help for Depression.
Symptoms
Besides the inability to experience pleasure, those with anhedonia may exhibit lethargy, fatigue, loss of appetite, sleepiness and insomnia.
They may also demonstrate what is referred to as “disorganized thinking”, which may lead them to make poor decisions.
Lack of interest and engagement may make it difficult for those with this condition to even follow a conversation.
As we may expect, those experiencing anhedonia are often pessimistic and have a negative attitude.
This may show in their facial expressions and other body language, too
Causes
Anhedonia can be a component of depression. Or it can just happen on its own.
It may arise as a result of a traumatic event or a history of abuse or neglect.
It can also happen in tandem with other illnesses including eating disorders, diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, coronary artery disease and bipolar disorder.
No one is certain what the root cause of anhedonia is, however, scientists believe there is a connection to brain chemistry.
Acute grief, anxiety, or stress may cause reduced production of dopamine.
When this happens, the brain may react by shutting down our “pleasure centers”.
One school of thought suggests prolonged time with reduced dopamine production may result in anhedonia.
As you may surmise, anhedonia can also lead to intense feelings of loneliness and isolation, as the person becomes more and more withdrawn from social activities, friendships and hobbies.
Treatment for Anhedonia
Thankfully, there is good news for those who are suffering with this debilitating condition.
Talk therapy, combined with antidepressants and/or other medication are often effective treatments to manage anhedonia.
The key is making the effort and finding the energy to seek treatment.
If you or someone you love appears to be experiencing the symptoms described above, be extra kind.
If the conversation feels right, gently suggest they may want to contact a mental health professional to talk about what’s going on.
Relief, and a life with restored pleasure, may be within reach for so many.
Thank you as always for reading.
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Joan Senio is the founder of KindCompassCoach. Her career includes 20+ years as a health care executive and 15 years (and counting) as a consultant. The common thread through Joan’s professional life has been a commitment to lead, mentor and coach current and future leaders, and women from all walks of life. KindCompassCoach provides information and advice grounded in Joan’s personal experience; however, all articles are backed by research and provide facts and advice from a wide variety of experts. Joan also serves as a thought-leader for KuelLife.com and is a regular contributor to PsychReg and Sixty and Me.
2 Responses
Thanks for a great and informative article. I had never heard of anhedonia. Now, I can see how the emotional and financial stress caused by the pandemic these past few years has caused a rise in the condition.
Hi Meline, Thank you for your comment – it is interesting to see how many downstream consequences there have been from COVID. Thank you for reading and welcome to the blog! Joan