I have lost my enthusiasm for the activities that I love. Any thoughts or ideas?

[Badbadbeads]

I have lost my enthusiasm for the activities that I love. Any thoughts or ideas? Thanks

[CLB1125]

I wish I knew the answer to that. I love to work in my flower garden and take care of my chickens. they used to give me joy. now it's just another chore I have no energy for. I hope you find the answer you are looking for

[Badbadbeads in reply to CLB1125]

Hi and thanks for responding. I started taking vitamin b12 and it has helped with lack of energy. I wish it did something for my lack of enthusiasm. I believe that sooner or later I will get there, but when. One thing I know for sure- this community is wonderful. Just having someone to talk to really helps.

[Badbadbeads]

I'm a culture vulture. I love plays, operas, classical music and reading. I haven't read a book since the lock downs. I don't have any family and not many friends and they are having health issues. I used to work in my flower garden but now are weeds. I see a therapist and will see my MD in about 10 days. People tell me most people, especially seniors, are having similar problems. I now go to senior and local community centers and taking a class. I've met some wonderful people. I hope these develop into friends. But I hate the way I feel.

[MyBeanie in reply to Badbadbeads]

Well done getting out to the activity centre! I have all the same feelings you do and the lockdowns became my permanent way of life! I’m now almost agoraphobic! I lost interest in things I used to do as well, so I’m finally trying a couple of new pursuits that are ‘similar’ to old ones, but new. Perhaps a new project a bit like what used to interest you would grab your attention. I had liked scrapbooking, but lost interest, so with the paper I have, I’m trying collage art, after watching some videos. And I had liked volunteer work in a women’s shelter and a hospital coffee shop before, but I don’t want the same thing, so am starting a preparation course for volunteering in a different setting: a dementia ward, as soon as the paperwork is done. I’m still grieving the loss of my Dad in 2019, and he had dementia, so I learned from that experience. I hope these will ‘bring me back to life’. Good luck 🤞

[Badbadbeads]

What medication are you taking? I'm healthy and don't take any prescription medicine. But at this point I'll try anything to get out of this rut which has been going on for more than two years. Thanks for responding. The people on this site are wonderful and has helped me.

[Badbadbeads]

Hi cat lover (my cat died in December, I had him for 18 years. I still miss him.) I am very lucky health wise. You know something? Just you responding to me has lifted my spirits. This site is wonderful. The last time I had a big problem, the people who responded were so kind and caring. Really helps. It would be nice if we could talk on the phone, text or email. I know I need people in my life. I'm working on that, but it takes time. God bless you cat lover. Thanks.

[Hidden in reply to Badbadbeads]

Hi. I feel for you and I’m sorry that your cat passed away! I Can tell you, I know exactly how you feel! My cat Taffy died two years ago And I still miss her so much! I think of her alot and my white German shepherd Cheyenne that passed several years ago!And we will always remember the good times that we shared with our loving loyal pets. I’m sure that your cat had a wonderful life with a loving human parent who gave it All the Love! -Shay

[Badbadbeads in reply to Hidden]

Hey Shay, Mr. Piddles had a wonderful life. He walked into my home and decided to stay. But I had 9 dogs, one golden retriever and 8 afghan hounds. I'm down to one afghan and he will be my last afghan. I'm told old to have a dog that requires so much work. But I will always have a dog. I considered getting another cat, but they live too long and I have no one to take care of him if something happens to me. The breeder will take my dog back. However, I look forward to the Rainbow Bridge where all my pets are waiting for me. We will be together again. Take care. I'm very sorry about Taffy.

[Hidden in reply to Badbadbeads]

Mr Piddles ! I love that name! It probably fit him well!

[Saimaa]

You are suffering from depression. Please get treated by a Psychiatrist and do exercise, meditation etc. Wish you speedy recovery.

[Hidden]

Lack of enjoyment in things that you usually enjoy is called anhedonia, and is one of the symptoms of depression. Have you been screened for depression?

As far as things that I enjoy, I have a wide range of interests, including cosmology, quantum physics, linguistics, history, computers, religion, and probably a few more that I can’t think of right now.

However, what’s important is not what I enjoy, but rather what you enjoy. You may want to try to engage in some of your favorite activities a little bit to see if you can get yourself started , or you may want to search for new activities that would be interesting. I also think that a connection with other people is essential for good mental health.

[MyBeanie in reply to Hidden]

Scansnap- you are so right that connecting with others is important…the problem now is that as a senior, everyone is bogged down by their own responsibilities and unavailable. (I’m keen about linguistics too- what activities do you do around that?) I’m impressed with those who get out to centres…

[Hidden in reply to MyBeanie]

MyBeanie,

My activities around linguistics focus mostly on studying linguistic scholars. I do speak a few languages to some degree, but I have found that I am more interested in the way languages, connect or have similarities than I am in just learning them. My knowledge of Latin is been extremely helpful in understanding, Romance languages, English, and even German.

My recommendations would be to read books or watch courses by John McWhorter, a highly respected linguist, who teaches at Columbia University, and knows more about linguistics than anybody I have ever come across. He also has a good sense of humor and can present things well.

[MyBeanie in reply to Hidden]

Great ideas…Thank you so much! I shall look for him!

[punkster]

I agree with the other posters. You are most likely depressed. It is very common for seniors to be depressed. You said you are seeing a therapist. You might try asking your M.D. for a referral to a different therapist. I am so sorry you are feeling this way. The events of the last few years are enough to make anyone depressed, but there is hope.

[Badbadbeads]

I want to thank everyone for your kind and caring responses. I have good days and bad days. Can't wait to go to the doctor next Friday. I know I'm suffering from depression like so many others. You might want to check out seniorplanet.org.