Marc's Story: Anhedonia

Marc explains his anhedonia, which is the inability to enjoy activities that one previously enjoyed, such as his love of music.

[@walterstanford8162]

For people who don't know it's like being alive on the outside but dead inside.

[@Shannmeister]

I get no enjoyment from things I used to like such as music and comedy. There are a few tracks which evoke an emotion but it is not happiness and what used to make me laugh no longer does, I know what is being said is funny but I simply do not laugh and rarely smile. I think it goes hand in hand with my depression.

[@Shannmeister]

Dan B You have pretty much summed up what I have learned about myself over the past few years. I now just be for myself and not for others, those who truly know me accept this and as for those that don't they are not in my life. Be true to yourself first and foremost then you can be true to others.

[@yaha7729]

How about sex?

[@Shannmeister]

ya ha TBH it's been so long since I last had any (maybe 5 years) that it's only a vague memory.

[@yaha7729]

+Shannmeister do you believe in Jesus?

[@Shannmeister]

ya ha Why do you ask?

[@saiko2216]

Rarely I have glimpses of watered down emotions and even those are enough to understand what you are missing from the world every second, it's so unfortunate that we have to live like this.

[@GabeE3195]

I'm also dealing with this and it's such a strange and unsettling experience. It sucks when you get those glimpses but yet they always seem to be out of reach.

[@tman5634]

Ditto. Having listened to a professional psychologist on the subject, who says the behaviour comes before motivation, I'm going to try & force myself to do little bits (each day) of the things I used to enjoy...& hopefully bit by bit some enjoyment 1st, & motivation 2nd, will start to return. It'll be very hard as I don't feel like doing anything, other than my work & daily dog walks, which I've no choice, but I'm going to try, try & try more. I can't continue just existing, I want to live again.

[@expelliarmus4347]

​@@tman5634I hope you're doing well now

[@geo58impala]

I know man, and it's not just emotional function that is being harmed. I used to have a creative genius in making funny 3D short films and writing kids short stories before anhedonia dumbed that down...

[@nickc.5783]

Six months ago I had antidepressant that took away my ability to feel emotions ever since. It's very difficult, especially knowing it was preventable; but it's something that's improving every day. Antidepressants can work well for those that are fully clinically depressed (like it had for me when I was), but taken when you're not, they can totally knock you on your butt and make it so that you can't feel. Anhedonia is no joke. Wishing all well, don't stop moving toward recovery

[@vrzM8]

Yes, SSRIs are far too liberally prescribed. They have done the same to me, but it's been 4 years

[@vrzM8]

SSRIs have made me feel like a zombie. As others have said, I get brief glimpses back into my old level of feeling. A certain smell or sound on a clear summer day can give me a rush of feeling, as can starting to dream when falling asleep. But it's so elusive

[@crusty3731]

I used to watch horrific videos online just to feel something. They were real videos of people getting killed. And it used to disgust me and make me feel sick, but it felt better than feeling nothing at all.

[@abcdefuxkk]

thats sociaopath ..anhedonia is not feeling plesure but only negative , pain etc

[@OTEROPSY06]

I do that and still feel nothing, just laugh sometimes

[@Salmonoff]

@@OTEROPSY06 thank you jeffery very cool

[@apeape9878]

I walk alone in the woods at night just to feel the stimulation of fear.

[@tman5634]

I suffer the same due to depression/psd caused by prolonged subjected stress. Having listened to a professional psychologist on the subject, who says the behaviour comes before motivation, I'm going to try & force myself to do little bits (each day) of the things I used to enjoy...& hopefully bit by bit some enjoyment 1st, & motivation 2nd, will start to return. It'll be very hard as I don't feel like doing anything, other than my work & daily dog walks, which I've no choice, but I'm going to try, try & try more. I can't continue just existing, I want to live again.

[@mariesoto569]

Yes you Rock. You can do it!!!

[@ljnv]

Any luck with it? I'm going through this terrible thing as well

[@Alex-Music639]

How r u today?

[@earthwobbles3534]

Thank you for articulating how you're doing. Being aware that stress is a real physical and mental burden is important. I wish there was a support group where one could speak more openly. Everything is connected, so try to center mentally on your intentions which you can strengthen through meditation.

