Anhedonia, Emotional nihilism

[ArthurFudgeCake]

So this is new... Anhedonia, like most folk I talk to it's probably a new word. I describe it as Emotional Nihilism and have had this for soo/too many months.The new brain post-ABI, Depression and PTSD definitely play their part and if like me you are extremely proactive in your continuous recovery, medication and therapies but amazed that it's still an uphill struggle 🤕?...well I hope that this doozy misses you.

I've found that the only way to cope and heal from this is awareness+ acceptance+time (so much time)! After tapering off two SSRI's having a medication break from the ADHD stimulants and using the methodology that no change must be a good thing, I can report that these medications have no impact on the Anhedonia! 🧐

Therapy and self-led knowledge is helpful though and I can report that after 6 months or so (with an ABI,time is not linear) I have had spikes of excitement (usually because of the shared energy from a loved one) and unfortunately frustration and anger (I write this as my poor 11 year old son has just experienced a two hour session)(sorry son).

Life is a rollercoaster, with anhedonia though you're just watching it 🙏

Just wanted to share my recent experience which might help you perhaps.

ABI= Awareness Breeds Intelligence

[Writeronstack]

Don't know quite what to say, Arthur. Not having had that experience myself, it is hard to imagine what happens when you find yourself sitting on the kind of rollercoaster you describe. But your self awareness and ability to put it into words is exemplary.

And you have apologised to your son - and not just us here - presumably. . . So your two hour session of telling him something is also seen as a symptom of this condition.

Are you getting some clinical help? Have you spoken to the Headway helpline?

I'm stumped, otherwise. But cannot help admiring how articulate you can be about your inability to feel pleasure, during activities which used to be pleasurable. . .