Incapable of experiencing positive emotions?

[Traveler27]

I am starting to get extremely concerned about my inability to experience any kind of pleasure, happiness or enthusiasm. I have some serious stress issues in my life such as chronic health condition, financial/personal problems, blah, blah, blah. It's obviously more complicated then what I just outlined, but for sake of keeping this brief, that is a basic idea of some problems.

 

I recently received some very encouraging news. News that has the possibility to change my life in many ways, yet I feel no emotion whatsoever. I feel completely numb, sedated, like I just don't care. Why can't I feel anything? I haven't felt enthusiasm about anything my entire life, and it's always disturbed me. I feel like I have many legitimate reasons for feeling so jaded, but I was even shocked with myself with this recent news, and my inability to feel any kind of elation. Has anybody else ever felt like this? Am I just a miserable person?

[SapphireNoir10]

I think perhaps you should see your doctor or a counsellor as it sounds a little like depression.

 

I dont think your a miserable person so to speak.

[Timebandit]

Its good that you have become aware of this. It could sound like you could be slightly depressed or at least trying to detach from your current situation. Neither depression nor detachment would be surprising given your situation, so I dont think you are miserable in general.

 

Please consider visiting your doctor or a counsellor.

[Gaea]

I think perhaps you should see your doctor or a counsellor as it sounds a little like depression.

 

I dont think your a miserable person so to speak.

 

I would have to agree, I think you should seek advice from a doctor or counsellor. You indicated having a chronic health problem so that would be important to mention to a doctor along with any medications that you may be taking. The body and mind are so very interconnected.

[Traveler27]

Thanks for the replies. I see the theme that I should visit a doctor, but I've already been treated for depression unsuccessfully. I see a specialist for my chronic health condition, so that is sorted, however, I think chronic illness and depression go hand in hand. I feel like whatever happens, I just don't care because I am so mentally and physically exhausted from coping with my condition. Does anyone think it's possible to experience any enthusiasm when one is struggling with chronic illness? Maybe I'm just not strong enough?

[Wolf_22]

This might sound stupid, but is it within the realm of possibility that your life might just suck so bad that it coalesces into anticipating the worst at every conceivable moment? I mean this with no disrespect as I'm sure it's easy to assume that from the way I asked this, but staying down to earth about these things and shoving the medical issues aside, maybe you've just been abused for such a long time that this (your current condition) is the product of that abuse?

[COtuner]

It's stress, not necessarily depression. I personally would suggest more time with stress relief tools (whatever helps), trying to see if you can in some way prioritize the stressors so that you can work on them, change your diet to more of a stress support one (I can offer suggestions if you like).

 

As for not having enthusiasm in the long haul, I don't find that so unusual. It takes a lot for me to get excited about something. I've always been that way. (I also don't tend to react much to death or tragedy around me) I would not worry much about it, it will happen when the time is right. For me, I've found my smile in some places and situations, and then I've lost it again in others. I've learned that it's a sign that I'm not in a good place, and I make significant changes in my life.

[Traveler27]

This might sound stupid, but is it within the realm of possibility that your life might just suck so bad that it coalesces into anticipating the worst at every conceivable moment? I mean this with no disrespect as I'm sure it's easy to assume that from the way I asked this, but staying down to earth about these things and shoving the medical issues aside, maybe you've just been abused for such a long time that this (your current condition) is the product of that abuse?

 

Doesn't sound stupid at all, and yes, it's certainly a possibility! I think I've definitely adapted into some kind of "defensive pessimism" mode where I will be prepared for the consistent dose of crap that is dropped on me by my life in general. Interesting reply.......