Campbell Steven 
Anhedonia is the loss of the ability to experience pleasure. A person suffering from Anhedonia is unable to gain pleasure from activities that were once pleasurable. Activities not limited to listening to music, spending time with friends, savoring one’s favorite meal, or enjoying a good game no longer elicit the what is the meaning of anhedonia gratification and pleasure. Such a condition impacts one’s emotional state, motivation, and daily activities.
Anhedonia is not synonymous with laziness or a bad attitude. This is a legitimate mental health symptom that many experience without being aware that it even has a name.
Anhedonia and Its Meaning
Anhedonia is literally interpreted as “absence of pleasure” or “lack of pleasure.” It is a compound of Greek word stems that literally translated to “lack of joy.” The key feature of the condition is that the affected person’s brain fails to respond to the previously pleasurable experiences with the same level of pleasure or even a hint of the supposed joy.
In most cases, the affected people have a tendency to go through the motion of undertaking the activities without the associated pleasure, joy, or fulfillment. Major and even significant life events like birthdays, promotions, or other achievements do not foster the excitement that people usually expect or associated with such events.
The Experience of Anhedonia in the Lifespan of the Affected
Anhedonia itself is a condition that affects people sharply and profoundly individualistically. However, it appears that the affected exhibit a number of similar experiences, instances of which are described in the following.
A certain number of individuals feel no emotional connection, or emotional state of being, as if they are in the state of emotional void, without filling the state of being with the emotions of happiness, sadness, excitement, or even a mixture of such emotions. Additionally, they feel a certain distance from people that they previously shared strong emotional bonds with and to the level at which interpersonal communication applies. This distance or disconnect that they experience seems to parallel with a lack of emotional response from or toward the others which can even include a complete absence of the emotion of happiness, or the absence of excitement toward the interaction in laughter.
Loss of motivation can also be an issue during this time. People can withdraw from social situations, stop participating in hobbies they once enjoyed, and experience a general fatigue of effort.
Even the lightest of tasks can begin to feel overwhelming.
Anhedonia can impact the following:
Lack of Physical Enjoyment
This can result in a person lacking enjoyment in activities such as eating, exercising, listening to music, and even being touched. People can find their previously favorite meals unappetizing. Music can lose its thrill. Hugs can feel as if they have no purpose.
Lack of Emotional Enjoyment
This can manifest as an absence of joy in the close relationships someone has, the triumphs they achieve, and the other positive events in their lives. People do not value nudges of encouragement from others, and they fail to celebrate personal wins. Success can begin to feel very superficial.
What Are the Causes of Anhedonia?
Anhedonia is also a symptom of other issues as well. It can be difficult to identify as an isolate.
Some well-known issues include:
Depression
Anxiety disorders
Post-traumatic stress disorder
Chronic stress
Burnout
Substance abuse
Some medications
Chronic illness
With respect to anhedonia, it can be due to a malfunction of the system that contains the motivation and reward neurotransmitter, dopamine. Without an effective system, people lose the ability to feel pleasure.
Anhedonia is not the same as Depression
There is a common misconception that people who have what is the meaning of anhedonia also suffer from depression. Although anhedonia can co-occur with depression, the two issues are distinct.
Depression encompasses feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a persistently low mood. Another facet of depression, known as anhedonia, focuses on the loss of pleasure and interest. A minority of individuals with the condition report feeling deep sadness, but rather an overwhelming sense of emotional void.
This symptomatology is significant in recognizing that psychiatric interventions need to target a lack of pleasure and low motivation.
How Anhedonia Affects Relationships
Anhedonia is a contributing factor in the dysfunction of interpersonal relationships. Individuals may isolate themselves, cancel plans, and disengage in conversations.
People may feel conflict, distance, and guilt in wondering if an affected loved one lacks motivation to spend time with them.
This is why clear and open dialogue is integral in conflict resolution. One can simply explain that the absence of pleasure is not a voluntary choice; this can alleviate feelings of conflict and shame.
Can Anhedonia Go Away
The positive news is that anhedonia is treatable and can eventually resolve. With proper help and support, many individuals can relieve symptoms of anhedonia and reclaim the joy in life.
The rather disadvantageous news is that the process is lengthy. The return of pleasure is gradual rather than synchronous. The recovery process is characterized by many positive and gradual changes.
Ways to Cope With Anhedonia
The first step toward healing is to seek the aid of a professional. Beyond that, there are some simple actions to support emotional healing.
Having a Simple Routine
Creating a structure to one’s day is soothing to the mind. Go to bed, wake up, and eat meals at the same time every day.
Do Activities Even Without Pleasure
Small actions can be taken; this is often referred to an absence of motivation. Small, positive actions can help bring about pleasure feelings.
Reduce Self-Blame
To experience anhedonia is not something to bring about feelings of negativity or personal failure. Self-blame during the recovery process only serves to incur more stress and ultimately prolong recovery.
Focus on Small Sensations
Small details such as warmth, fresh air, and quiet moments are small signals that can help to rebuild awareness.
Stay Connected
Short messages can be helpful to strengthen weakened social ties and to help alleviate feelings of being alone.
When to Seek Professional Help
If anhedonia persists and is adversely impacting your work, education, or social life, it is time to seek help and support.
Mental health professionals have the following means to assist you:
Therapy
Medication, when appropriate
Guidance on lifestyle
Help with management of stress
Proactive early support can help to prevent full-blown symptoms and help mitigate the impacts of more distressing symptoms.
Why Understanding Anhedonia Matters
Knowing what you feel and putting experience into words can help ease the burden of mental suffering. Insight into the meaning of anhedonia provides clarity and relief as it can help one to understand the experience of feeling pleasure loss, and more importantly, that it should be viewed as a health issue rather than a personal failing.
Final Thoughts
Although the condition does involve loss of the ability to experience joy and pleasure, it is not the loss of hope. Anhedonia can be experienced by anyone, and it is the case that hope, and the ability to feel joy can be fully recovered.
Understandably, patience is required, along with a bit of support, for the happiness to come back. Even if it seems distant, there is potential for healing.
