Anhedonia, anyone?

[Kobojunkie]

. currently battling anhedonia,defined as the inability to experience pleasure from activities usually found enjoyable, e.g. exercise, hobbies, work, music, sexual activities or social interactions, i am looking for tips from others who have been able to overcome this on how they made it work.

Anhedonia is one of the symptoms of depression and i am already on antidepressants which take good care of some of the other symptoms of my depression except this and some others.

this condition i find very irritating because my intelligence level and ability to comprehend are affected by it. It is particularly hard to engage my working memory so I engage more in activities that only require muscle memory. It is hard to think as my mind is stuck in some kind of fog and trying to push through is pretty uncomfortable to do.

i am waiting to get preauthorization for vyvanse, the drug I have used in.the past to overcome this problem. my diet consists of brain foods.particularly nuts and I also take supplements suggested to help improve brain health.

I am interested in learning how others have been able to clear that fog in their own lives.

[RENEENAY444]

Oh gosh, I am so sorry but I have no advice. This SAME thing is actually happening to me as well. It is like being trapped in a fog bubble, isn't it? I am also looking forward to seeing the other replied you receive. You are NOT alone in this, that is for sure.

[RENEENAY444 in reply to RENEENAY444]

*replies, not replied

[Kobojunkie in reply to RENEENAY444]

i am still working with various doctors to fight out what to do about this. I can't work/read/think/do anything that requires mental strength.

[Hidden in reply to Kobojunkie]

First how long has this been going on? Secondly did this occur when you stopped taking vyvanse? Many times Depressive disorders effect executive functioning (add/adhd similarities) which is why so many people benefit from stimulants.

[Bethany72617]

To me when I had experienced that numbing fog, it was because I wasn't fully loving myself and being me. I was so focused on everyone else, the problems that seemed so intruding and loud, what I "should" be doing and a conglomeration of so many other useless and exhausting things I thought I just should be doing. I'd slowly created a wall and barrier in my mind that kept me blind and numb. Part of the recovery was putting me first and figuring myself out. I started therapy and the main focus was getting myself out of the shell, and purging out my problems, and asking myself what I like and don't like. The fog, doesn't go away immediately, it takes time. As long as you chip away at it, every day, with positive thinking, self love, and what would be "fun" activities even if you don't necessarily feel anything from it. Even forcing yourself to laugh and smile may help. You're slowly reprogramming your mind, you're planting good seeds that down the road, deep down, will sprout forth and give you new life inside and the ability to feel again. That is what worked for me. I pray you find your path to recovery with ease. You're doing well!

[Kobojunkie in reply to Bethany72617]

i wish i could say my situation is similar but i am afraid it is not. ☹

[FixingThePineapple]

"It is hard to think as my mind is stuck in some kind of fog and trying to push through is pretty uncomfortable to do."

This is the first time I've heard anyone explain that. I never knew how to put it into words and I didn't know it was a symptom of depression. I feel relieved actually, I thought I was just dumb lol.

I used to be a musician but I had to stop because it is required to think while you play and I was always unable to do that because of this feeling. Thank you.

Also I hope you get some good advice, I'll be reading the other comments to see for myself as well.

[Hidden in reply to FixingThePineapple]

Yes people forget the cognitive symptoms of depression which can be: difficulty concentrating, impaired/distorted thinking, distractibility, forgetfulness, memory loss, indecisiveness, reduced reaction time, etc. which makes things much harder for us all!