Anhedonia, Decreased Desire And Motivation To Do Favorite Activities

JAKARTA – Being in a good mental state and enjoying life is what almost everyone wants. However, different conditions of each person will also affect how to enjoy life. Including for someone who begins to decrease his desire even to do things he used to enjoy.

Anhedonia, reported by Psychology Today, Wednesday, June 9, refers to a person's reduced desire and motivation to do anything. Everyone has different symptoms, such as there are those who feel happy when not with other people, there are also those who feel lonely but want to be alone.

Berto Goldsmith, Ph.D., a psychological therapist and author, believes that in the midst of despair there is always an opening for fresh air. That is, there is hope from within that can overcome anhedonia.

Goldsmith suggests overcoming 'numbness' or anhedonia, by doing small things. Like trying to enjoy nature through the bedroom window, eating food solemnly, breathing fresh air.

There are two types of anhedonia, namely social anhedonia and physical anhedonia. Social anhedonia is characterized by not wanting to spend time with other people.

While physical anhedonia, not enjoying physical sensations, feeling empty, food tastes bland, hanging out with a partner is no longer attractive.

According to some scientists, anhedonia is not always black and white. It could be that you are no longer feeling positive emotions for some unexplained reason. Who used to like listening to jazz music but now prefers other genres of music. Or prefer to enjoy coffee than before.

Scientists also think that anhedonia is influenced by changes in brain activity. Like having trouble producing dopamine. Some studies have also shown that dopamine neurons in the brain may be overactive in people with anhedonia.

The most common cause of anhedonia is depression. But, based on Goldsmith's recommendation, doing small things really helps.

To confirm the diagnosis, it is necessary to consult directly with experts. Because it requires a search that can trigger, whether due to environmental influences, depression, or because of the production of dopamine.