When everything is meh…

Most of us have short, intermittent periods of time where we feel increased apathy- where things just don't feel quite right and nothing sounds fun or interesting. Thankfully, these flashes of low mood are short-lived and don't significantly impact our day-to-day functioning. But what happens when the flashes get longer and longer? That is anhedonia.

 Anhedonia is a common symptom in people with depression affecting as many as 75% of those diagnosed with MDD. It is also associated with less obvious conditions like ADHD and MS. For anyone who has experienced a generalized lack of interest in, well, anything, you know it is just awful. The good news is, there are tricks to overcome it.

 The most important thing is to start small and have a plan. Make a list of things you enjoy doing that are not going to zap all your energy. Figure out at least one hobby that would be easy to re-start and begin thinking about how you can get back into it. Do you like to take walks? Plan to just go around the block one day. Enjoy petting the dog? Set time aside each evening to do that. Even if you don't feel like it, just the re-forming of the habit will start you down the road to feeling good.

 Anhedonia is like the frog in the pot of water. Drop him in when the water is boiling and he will hop right out. Stick him in cold water and slowly turn up the heat and you will, of course, kill him. And by the time he realizes what is going on, he is already really in trouble. So we must pay attention and recognize when things are not going well for us and then take steps to change course. Have a wonderful week!