Can’t shift this ‘stuck’ feeling

Hi @Violacorso,

I really sorry to read how you are feeling. It sounds like you are going through a tough time at the moment.

I don't know if my experience is the same as yours but the feelings you describe are similar to feelings I have had in the past when I was diagnosed with depression. I'm not suggesting this is what is going on with you, I'm just saying that in my case my feelings and emotions were depression.

That feeling of nothing brings you joy that typically would is not an easy place to be. I remember when I felt like this the first time (I have had about three serious bouts of depression in my life) I was so concerned that I would feel like that forever. For me the first time I felt that way was the hardest as I didn't know what was going on with me and how to stop it. Although the other times I had depression were still incredibly hard I did have the knowledge that I had been through this before and had recovered so I felt more hopeful around feeling strong again.

Do you have a GP you could speak to / feel comfortable to talk to about how you are feeling? I think it's great that you have reached out to our Forums but I would also encourage you (if you feel okay to) to reach out to a doctor or therapist as well as these feelings are a lot to deal with on your own.

Wishing you all the best,

FloatingFeather

@Violacorso you may possibly have this "anhedonia" which often accompanies some major mental illnesses.

I know of a high profile bipolar advocate in the USA who lives with it in addition to her diagnosis.

Bring it up with your treating clinician and maybe look for some more information about it. I don't know much about the condition except it covers the symptoms you are describing

https://yourbrain.health/anhedonia/

Wow, @Former-Member, thank you so much for this reply. I have actually never heard of this or has it been brought to my attention. Interested to read and look into this further. It’s funny that it can correlate with ADHD symptoms and mood disorders. I remember so clearly waaaaaaay back in the day when I was seeking help as a teenager when Headsp*ce was first introduced and when I seen someone there for awhile, she said she thinks it’s definitely a mood disorder but not Biopolar ect.
Interesting. Thank you!!

Also on that, that’s one thing that led me to a psych at a young age as depression and anxiety medications weren’t benefiting me. I remember the Psych telling me that antidepressants wouldn’t work because I am not depressed. And a lightbulb moment happened within me.

My experience may v well be v similar to yours.

My experience of not feeling anything, having no sense of misery, depression, pleasure, humour etc leads me to believe I ,too, have Anhedonia.

After some research, I began addressing this issue by ;

*Accepting it (the Anhedonia,)

*Planning a way out , and following through with the plan

*Maintaining good regular sleep and wake routines

*Exercising daily to maintain my body and mind

*Withdrawing from (some) activities that I found stressful

The benefits (I experience) of this Anhedonia for me are ;

*Stable mood/life

*Not feeling depressed or suicidal

*Opportunity to slow my life down....and please myself in my routine

To conclude, my doctor thinks that this will soon end. He also agrees with actions I am taking to recover.

(And I have small signs that my health may be improving, that I might be beginning to "feel again")

Hoping this is of help.

Regards and best wishes

Sailor

Welcome to the forums @Sailor !

Thank you for sharing what is working for you. It sounds like I could take on some of those things too!

Appreciated, tyme