[tinabud]

Greetings,
I have been struggling with BiPolar I disorder since 2006 and in recent years have experienced severe anhedonia when depressed. Does anyone else struggle with this? Basically, I cannot feel pleasure or any kind of emotion at all. I can't feel love or connection or anger or frustration or anything. I can't cry. I never feel hungry and food brings no pleasure/satiation. When I exercise, I do not experience an endorphin release -- I might as well not have exercised at all. I find this type of depression unbearable because it makes me feel like a zombie, subhuman. I want to be able to connect with other people and experience the little pleasures of life again.

I have been feeling this way since December of 2018, after experiencing a manic episode in November. I went off my antipsychotic (Haldol) to see if it was causing the anhedonia. Nothing changed. I've tried the antidepressants Trintellix, Prozac, Pristiq, Zoloft, and Lamictal. None have been able to do anything for this anhedonia. I just went on the stimulant Provigil but so far it has done nothing. I really am at the end of my rope. I want to feel something again. Being a complete zombie makes life feel unbearable. Has anyone else experienced this and gotten through it? What helped you? Thanks.

[busymomof5]

I’m so sorry you’re going through this. I have had brief periods of anhedonia but nothing as enduring as what you are going through. I struggle with something like abolition which has its own down side. I hope someone here can give you some good advice.

Are there any times when you feel joy or participate in something that feels rewarding?

[busymomof5]

avolition

[bpcyclist]

I have dealt with it forever. The things that come to mind are lithium and ketamine. And continuing to do aerobic exercise, even though you don't want to.

Hugs.

[Fuzzybear]

I can relate. Meds help (except I'm allergic to most of them ) and exercise (which I don't want to do)

hugs