Anhedonia by Jan Lutz

The things I once enjoyed
No longer bring me pleasure
I have anhedonia
I have it in full measure.

I once enjoyed playing organ
But it stands silent now
It doesn’t need repairing—
It’s like I don’t know how.

Whenever anhedonia strikes
I want to run and hide
I know eventually it will pass
If I can endure the ride.

Jan Lutz copyright 2008

Anhedonia is the technical term for the inability to experience joy.  When people are in the depths of depression, nothing touches them, not the most intensely pleasurable activities, not the most familiar comforts.  They are emotionally frozen.  In this state, people either have to get professional help or simply wait for weeks or months until the depression lifts by itself; nothing is going to make them feel better. - Richard O'Connor, PhD - www.undoingdepression.com

www.mental-health-matters.com/articles/article.php?artID=266

Poem reprinted by HopeToHealing with permission of Jan Lutz.  © 2008 Jan Lutz
Top photo by John Veierstahler - Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve, Huntington Beach, CA.
The URL for this web page is:  www.hopetohealing.com/wisdom/anhedonia/0anhedonia.htm