[@stone3437]

Can I ask what the medication was that worked for a while. I have this and haven't found anything that works. Cheers

[@DayasingheWijekoon]

I have got a solution

[@JohnRambo1947-July-6th]

@@DayasingheWijekoon what's your solution?

[@saamohod]

Heroin and cocaine do seem to work.

[@nachtaktthief]

I heard pramipexol could be something that could help. Google it

[@antobioety4386]

The first cause of anhedonia are PSYCH MEDS!

[@geo58impala]

Anyone familiar with anhedonia caused by mood stabilizers? (Abilify, Zyprexa, Seroquel) I was a time in my life where I was falsely diagnosed and put on pills. I've had complete chronic anhedonia for 11 years now and counting. I'm pretty sure it's brain damage cause it doesn't go away despite any treatments i've tried. I'm basically a walking corpse. If anybody has ideas for a cure please let me know and if it works I'll be in your debt forever.

[@SOMETHINGNEWBENCHMARK]

Almost same here..how are you now days..

[@sabyasachisen5351]

Try ces or tdcs therapy. It may help

[@Kelly-qv3wg]

I agree with you. 20 years in SSRIs and I'm a shell of the person I use to be. I do things to get through life and bc I'm told/expected to do certain things. I'm currently starting a slow taper of the med to see if I get any feeling back. It's a sad way to live life.

[@Vengeance627]

@@Kelly-qv3wg hi mate, are you saying ssris caused this for you? I avoid ssris due to dick issues but I did not know they could cause anhedonoia. Anyway, to someone out there reading this, drug wise, only chronic abuse of stimulants could cause down regulation of dopamine/possibly serotonin receptors that can last a long time. If you got anhedonoia from drug use but not from, literally, years of meth or come abuse basically it's highly unlikely it's permanent. Likely you are just low on dopamine/serotonin reserves and would do well getting into contact with someone, one to one, a psych, who prescribes dopamine/serotonin agonists. Burophin or however you spell it is a basic example of a weak dopamine agonist. Thought my own battle with this, and some things I have tried (l tyrosine/lithium being only two of them), I have had good days and bad days.

[@geo58impala]

@Daniele Fabbri Try this: www.anhedoniasupport.com/ Or do Reiki spiritual healing. I'm doing some of that at Yoga class.

[@adwaithanil2212]

Trying to survive every second

[@User-pz4re]

You look like you're indian or from pakistan, if you eat curry or black pepper that can cause anhedonia. A lot of people don't know this, these spices contain serotonergic compounds. They can make you suicidal and give you anhedonia. Avoid all curry and spicy food

[@Slidehhy]

How are you now.

[@dmulk1]

I also have this problem and in my case I believe it stems from many years on high doses of ADHD medication (stimulants). Without a high dose of stimulants nothing interests me and I can't sit still and enjoy anything. It's a horrible condition because I'm chronically bored and I find myself wanting to sleep a great deal of the time because that's the only thing that gives me relief.

[@Humbledone.]

I used cannabis oil as a stimulant for ashd ,it was like putting on glasses sbd being able to see for the first time . If was fine while on antidepressants but the more i weened off meds the more anxiety I got. I'm clean of both now and I'm like you,nothing feels good ,bored even when I'm doing stuff I used to like . I'm ruined. I have vile anxiety constantly. Have to tried cannabis oil?

[@dmulk1]

@@Humbledone. I have tried CBD to help manage my anxiety but it didn't seem to do much. Perhaps I needed a higher dose so I might need to try again.

[@Humbledone.]

@@dmulk1 You need the thc (,the bit that gets you high),its the high that's the stimulant ... Like smoking weed but we are supposed to take it into the gut which is why eating it or using a tiny drop of oil works best 👌

[@chuck3999]

I believe it began for me in early childhood. I was never allowed to express my feelings. Criticized for having them. So, I had learned to internalize my emotions. Today, I can't seem to get motivated or interested in things. I love my children and grandchildren, yet don't feel much inside when with them. I find it very difficult finding anyone who enjoys my company and is open to intellectual discussion. I hate small talk. It also infuriates me when people criticize me, and I deplore noise. I either sleep to much, or too little. I have no structure in my day. I'm in survival mode, that is I fix my own meals. I cannot afford to eat out. Far to expensive for me. I'd like to have some companionship, yet, need space for myself. My personality is registered thru MBTI to be only 1.5% of the population. This makes me a rare bird. People describe me as a Lone Wolf. Can anyone relate out there?

