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[Phlebas]

Hey DF,

I've been doing a lot better recently. I'm sleeping better than ever, eating *pretty* well, and I'm having a better time of pushing away negative thoughts that I normally ruminate over, and over, and over again. I'm having an easier time pushing away bad feelings then I can remember ever being able to do in years, especially months, prior. My Anhedonia has all but disappeared and I'm once again enjoying things that seemed impossible to enjoy ever again. I've read two books in the last week and I've discovered I really enjoy playing strategy games- it's nice to have something fun to pass the time instead of the same old routine I've been following for long stretches at a time.

I'm still unemployed. I'm still broke and in debt. I'm still often struggling with the depressed presence in my mind - but I feel like I've gained the upper hand in this never ending battle, and now that the depression has slipped up and lost its place of dominion I have a strong advantage over it.

I'm going back to community college (again) to work on my studies. I've crashed and burned about five times now, but maybe this time I'll do just that little bit better - hopefully a lot better. I know better than to think "I'm finally cured" especially when I can still feel "depression" even now, but I do feel better. And well, I just wanted to report that on here. I have too many downbeat and downright insane posts on this website, it's about time I tilt the balance.

Life isn't perfect, but I wouldn't willingly trade it for the opposite number any time soon. ^_^

[clown xo]

That's great, I'm happy for you! i don't know you but, from what i've read, you've come a long way...and that's a great accomplishment. best wishes to you!

[Girly]

Hi Poloman

Thank you for updating us on how you are doing. It really does sound as though you have worked very hard to get on top of the depression and the Anhedonia. It does also sound as though you have been able to develop your own coping strategies to help you get through the tougher times.

I do hope that the community college goes well for you and that you are able to do a lot better there. What are you planning to study?

All the best,

Girly

[Phlebas]

Well, I'm trying to finish high school through community college - never did manage to complete it due to my lack of attendance. I'll be waiting for the new semester to start next year before I go back and try to get my Year 12 certificate for the fourth time running (Fifth if you count the year where I did absolutely nothing).

Feeling a little melancholic lately. Not sure what got into me but I signed up for a combat unit in the army. I did well and passed the aptitude test (Not that it's all that hard when you're signing up to fire a rifle). After talking to the army psychologist and army careers councillor I feel like they've talked some sense into me so I'm backing out of that route for now - hey, at least signing up motivated me to get a short haircut and gave me some interview practice. Being told bluntly that if I'm not shot someone in my unit will be (Or blown to pieces) made my stomach churn. I have a feeling the interviewer could see where I was coming from, even though I dressed the part and made sure to be punctual.

I've since applied for a job at a fast food joint. Might as well try and do something in the meantime, and I could sure as hell use some money - and making some new friends will be a nice potential bonus.

Feeling downbeat, but still feeling well in control.

[donk]

Hi Poloman, I'm donk.

I came across this thread while doing a search on anhedonia. I read you're feeling somewhat better. That's really great to hear. I've found a lot of questions, and loose ends on anhedonia but not many answers.

I'm wondering if you got through the anhedonia on your own, or with a Dr's assistance, if with a Dr what was his reccomendations for it? Mine suggested becoming more physically active as his view is that it is caused by the innactivity caused by the depression. Thanks.

[Phlebas]

Hi Poloman, I'm donk.

I came across this thread while doing a search on anhedonia. I read you're feeling somewhat better. That's really great to hear. I've found a lot of questions, and loose ends on anhedonia but not many answers.

I'm wondering if you got through the anhedonia on your own, or with a Dr's assistance, if with a Dr what was his reccomendations for it? Mine suggested becoming more physically active as his view is that it is caused by the innactivity caused by the depression. Thanks.

Honestly, I think it was Vitamin D supplementation giving me a much needed boost. My depression was made worse because I isolated myself to a dark room for long stretches at a time (Quite literally weeks at a time), this only exacerbated my anhedonia. Anhedonia is a difficult problem to deal with - because it's not so much a feeling of sadness and despair as it is suddenly finding it impossible to enjoy something you love - and what then if you can't play your favourite game or read your favourite author? Becoming more physically active does help, a lot! I know everyone is always saying "become more physically active!" as a cure for depression, and they're right, it is, and does help. Be honest with yourself: Are you that active physically? If you're depressed and going through anhedonia, the answer is probably "no". Once in a while I'll go for a long walk and it will seem to be exactly what I need, other times that long walk wont accomplish much and I'll still feel like my head is full of sand. But partial success is better than none - and it does work occasionally.

I find being in a clean comfortable environment helps a lot as well. There's something about reading a book or watching a movie in a clean room compared to doing the same thing in a trashed place surrounded by dirty dishes. The problem is maintaining a clean place and an exercise regime is hard when you're depressed. I'm starting to struggle with this problem again mostly due to my unemployment. It's hard to maintain a healthy lifestyle when you have no money whatsoever. I'm not on benefits and I don't have a job - so I quite literally have nothing. I have to eat cheap unhealthy food, and I feel embarrassed going outside to exercise when my only clothes are hand-me-downs and old birthday presents full of holes. I've had a job interview recently and I'm hoping I'll get some work soon so I can pull myself out of this steady decline (I'm still afloat, but my boat is definitely showing some wear).

So in short, there is no anhedonia cure that I know of, but there are plenty of things that can help. For me it's Vitamin D, healthy food, exercise, and a clean environment. Also, personal hygiene.

On another note... I just realized this is probably why I prefer reading books outside! Vitamin D! That's why I could almost only read outside exclusively - the problem is it's embarrassing to read outside when you feel self-conscious about neighbours watching the "weird hermit guy next door" outside reading in the sun. *sigh* I need a sunroof and indoor garden....

[Trace]

Hi Poloman

Vitamin D can make a huge difference. A little bit of sunshine can really help :) I'm glad that it helps. Another thing that can help is folic acid, but you must check this with a doctor first. Berries, especially strawberries are full of folic acid.

Trace

[Phlebas]

Hi Poloman

Vitamin D can make a huge difference. A little bit of sunshine can really help :) I'm glad that it helps. Another thing that can help is folic acid, but you must check this with a doctor first. Berries, especially strawberries are full of folic acid.

Trace

Wow! I'd never heard or paid heed to the benefits of folic acid beyond knowing it was "good for pregnant people". Seems it has a ton of benefits I didn't know about - and one of those myriad benefits is psychological! Strawberries are in season so they don't cost a fortune right now - I'll incorporate them into my diet starting now. Thanks for the suggestion, Trace. :)

[Trace]

Hi Poloman

Vitamin D can make a huge difference. A little bit of sunshine can really help :) I'm glad that it helps. Another thing that can help is folic acid, but you must check this with a doctor first. Berries, especially strawberries are full of folic acid.

Trace

Wow! I'd never heard or paid heed to the benefits of folic acid beyond knowing it was "good for pregnant people". Seems it has a ton of benefits I didn't know about - and one of those myriad benefits is psychological! Strawberries are in season so they don't cost a fortune right now - I'll incorporate them into my diet starting now. Thanks for the suggestion, Trace. :)

No problem at all Poloman, I'm glad that I could help.

The only reason I know, is because I am on a med that depletes my folic acid levels and if I don't take folic acid (I was told by the doc and the pharmacist to take it), I get so extremely exhausted that I can't function and my anxiety goes through the roof.

Trace

[CWilkes89]

Great work, Poloman! I'm really pulling for you. Keep it up, and remember, we're always here if you need a hand.

[ranter]

Well Done Poloman