Bringing Back the Enjoyment
Stolen by Depression

Major depressive disorder (MDD) has a number of negative symptoms, however, anhedonia can be among its most dreaded.

Anhedonia is the loss of the ability to feel joy from usually enjoyable experiences. These activities can include spending time with friends, hobbies, work, food and even sex. When the passion that drives you to do things and interact with people is gone, you may feel as if you are left with nothing, all work without any fun. Without enjoyment, you may lose the motivation to hang out with family or friends, leaving you feeling alone and even hopeless.

Depression and Anhedonia

Depression is a serious medical condition. Research shows that an estimated 21 million adults in the US have experienced at least one major depressive episode. A major depressive episode may indicate a mood disorder such as;

  1. Major Depressive Disorder
  2. Bipolar Disorder
  3. Persistent Depressive Disorder
  4. Cyclothymic Disorder
  5. Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)
  6. Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder

Oftentimes a diagnosis of a mood disorder is based on an individual’s own accounts of signs and symptoms such as hopelessness, lethargy, sadness, despair, changed patterns of sleep and eating, anhedonia, difficulty making decisions and in severe cases thoughts of death.

Life without Pleasure

Losing interest in nearly every aspect of life can be alarming, overwhelming and very serious. Think about losing life’s simplest pleasures derived from the most basic things, such as eating, sleeping, spending time with your child or family, and doing hobbies close to your heart. Without rewarding feelings there may be little motivation to keep you going. Everything may feel like work or a chore. Without joy, fun or satisfaction, life can appear dreary and may even begin to feel meaningless.

Beating Anhedonia

Feeling joy is crucial. It is often the energy that motivates you to go beyond your limits – start your day early, stay up late or succeed. It is that passion that can make you feel fulfilled after doing things, no matter how mundane or complicated they may seem to others. Anhedonia and depression are powerful, but you aren’t powerless. Depression is treatable with proper intervention.

Bring Back Joy

Don’t wait for your joy to be completely gone before seeking help. Know the signs and symptoms of depression; if you are experiencing any of the above mentioned symptoms, counseling and psychiatric medication management can help.

Carolina Counseling Services in Fuquay-Varina, North Carolina contracts with caring licensed therapists and psychiatric professionals. With CCS you don’t have to choose between therapy and medication management. You can engage in both at the same time for a comprehensive treatment approach.

Providers are in network with most major insurances including Aetna, Aetna State Health Plan, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (Blue Cross NC), Tricare and Medicaid.

You deserve to find joy in your everyday life. Call CCS today to schedule your first appointment!

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Jaime Johnson Fitzpatrick LCMHCS, LCAS is one of the Owners and Vice Presidents of Carolina Counseling Services. She is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor and Licensed Clinical Addictions Specialist in the State of North Carolina as well as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in State of New York. Jaime is also certified in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy and utilizes various other approaches in her practice.