[@gwennnnnnnnnnnn]

you sound like you may be a schizoid

[@Thatquietgirl888]

I think I was criticized often for my emotions and when I tried to help my mom as a kid. I was often belittled and called stupid. Nowadays I'm still very agnostic about everything. I don't really think I know much, and I have no interest or motivation either. Except in my case I do not have children at all nor am married.

[@ca147]

I feel the same way. Very few things bring me enjoyment. I enjoy intellectual conversations and spontaneous outings. I feel more comfortable around complete strangers than around those I know because I don't have to worry about seeing strangers again and having them criticize and hurt me. I'm not good at the mundane life. I love my husband and son, but I struggle with the everyday things.

[@1nePercentJuice]

Life sucks

[@abeltembe6179]

1OOOO%

[@snoowbrigade]

Can't read a book anymore, can't watch movies anymore, food doesn't taste good anymore, people aren't interesting anymore and so on. When will it end? Time moves relentlessly, people around you change and explore, buy you are stuck. When will it end? When will it end? Thank god for death.

[@andrewlepore2616]

How is he now? Has he healed from this?

[@Brian6587]

That’s horrible. God bless him. I just don’t understand why sometimes God allows things like this. I experience this myself but mine I believe is either caused by Depression or the antidepressants themselves. Hard to tell which. To be confined of an existence where nothing brings you joy but you just go through life “existing”. Just something I don’t understand. I don’t doubt the goodness of God but I have a lot of questions I wish I knew the answer to.

[@Suttisan78]

What medication was it??

[@glynisredford8056]

Can years on Fluoxetine cause this?

[@madelynhernandez7453]

This happened 11 years ago and its a shame it didnt get enough attention. If it did it would have saved so many people, and many from takig these drugs.

[@Talismaniac77]

Why do you mention the medication but don't name it? If it doesn't work for you but may work for others who are also suffering, you are being cruel by not naming it. You are offering hope and then blowing them off.

[@christianv7177]

It's likely dopamine blocking anti-psychotics, which are harmful and help nobody

[@commentscopyrightattorney5543]

@@oscars4107 hahaha Gin n Juice

[@commentscopyrightattorney5543]

@@christianv7177 that will cause anhedonia, it has to be dopamine promoting

[@abcdefuxkk]

you are the type belives chemical inbalance heyy

[@921ster]

I’m dealing with the same thing, plus it overlaps now with my marriage. I don’t enjoy doing anything with my wife. It’s terrible, I wouldn’t wish this on anyone.

[@921ster]

I’m sorry that happened to you, some people don’t understand what people like us are going through. We were dealt a difficult hand, it takes a strong person to keep going when you feel empty inside. Don’t give up, and hopefully those empty feelings will end and you can find some peace and meet someone new that loves and supports you. Hang in there.

[@anuu2493]

Is it curable through medication any idea? I am taking therapy session on this but that is not helping

[@921ster]

Medication can help, I tried multiple therapy’s including TMS therapy. It’s called transcranial magnetic stimulation. It helps stimulate the areas of the brain that aren’t working properly. It made life better for me.

[@anuu2493]

@@921ster glad that it worked for you

[@Mojokiss]

i wonder if psychedelics will help this. as in mushroom, microdosing.

[@yungjeddy]

microdosing THC and psylocibin.. we need more research on this

[@PatriciaGodboutArt]

Why bother if you won’t anser anyone’s questions? As to what meds you took?

[@keithward3970]

I do understand

[@yacinezd4062]

I use tre zen and carbamazepine normon 400mg and work like great i dont know if it will work for you

[@james575730]

Has anyone considered stemcell therapy to treat this?

[@EMMANUELKOLAWOLE-p2s]

Having you as my doctor is also a positivity that I don't really have to bother about any sickness or virus because your herbal medicine to cure herpes has shown me that you are a real Doctor and your product work like magic. Thank you so much! Dr Pius you're the best.....❤

[@elsewherehouse]

Thanks for posting this !!!

[@brettdillon9554]

What medication did you take?

