Posted by bulldog2 on June 22, 2008, at 15:49:07
In reply to anhedonia, posted by maree on June 19, 2008, at 23:53:27
> I have suffered from anhedonia since I had a stroke 12 years ago. I was convinced that my lack of pleasure in anything at all, was caused because I am just not physically capable of doing anything that once used to give me pleasure, nor of doing it well enough, or vigorously enough to get an endorphin rush. I had planned my life around, and chose, activities that would provide an endorphin rush. I have not had an endorphin response for 12 years, not even from passive activities, like community singing.
> Every stupid consultant has tried to tell me that the reason I do not gain pleasure from anything is due to my poor attitude towards myself, and the fact that I am unwilling to accept that my life has "changed" (and therefore, presumably, I must be prepared to find joy in less satisfying activities). I cannot even begin to imagine finding great pleasure in playing cards or bingo, or chatting about somebody else's grandchildren over a cup of tea, but I feel the problem is more that I CANNOT get an endorphin rush due to the damage the stroke has caused.
> Does anyone else have this problem and have you found a way to resolve it? Even strong alcohol does not give me a lift, I get all the negative effects from being drunk, but none of the good feelings that make it worthwhile.
> I just so want to feel happy, and to be able to love again.I think it could be partly attitude. Many people do not exercise and still enjoy life. Not that exercise isn't good for you health. I mean there are times in my life when I was an avid exerciser and still had periods of anhedonia. I think you may be depressed because you can no longer do the things you once enjoyed. I'm not discounting that exercise may have helped your mood but your attitude towards your loss may also be part of the problem. I remember reading about a quadraplegic who positively embraced life in spite of his awful disability. How we look at things can influence are mood. Your life has changed and you need to find new things you can embrace and you will feel better. One of the keys to happiness is doing things we are passionate about. I know people who love painting or gardening or even breeding pure bred dogs. So you have to move on to a new phase in your life and explore new avenues.
poster:bulldog2
thread:835586
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/neuro/20080418/msgs/835951.html