We define anhedonia as the reduction or diminished level of interest in activities or capacity to experience pleasure from activities a person once did. This dulling of the enjoyment is associated with many types of conditions.

Depression is one of the most common conditions that is associated with anhedonia. A person who once enjoyed spending time with friends may feel unable to enjoy being with those, he/she used to look forward to seeing. They may “want” to see friends, but they don’t derive the same level of pleasure from the interaction. This can create confusion and distress. Anhedonia is not apathy. A person may “want” to enjoy activities but can’t seem to feel that sensation.

Grief/loss is another time when a reduction of pleasure or even an inability to feel pleasure can be experienced. When losing a special someone, a person may view everyday enjoyable activities as meaningless to the weight of their loss. Working in the garden, exploring new trails, playing cards with friends may all feel trivial when it is up against the sadness and emptiness of a deep loss.

There are other medical conditions that could be the underlying cause of anhedonia, such as Parkinson’s disease or substance abuse. In those situations, the cluster of other symptoms will help to understand the experience of anhedonia.

Anhedonia, when part of depression or grief can be addressed as part of the overall treatment for both. Depending on the type and level of depression, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and medication can help the general symptoms of depression and improve the experience of anhedonia as well. Grief/loss benefits from talk therapy particularly grief counselling. In general, physical exercise can help both. Getting out to walk, taking a yoga class, spending time doing physical activities all help boost our natural “antidepressant” and can lift the feelings of anhedonia. But be patient, it will take time.