[@stone3437]

To mention a medication which has helped, then ignore all calls for more info on what it is, is really unhelpful. There's very little information on effective medication, and even just a week of relief would be welcome. So, thanks for building up hope and then dashing it. Even a response to let us know you're unsure would be better than ignoring us. You should know, that's a dangerous thing for people with this condition. You really should be more careful

[@gabrielaponte6403]

Stone 3 I don’t know what it is but I’d say try an maoi or possibly pramipexole or both read: dopaminergic treatment for depression by drJan fawcett and read :psycho tropical by ken Gillman they will specialize in such

[@abcdefuxkk]

here is the one blindly belives durgs and psych drs bs .. glad if they work and wont turn against to you still .. as this 6 years ago

[@vvdv3444]

Low growth hormone?

[@SHAUNDJFISHBEATSMARTIN]

eye died once eye did not enjoy it that much it was boring as well hahahahahaha

[@PixieTheLovableChihuahua]

bless you man!!

[@TheSleuthFairy]

Look into microdosing

[@sabyasachisen5351]

Any tiniest bit of medicine will warp your brain, marc. You may try ces therapy or tdcs therapy.

[@pault9544]

So wait, I the end did you stay off the drugs or you went back on?

[@ciara8998]

I know this is old. I pray somebody sees this. What kind of medication helps? Are there a lot of side effects? I almost couldn't even concentrate on the video and was only like two minutes long. Please help me… At least describe

[@mereobserver1727]

In all likelihood, your profile picture already contains the answer. I haven't gotten there myself just yet, nor do I have the meds - but have found Psalm 23 helpful, among the rest.

[@abcdefuxkk]

as i am still trying to recover from psych drug injury and all those bs midiagnoses from drs .. pls pls always double check what you given .. there is lots of groups for each psych drug with ppl suffers and no one belives them ..its a gamble .. hope you feel better

[@nativechique7589]

Did u get better

[@brahmanwithin6623]

Can't feel anything.

[@brahmanwithin6623]

@@emu1028 Place your attention on your brain and also see a doctor

[@nativechique7589]

Me too, im scared. Well o can cry n laugh sometimes but the joy...

[@Doctortomsvideos]

what medication was it that worked? Please let me know.................

[@deroadrunnachanderbhan.8111]

Doctortomsvideos That would be like jumping out the frying pan and straight into the fire!

[@Desiqnify]

5HTP

[@brandonmunro1332]

try some mdma, im not joking either this seriously may help.

[@turbotonic27]

+Brandon Munro i agree

[@TheonlyZouga]

mdma caused my anhedonia

[@Things606]

Im experiencing the same thing after recent MDMA use. I can barely get myself out of bed to go to anything

[@martingoldfreed2627]

Tried MDMA. For people with genuine anhedonia, it'll have next to no effect.

[@jfkdidntlos791]

Mdma showed me how to feel joy!

[@sibahlekunene687]

Please turn to God,I have anhedonia as well.You will find True Joy,peace and enjoyment in Him and in Him alone❤️.

[@kelseahelmick9778]

Your anhedonia is gone?

[@sibahlekunene687]

With this world I can never find true satisfaction and fulfillment. God is the only one who can fill that void or that hole in everyone's heart.

[@sibahlekunene687]

In Him I find true satisfaction and true peace that never leaves.For all have sinned and have fall short of the glory of God(Romans 3:23),we are all sinners and deserve death(eternal separation from God).For God so loved the world that He gave He's only begotten Son so that whosoever believes in Him would not perish but have eternal life(John 3:16).Jesus Christ died for your sins and He rose again from the dead on the third day.Jesus came so you can have life and have it more abundantly. Believe in Him and you shall be saved, accept God's free gift of salvation.In Him you will find true pleasures

[@kelseahelmick9778]

@@sibahlekunene687 I have actually returned to God recently. I grew up religious and I will admit this anhedonia has brought me back to him. I just find it hard to hold onto that all day long, for me the anxiety has been more of a problem in my sobriety than the depression, though. When anxious I find it extra hard to connect with him, that is if I’m busy doing life stuff and don’t have the opportunity to set time aside to connect with Him

[@astrobat87]

Religion is a farce.

[@alondraacosta-mora6504]

why u dont mention the medication???

[@geo58impala]

I'm having a hard time finding a trustworthy looking site to buy 9-me-bc... The sites I visited want personal data, such as the last 4 digits of my social. Any suggestions??

[@geo58impala]

BTW, this was discussed in one of the comment sections here that 9-me-bc is a potential treatment for anhedonia.