Incredibly lonely, shutting down: Suffering with Anhedonia

Hello I feel like that a lot try to hang on I keep telling myself I’m here for a reason. I don’t know what it is yet but I understand where you’re coming from.

That is so hard, for me and my family. They are the first symptoms I tend to notice when I start falling into a serious depressive episode. Luckily with some trial and error my Doc and I find the right antidepressants that usually stay effective for a few years.

I know they are not for everyone but they have helped keep me going for 30 years. Cognitive behavioural therapy a few years ago was a game changer.

Do take care and I hope you find some relief soon although it will likely mean more exhausting medical appointments.

I have felt like this for decades. I can find no relief. People make it worse by not understanding and telling me to just get out and do something. I wake up every morning sick to my stomach. I hate life and am terrified of death. Where do people like us find relief? 😞

I'm so sorry. I know getting out and doing something is the last thing you want to do. I had a psychiatrist tell me years ago that when I felt down I should just lie low, so that's what I do. Fortunately, I know I'll eventually perk up but while I'm on the couch, staring at the ceiling, it feels as if I'll be stuck forever. Anti-depressants have helped me enormously. I wish I didn't have to take them, but I'm glad I do. Don't give up. Let us know how things go.

That sounds like a great idea! I would like to make new friends, what kind of church?

First off let me say I do care about a few things and people in my life, but I’m slowly closing down my circle of people and things I used to like to make me feel more comfortable and secure. Just wondering is this okay? As I have no energy anymore, so I want to reserve what energy I have left, does anyone else feels like this?

It is VERY nice, in this crazy new world, to see someone staying positive. Thank you for sharing. You were an absolute delight to have my morning coffee with. To whomever stumbles upon this...PLEASE take heed. This message is positive and wonderful. Most importantly, the person who wrote this is on the right path. Thank you.

One thing that has really helped me is to repeat 3 times before sleep, "Thank you for showing me this issue is already solved." I know, when feeling depressed and hopeless, this might seem like a silly thing to do. All I can say is it has helped me in those times when I feel "what's the use?". The important thing is to do it consistently.

I've had periods in my life of chronic pain and undiagnosed neuropathy when I've felt exactly the same way. What's the point of living like this? (it's been over a decade) Sometimes it's very hard to even try to find a reason to continue going through the same routines every single day for years. It feels like there's no end, and the weeks and months just fly by.

There have been times when I was severely depressed and suicidal, and began talking to a mental health counselor. I'm also lucky enough to have my family around me to support me whenever I've needed it. My wife always goes above and beyond to take care of me, no matter where or when it's necessary.
We have 2 awesome kids with families of their own, and 4 grandkids between the ages of 17 and almost 6. They are the reason I'm still here.

If you have awesome grown kids and a wonderful, supportive family, that’s great and that you are more fortunate than many of us who do not have one.